Yes — if you’re injured on the job after a medical event like a seizure, fainting spell, or another health-related incident, you may still qualify for workers’ compensation benefits in Pennsylvania. Many injured employees don’t realize that workers’ compensation often applies even when a medical condition contributes to the injury.
Case Overview: A Truck Driver’s Fall After Blacking Out
Recently, a commercial truck driver reached out to YCL Law after experiencing a frightening incident at work that may have been related to a medical condition. While climbing into his truck, he suddenly blacked out and fell, suffering serious back and neck injuries. This injury was severe enough to require hospitalization for several days.
What made this case particularly complicated was the uncertainty about the exact cause of the fall. Doctors couldn’t determine whether the driver lost consciousness before the fall or as a result of it. Regardless of this uncertainty, the incident undeniably occurred on the employer’s premises and during the course of his regular job duties.
Despite these facts, the workers’ compensation insurance carrier initially denied the claim. Their argument was that since a medical event might have caused the fall, the injury was not work-related and thus not eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
The driver had no memory of the incident beyond climbing into the truck and then waking up nearly an hour later on the ground, further complicating the case.
What Pennsylvania Law Says About Work Injuries Caused by Medical Events
Denials like this are unfortunately common, especially when injuries are tied to medical conditions such as seizures, fainting spells, or other sudden medical episodes. However, under Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law, the cause of the fall is often irrelevant.
What truly matters for workers’ compensation eligibility is whether the injury occurred:
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During the course of employment (i.e., while performing job duties), and
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On the employer’s premises.
If both of these conditions are met, the workers’ compensation insurance carrier is responsible for covering medical expenses, lost wages, and other related benefits—even if the injury was indirectly caused by a medical condition such as a seizure, heart attack, or diabetic episode.
This legal principle was firmly established nearly forty years ago when the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania ruled in favor of a worker who had a seizure and hit her head at work. Despite the seizure causing the fall, the court found the injury compensable under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act.
Why Workers’ Compensation Claims Involving Medical Events Are Often Denied
Insurance companies frequently deny these types of claims because they try to argue that the injury was not “work-related” since a medical condition caused the event. They may contend that the injury resulted from a pre-existing condition rather than workplace activity.
However, Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation law takes a broader view. It recognizes that an injury occurring on the job during the performance of work duties qualifies for benefits—even if a medical episode contributed to the incident.
Why You Need a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Pennsylvania
Navigating workers’ compensation claims tied to medical events like seizures or blackouts requires experience and legal expertise. Insurance companies often try to minimize their liability by denying or delaying claims.
That’s why consulting with a workers’ compensation attorney is critical. A skilled lawyer understands how to gather the right medical evidence, document the circumstances, and advocate effectively on your behalf. These cases require a fact-specific analysis that often goes beyond what an injured worker can handle alone.
In the truck driver’s case, after the initial denial of his claim, YCL Law quickly reviewed the facts, communicated with medical professionals, and challenged the insurance company’s position. Within two months, the insurer reversed its decision, accepted the claim, and paid the driver’s lost wages and medical bills retroactively.
What This Means for Injured Workers
If you have experienced a fall or other injury at work—even if it was caused by a medical event such as a seizure, fainting spell, or other health issue—you may still be entitled to full workers’ compensation benefits under Pennsylvania law.
Contact YCL Law Today
At YCL Law, we’ve been fighting for injured Pennsylvania workers for decades. We can review your case quickly and help you understand your rights.
A call to YCL Law won’t cost you anything — but assuming your employer or insurance carrier knows the law could cost you thousands.