Work-Related Stress Claim Lawyers
Riverside, California
Experienced Stress Claim Attorneys in Riverside, CA
Workplace stress is a real injury under California law.
Under California workers’ compensation law, a stress claim is a type of psychiatric injury that results from the pressures, conditions, or trauma of your job. These claims cover mental health issues like anxiety, depression, PTSD, panic attacks, and emotional breakdowns if caused primarily by work.
And let’s be clear: this isn’t just “feeling stressed.” It’s a recognized, diagnosable injury under California Labor Code § 3208.3.
Chronic overwork. Verbal abuse. Harassment. Exposure to trauma. A toxic workplace can do lasting damage, and you have the right to fight back. Employers and insurers may try to dismiss your suffering, but the law doesn’t.
At Fontes Law Group, we take a proactive approach to stress claims. We work closely with medical professionals to establish clear psychiatric diagnoses, and document how your job contributed to your condition.
Our experienced workers comp lawyers build strong, evidence-backed stress claims that force employers and insurers to take responsibility.
If your mental health is breaking under the weight of your job, let us protect your rights.
Why Clients Choose Fontes Law Group
Experience. Compassion. Results.
Psychological injury claims are among the most difficult to validate in California’s workers’ comp system, which is why you need a legal team with the experience and resources to develop a well-supported case.
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- We’ve won compensation in complex stress-related claims and psychiatric injury cases
- All team members speak Spanish
- Offices in Santa Ana and Riverside
- No fees unless we win your case
- Trusted by California workers and their families
We don’t treat stress claims like an afterthought. We build real cases for real injuries.
Meet Rosa Duarte
Experienced Workers’ Compensation Representative
Scope of Stress Claim Cases in California
Under California Labor Code § 3208.3, you can file a workers’ compensation claim for a psychiatric injury including stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mental health conditions if your work conditions were the predominant cause.
To qualify, you must show:
- You were employed for at least six months, unless your injury was caused by a sudden and extraordinary event. This requirement is outlined in the Labor Code § 3208.3(d).
- Your mental condition was diagnosed by a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist, as required under California Code of Regulations § 9795.3, which governs Qualified Medical Evaluators.
- Work was the predominant cause (51 percent or more) of your psychological injury, as defined in Labor Code § 3208.3(b)(1).
These cases are highly scrutinized. Employers and insurers often claim your stress was personal or due to non-work issues. We gather the right evidence to prove otherwise.
Common Causes of Stress-Related Work Injuries
Not all stress is compensable. But when it’s tied to employer conduct or the demands of your job, you may have a valid claim.
We represent workers facing:
- Chronic overwork, unrealistic deadlines, or mandatory overtime
- Harassment, bullying, or verbal abuse by supervisors or coworkers
- Repeated exposure to traumatic events (first responders, healthcare workers)
- Unsafe working conditions causing panic or anxiety
- Hostile work environments or retaliation
- Wrongful termination or threats of job loss causing emotional breakdowns
Symptoms may include:
- Depression, anxiety, or panic attacks
- Insomnia or sleep disruption
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering
- Isolation, withdrawal, or suicidal thoughts
- Physical effects such as chest pain, digestive issues, and migraines
If your job has become a threat to your mental health, California law gives you a right to treatment and benefits.
Work-Related Injury Timeline
- Diagnosis and report: 1 to 3 months
- Claim response: 60 to 90 days
- Negotiation or hearing: 4 to 6 months or longer
Employer Duties in California and How They Fail
Employers in California are legally required to maintain a safe working environment, and that includes protecting employees’ psychological well-being. They have a duty to address complaints of harassment or hostile behavior, limit workloads to reasonable levels, provide mental health accommodations when needed, and avoid any form of retaliation or discriminatory treatment. When employers ignore these responsibilities or fail to act on warning signs, stress-related injuries can occur. These injuries are often preventable.
At Fontes Law Group, we hold employers accountable when they violate these obligations and fight to ensure our clients receive the protection and fair compensation they deserve.
Proving a Stress Claim in California
Stress claims are legally complex. To win, we must show:
- You were diagnosed by a licensed mental health professional
- Your condition was caused primarily (51 percent or more) by work
- The stress wasn’t solely the result of lawful, non-discriminatory personnel actions
A successful stress-related workers’ compensation claim in California can provide more than just short-term relief. The goal is to help you recover emotionally, stay financially stable, and rebuild your ability to return to work or move forward if that’s no longer possible.
Here’s what compensation may include:
Medical Benefits
You are entitled to full coverage for the mental health care you need. This may include:
- Psychiatric evaluations by a licensed mental health professional
- Ongoing therapy or counseling, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or trauma-focused treatment
- Prescription medications for conditions like anxiety, depression, or sleep disorders
- Hospitalization or inpatient care, if necessary for severe psychiatric conditions
- Follow-up treatment and check-ins to monitor your recovery and adjust your care plan
California law requires that all necessary medical treatment be paid for by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance.
Wage Support and Job Protection
If your condition prevents you from working, you may qualify for:
- Temporary disability benefits to replace lost wages while you’re unable to work during treatment
- Permanent disability payments if your condition results in lasting impairment
- Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits (SJDB) – a voucher to pay for job retraining or education if you cannot return to your previous position
Details on these wage-replacement programs are outlined by the California Department of Industrial Relations.
The SJDB benefit is a voucher worth up to $6,000 and can be used for tuition, books, licensing, or tools.
Additional Compensation in Civil Claims
In some cases, your stress injury may stem from illegal or discriminatory actions at work — such as harassment, retaliation, or a hostile work environment. When that happens, workers’ comp may not be your only legal option.
We may pursue a separate civil lawsuit alongside your comp claim to seek:
- Pain and suffering, which is not available in workers’ compensation cases
- Punitive damages in cases of extreme employer misconduct
- Lost income and career impact beyond what workers’ comp pays
For information on unlawful workplace behavior and your rights under state law, visit the California Civil Rights Department.
Our team evaluates every angle of your case so you don’t leave compensation on the table.
FAQs About Stress Claims
Q: Is burnout from work covered by workers’ compensation in California?
Burnout alone isn’t always enough to qualify, but if it leads to a diagnosed mental health condition like anxiety, depression, or sleep disorders, and your job is the primary cause, it may be covered under California’s workers’ compensation system. A medical diagnosis and clear work-related connection are essential.
Q: How long do I have to file a stress-related workers’ comp claim?
You must report your injury to your employer within 30 days and file a claim within one year from the date you knew (or should have known) that your condition was work-related.
Q: Can I get disability benefits for job-related stress?
Yes. If your condition prevents you from working, you may be entitled to temporary or permanent disability benefits under California’s workers’ comp system.
Q: Will I need to go to court for a stress claim?
Most claims are resolved through negotiation, but if your case is denied or undervalued, we are fully prepared to take your case to a hearing before the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board.
Q: What if my employer says the stress is my fault?
It doesn’t matter. The focus is whether your job environment caused or worsened your condition. We counter employer arguments with medical evidence and legal strategy.
Helpful Resources for California Residents
California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC)
California Department of Industrial Relations
California Employment Development Department (EDD)
National Alliance on Mental Illness – California
Start Your Path to Recovery Today
If your job has broken down your mental health, you don’t have to prove you’re “tough enough” to keep going. You need support, and the law is on your side.
Let Fontes Law Group fight for the treatment, time, and compensation you need to heal.
Request a free case review today.