What is an idiopathic fall for work comp in Utah
Falling and injuring one’s self on-the-job in Utah is generally the type of accident that workers compensation will pay for under Utah Law. Tripping over an extension cord, slipping on ice or on wet surface for example. However, there is an exception to the workers comp laws in Utah where a fall will not result in any benefits being paid. This is called an “idiopathic fall.”
In 1983 in a case called Kennecott Corp v. Industrial Commission of Utah, the Utah Supreme Court identified the term idiopathic fall as “a fall caused by an internal failing (such as epilepsy or fainting)….” 675 P. 2d 1187, 1189 (Utah 1983). The Court further went on to explain, “pursuant to the idiopathic fall doctrine, recognized by this Court in Tavey v. Industrial Commission.… the idiopathic or internal condition which precipitates a fall need not be work-related.” Id. (internal citations omitted).
In average-Joe terms, what this means is that if you fall at work in Utah because of a hear condition, epliepsy, etc., a workers’ compensation claim may be difficult to win. However, if the fall is due to a condition at work (having to work in 100 degree weather will little or on access to water, feinting due to super strenuous lifting etc., the idiopathic doctrine probably won’t apply.
We have been successful in winning cases against insurance companies who have denied claims based on the idiopathic fall defense. If you have questions or have your benefits denied, call us today for a free consult.
Here is another related post on prexisting injuries in Utah from our blog.
