Which term describes the standard applied to psychiatric injury in California?

• A. Clear and convincing standard
• B. Preponderance standard for psychiatric injury
• C. Proximate cause standard
• D. Beyond a reasonable doubt standard

Answer: (B)

In California, proving a psychiatric injury for SIP purposes uses the preponderance of the evidence standard. That means you must show it is more likely than not that the psychiatric condition is caused by work or work-related factors. If the evidence tips the scales just over 50%, the injury is considered proven under this standard.

The other standards are higher or apply in different contexts: the clear and convincing standard is a stricter burden used in some civil or special cases, beyond a reasonable doubt is the criminal standard, and proximate cause relates to whether the work event was the legal cause of the injury rather than to how much proof is required.