Idiopathic Injuries & Falls at Work: A Guide for Colorado Workers
Learn how idiopathic injuries and falls can impact your Colorado workers’ comp claim and what you can do to protect your rights
When a workplace injury occurs, the path to receiving workers’ compensation benefits may initially seem straightforward. However, for Colorado workers who experience injuries or falls at work without an apparent external cause—known as idiopathic injuries—the process can become unexpectedly complex.
This article delves into the challenges surrounding idiopathic injuries and falls in the context of Colorado’s workers’ compensation system. We’ll explore how these injuries are defined, the potential complications they introduce into claims, and the steps workers can take to protect their rights.
From understanding the burden of proof to seeking expert medical opinions, we’ll provide insights to help you navigate the complexities of idiopathic injuries and ensure you receive the support you deserve.
What is idiopathic trauma?
Idiopathic trauma refers to injuries that occur due to an internal or personal medical condition rather than external factors in the workplace.
These types of injuries often stem from underlying health issues, such as seizures or heart conditions, that don’t appear to be directly caused by the work environment. In other words, they likely would have happened regardless of where the worker was at that time.
Because these types of injuries don’t result from any specific workplace hazards, they can complicate workers’ compensation claims, as employers or insurers may argue they’re not work-related.
What is an idiopathic fall?
An idiopathic fall is a fall that happens spontaneously or without an obvious external trigger, like a slippery floor or uneven carpet. Its cause can often be traced back to a pre-existing medical issue, like vertigo or seizures, rather than an external work-related hazard or environmental factor.
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What are some examples of idiopathic injuries at work?
Below are some common examples of idiopathic injuries that can occur at work:
- Heart attack or stroke. A worker who suffers a heart attack or stroke on the job may be injured if they fall or collapse, even though the event is related to a pre-existing health condition.
- Diabetic complications. Low blood sugar from diabetes may cause dizziness or fainting, resulting in a fall or other trauma.
- Muscle spasms or weakness. A sudden muscle spasm or weakness from a condition like multiple sclerosis may cause a worker to fall or drop something heavy, leading to injury.
- Vertigo. A worker suffering from inner ear disorders or vertigo may suddenly lose balance, causing them to fall or collide with objects. This is especially dangerous for construction workers, roofers, utility workers, and others who work at heights.
- Chronic pain flare-ups. Conditions such as fibromyalgia or arthritis may lead to sudden pain, causing a worker to stumble, drop something, or move awkwardly, resulting in injury.
- Migraines. Intense migraines may impair vision or coordination, increasing the risk of accidents, such as falls or missteps, while on the job.
- Narcolepsy or sleep disorders. Sudden sleep attacks can cause a worker to collapse or fall, potentially leading to serious injury. These disorders are particularly hazardous for truck drivers and others who are required to drive for work.
- Uncontrolled blood pressure. Workers with untreated or fluctuating blood pressure may experience dizziness or fainting, resulting in falls or accidents.
- Mental health episodes. Severe anxiety or panic attacks, as well as dissociative episodes, can cause disorientation or fainting, leading to workplace injuries.
- Epilepsy. Even minor seizures can disorient workers, causing them to lose awareness and suffer accidental injuries.
If you have one of these health issues and you experience an injury at work that has no obvious external cause, you’ll have to prove that the injury was not the result of an underlying medical condition to get workers’ comp. This is often an uphill battle, so it’s crucial to have an experienced work injury attorney by your side. They can connect you with medical experts who can thoroughly evaluate your case and help establish a link between your job duties and the injury, so you can get the benefits you deserve.
Who determines if a work injury is idiopathic?
Workers’ compensation is no-fault insurance. So, while workers aren’t required to prove that their employer caused their injury to receive workers’ comp benefits, they do need to prove that their injury is a direct result of their job or work environment.
This means that if your claim is denied because your employer or their insurer claims your injury is idiopathic, you will need to provide evidence to an administrative law judge at a hearing that proves the injury was caused by a work-related factor.
Some types of evidence that may be necessary include:
- Medical evidence. This includes medical records, doctor’s notes, and expert opinions to assess the employee’s pre-existing conditions, the nature of the injury, and any potential connection to the workplace.
- Accident report. This should include a detailed account of how the injury occurred, including the time, place, and circumstances surrounding the incident, and any hazards or specific tasks at the job that might have contributed to or caused the injury (e.g., wet floors, heavy lifting, or dangerous machinery).
- Witness statements. Testimonies from coworkers or supervisors who saw the accident or can attest to the workplace conditions.
- Surveillance footage. Any video evidence showing the circumstances of the injury in the workplace.
- Safety logs. Records of any known hazards in the workplace that might have contributed to the accident.
Because cases involving a suspected idiopathic fall or injury are often extremely complex, it’s crucial that workers consult with a local Colorado workers’ compensation attorney with experience in these types of cases to increase their chance of success.
Was your Colorado workers’ comp claim denied because of an idiopathic injury or fall?
If your Colorado workers’ comp claim has been denied because your employer or their insurer claims your injury is idiopathic, you’re likely feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, and uncertain about what to do next.
Navigating these types of workers’ compensation claims can be complicated, especially when you’re dealing with medical conditions and legal definitions that make it hard to prove your injury is work-related.
At The Babcock Law Firm, we understand the challenges you’re facing and are here to help. Our experienced Denver workers’ compensation attorneys will help you gather evidence, consult with medical experts, and build a strong case to prove your injury is work-related.
Don’t let a denied claim keep you from getting the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about your rights.
