McCowan v. Matsushita Appliance Co.

OPINION OF THE COURT

KRS 342.0011(1) requires that a psychological, psychiatric, or stress-related change in the human organism must directly result from a physical injury in order to be compensable. This workers’ compensation appeal concerns whether KRS 342.0011(1) permits compensation for a physical change that results from mental or emotional trauma. The Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), Workers’ Compensation Board (Board), and Court of Appeals have determined that it does not. We disagree and, therefore, we reverse.

*31The claimant worked as a utility operator, supplying parts to co-workers on…