TRUSTEES OF THE NATIONAL ELEVATOR INDUSTRY PENSION FUND v. Maple Management LLC d/b/a RAE Lifts

**What Happened** An employee suffered psychological injuries, specifically post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), after being involved in a mine explosion at Jim Walter Resources, Inc. The worker had also sustained physical injuries in the same incident. The employee filed for workers' compensation benefits to cover both the physical and psychological injuries. The employer disputed whether the PTSD should be covered under workers' compensation, arguing that psychological injuries shouldn't qualify for benefits. **What the Court Decided** Both the trial court and appeals court ruled in favor of the worker. The courts found that the employee's PTSD was directly caused by the physical injuries from the mine explosion, making it eligible for workers' compensation coverage. The worker was awarded temporary total disability benefits. The appeals court confirmed there was substantial evidence supporting this decision. **Why This Matters for Workers** This ruling is significant because it establishes that psychological injuries like PTSD can be covered by workers' compensation when they stem from physical workplace injuries. Workers who suffer trauma from serious workplace accidents don't have to choose between treating their physical injuries or their mental health—both can be covered under workers' compensation benefits.