Mental Disorders and Suicide as Compensable Injuries Under Worker’s Compensation: Will South Dakota Follow the Trend?

This article examines applicable statutes & progressive developments in other states which suggest that compensation should be awarded in the proper circumstances. Mental disorders are discussed relative to psychological injury & to accompanying physical disorders. Regarding suicides, it noted that many jurisdictions have adopted the chain of causation test allowing compensation where it can be shown that a work-related injury led to the worker’s suicide. (116 refs.)