Fireman's Fund Insurance v. Industrial Commission

OPINION

OGG, Judge.

The key question presented in this appeal is whether a disabling mental condition brought about by a gradual buildup of emotional stress is compensable.

The respondent/employee Janice W. Craig was a hard worker and a perfectionist. She had worked in the insurance field as a secretary-underwriter for fifteen years. In April, 1975, her employer insurance agency purchased another agency which greatly increased her workload and responsibility; as a result there was a gradual buildup of stress which culminated in Craig leaving her job in tears after an argument with a customer on…