Claimant Takes Nothing: Mental Injuries and the Workers’ Compensation System

15 Pages Posted: 16 Feb 2014

See all articles by Andrew J. Hosmanek

Andrew J. Hosmanek

University of Iowa - Henry B. Tippie College of Business

Sara Rynes

University of Iowa, Tippie College of Business

Date Written: April 23, 2012

Abstract

Workplace bullying and harassment on the job can lead to mental injuries including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. One of the few ways workers can recoup medical bills and lost wages for these injuries is through the workers’ compensation system. Our study found that while 44% of claimants proved their mental injuries were caused by their jobs, only 19% of claimants received any compensation, despite the claimants’ testimony of bullying, racist epithets, physical intimidation, and assault.

Keywords: Bullying workers' compensation mental injuries

JEL Classification: J28, J78, K31, M12,

Suggested Citation

Hosmanek, Andrew J. and Rynes, Sara, Claimant Takes Nothing: Mental Injuries and the Workers’ Compensation System (April 23, 2012). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2396597 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2396597

Andrew J. Hosmanek (Contact Author)

University of Iowa - Henry B. Tippie College of Business ( email )

W317 Pappajohn Business Building
Iowa City, IA 52242-1000
United States

HOME PAGE: http://tippie.uiowa.edu/people/profile.cfm?ID=2087

Sara Rynes

University of Iowa, Tippie College of Business ( email )

Acquisitions
5020 Main Library
Iowa City, IA 52242-1000
United States

HOME PAGE: http://tippie.uiowa.edu/people/profile/profile.aspx?id=195029

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