New York, NY – October 6, 2025 – Schotter Millican is proud to announce that the landmark case Anderson v. City of Yonkers will be decided by the New York Court of Appeals. On October 15, 2025, Geoffrey Schotter personally argued on behalf of essential workers seeking compensation for mental stress conditions incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The case, which has already set an important precedent in New York workers’ compensation law, examines whether employees exposed to high-risk environments during the pandemic can claim compensation for mental stress even if they did not contract the virus. These appellate proceedings mark a critical next step in clarifying and expanding protections for workers facing extraordinary mental strain in the workplace.
Background: Mental Stress in High-Risk Work Environments
During the COVID-19 pandemic, essential workers—including teachers, healthcare professionals, and transportation staff—faced unprecedented stress while performing in-person duties. While physical exposure to the virus was widely recognized, the mental toll of working in these high-risk conditions has historically been more difficult to address under workers’ compensation law.
The lower court initially dismissed claims like Anderson’s, reasoning that exposure-related stress had become “normal” for essential workers. However, a successful appeal in March 2024 recognized that mental stress injuries should be judged by the same standard as physical injuries, particularly for workers with pre-existing vulnerabilities such as asthma.
Next Step: Court of Appeals Decision
Attorney Geoffrey Schotter presented arguments to the Court of Appeals, advocating for a fair interpretation of workers’ compensation law that fully acknowledges mental stress injuries resulting from extraordinary workplace conditions. This step could further solidify workers’ rights and set a lasting precedent for mental health protections in New York’s workforce.
Implications for Workers
If successful, the Court of Appeals ruling could:
- Strengthen the legal framework allowing workers to claim compensation for mental stress caused by dangerous or highly stressful work environments.
- Affirm the importance of pre-existing vulnerabilities in evaluating claims.
- Expand access to compensation for employees whose mental health was adversely affected by extraordinary conditions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
About Schotter Millican
Schotter Millican is dedicated to protecting workers’ rights, particularly in cases involving mental stress and workplace safety. The firm advocates tirelessly for employees, ensuring that both physical and mental injuries are recognized and compensated under New York law.