New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently signed new legislation allowing any New York worker to file for workers’ compensation for specific types of mental injury connected to extraordinary work-related stress. Bill S.6635/A.5745 expands an existing law enacted in 2017 which allowed for only first responders facing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to file for such benefits.
The new law will take effect on Jan. 1, 2025.
What this Means for Insurers
New York workers will experience expanded access to mental health benefits regarding work-related stress. This also means state insurers and employers can expect to see an increase in work-related stress claims as more employees file for coverage. Resulting cost increases in response to related claims and the burden of proof for work-related stress claims will likely also transfer to the employer.
Action by Jones Jones
As this new legislation takes effect, Jones Jones expects there to be an increase in related mental health claims. In anticipation of a surge of new claims, Jones Jones will closely monitor any changes related to the new law and any other changes that may come about because of this legislation. We will also closely watch any upcoming mental injury cases or decisions made on mental health injury cases to prepare for the influx of newly filed claims.
This development creates a new world for the workers’ compensation industry in New York. While we don’t know exactly how these new claims will shape future litigation, we can and will look to other states, such as Connecticut, with similar laws that may provide guidance. Regardless, Jones Jones will continue to provide the same level of excellence, experience, innovation and efficiency we have delivered for more than 100 years.
For more information on this new legislation, please visit the New York State website. If you have questions about how this new legislature may impact you, or if you have a mental injury connected to extraordinary work-related stress claim, please contact us at concierge@jonesjones.com.