Irina Simpson, WCRI Board Member and Executive VP of Workers' Compensation at Gallagher Bassett, has a new sponsored article in Business Insurance:

When mental health is overlooked, claims escalate

Historically, the workers’ compensation industry focused primarily on physical injuries. Today, claims professionals are expected to evaluate the injured worker as a whole person, including behavioral health factors that influence recovery. Anxiety, depression and trauma frequently accompany workplace injuries, particularly when recovery is delayed or access to care is limited.

Mental health conditions are now cited as the number one driver of workers’ compensation claim complexity. A 2025 study of more than 930,000 claims revealed that comorbid conditions, including mental health issues, raise medical and indemnity costs and lengthen temporary disability, versus claims without complicating factors.

You can read the full article here.  The WCRI study she cites is Degenerative and Comorbid Conditions in Workers’ Compensation.  Visit its page on our website for more information, including on how you can get a copy!