Stress-Related Deaths at Work: Can They Be Considered Work-Related Injuries?

Stress-Related Deaths and Workers' Compensation

Whether the death of an employee caused by stress from work can be considered the death of an employee due to an injury by accident arising out of and in the course of employment?

In terms of workers' compensation and legal considerations, it is crucial to determine whether stress-related deaths are classified similarly to other work-related injuries or accidents. This distinction can impact the benefits available to the employee's dependents and the employer's liability.

I attach a reference to the Madras High Court decision, which is pretty clear on the applicability of the matter. Each case needs to be examined carefully based on the legal principles enumerated.

Factors in Workmen Compensation and ESI Cases

A very good case law was referred to by our colleague. A good reading.

The prime factors in such cases under Workmen Compensation or under ESI are determined based on a detailed analysis of each case, including the "nature of job or work," the connection between such incident and work, whether attributed due to work, the general health condition of the employee, the nexus between such incident and work on the day of the incident, medical reports and evidence of the case, facts furnished by both sides, and so on.

This subject cannot be generalized and decided upon; each case will have its own merit or demerit and can only be decided from a medical angle and legal angle by experts/legal forums.