Unexplained Injuries and Workers’ Compensation in Indiana: What You Need to Know
If you’ve been injured on the job in Indiana and aren’t sure whether your injury qualifies for workers’ compensation—especially ifthe cause is unclear—you’re not alone. Many workers suffer injuries that don’t have an obvious explanation, and they’re left wondering whether they still have a case.
In this guide, we break down how Indiana law treats unexplained injuries, also known as idiopathic injuries, and what you need to do to protect your right to compensation. From legal definitions and legislative updates to real-world examples and practical next steps, this article will help you understand your options and how to move forward.
At Klezmer Maudlin, we help injured workers across Indiana navigate the complex world of workers’ compensation. Whether your case involves a slip, a fall, a repetitive injury, or an unexplained accident, we’re here to advocate for your rights.
Understanding what counts as a work-related injury is key to receiving benefits. Whether you fell without knowing why, aggravated a pre-existing condition, or experienced something unusual on the job, this post will explain how Indiana law approaches these situations and what steps you should take.
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The Three Elements Required to Qualify for Workers’ Compensation in Indiana
To be eligible for workers’ compensation in Indiana, an injured worker must prove all three of the following elements:
- The injury occurred by accident.
- The injury arose out of the employment.
- The injury arose in the course of employment.
Let’s break these down.
1. What Does “By Accident” Mean?
This means the injury must have been unexpected and unintentional. It doesn’t need to result from a specific incident like a fall or collision—a gradual injury or a sudden aggravation can also qualify, as long as it wasn’t deliberate or anticipated.
2. “In the Course of Employment”
This refers to the time, place, and circumstances of the injury. It means the injury happened:
- During working hours
- At a location the worker was reasonably expected to be
- While performing job duties or tasks reasonably related to the job (e.g., using the restroom or walking to a meeting)
3. “Arising Out of Employment”
This means that something about the job itself or the work environment caused or contributed to the injury.
This last requirement is often the most contested. Employers and insurers frequently argue that an injury was caused by a pre-existing condition unrelated to the job. However, Indiana law recognizes that aggravation of a pre-existing condition can still count as a compensable work injury.
Common Disputes and the Role of Pre-Existing Conditions
It is not uncommon for injured workers to have underlying medical conditions. Employers and their insurance companies may argue that an injury resulted solely from an existing issue, such as:
- Degenerative disc disease
- Arthritis
- Old injuries from past jobs or accidents
But if work duties aggravated or accelerated that condition, the injury may still qualify for compensation. The key question is: Would the condition have worsened at that time and to that extent without the work activity?
Idiopathic (Unexplained) Injuries: A Legal Gray Area
Sometimes, a worker is injured at work but can’t pinpoint exactly what caused it. These are referred to as idiopathic injuries with an unknown cause.
For example:
A worker trips and falls at work, suffers a concussion, and says, “I don’t know why I fell. There was nothing on the floor.”
Is that injury covered?
This has been a complicated issue in Indiana law.
The Law Before 2017
In the past, if an injury was unexplained and there was no evidence of a pre-existing condition, the injury was often covered. Courts placed the burden on employers to prove the fall was caused by something unrelated to work.
What Changed?
In 2017, the Indiana legislature passed a law shifting the burden of proof back to employees. Now, the injured worker must prove all three elements, including that the injury arose out of employment.
So today, even if the floor was clear and there was no health issue, an unexplained fall might not be covered unless the worker can tie it back to their job in some way.
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Why Your First Injury Report Matters
The initial report of your injury can make or break your case. Many workers are understandably confused after an accident and might not clearly explain what happened.
However, you might later remember details like:
- Rushing to a meeting
- Wearing improper footwear
- Being distracted or carrying something heavy
Don’t panic. In Indiana, your own negligence doesn’t disqualify you from workers’ compensation. Even if you tripped over your own two feet, that could still be covered.
What to Do After an Unexplained Injury:
- Report the injury to your employer immediately
- Seek medical attention and follow all treatment instructions
- Write down everything you remember, no matter how minor
- Take photos if applicable (floor, ladder, desk, etc.)
- Ask any witnesses for statements
- Contact a workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible
Can Idiopathic Injuries Ever Be Covered?
Yes. Even unexplained injuries may be covered if the workplace increases the risk or severity of the injury. This is called the “increased risk doctrine.”
Examples:
- A worker falls from a ladder for no known reason. The height of the ladder increases the danger, making it compensable.
- A worker slips and falls, hitting their head on a desk. Even if the fall was unexplained, the desk (a workplace element) made the injury worse.
These are examples of how employment can increase the dangerous effects of an otherwise unexplained accident.
The Role of Medical Evidence and Documentation
Medical records play a vital role in proving your case. Be honest and thorough with your doctor. Explain the nature of your job, the tasks you were doing, and what you felt before and after the injury.
If you’re disputing an employer’s claim that a condition was pre-existing:
- Ask your physician to document how work contributed to or worsened the condition.
- Secure past medical records showing the condition was previously stable or mild.
What Insurance Companies May Try to Do
Insurers may:
- Blame the injury on a personal health issue
- Claim that no workplace condition contributed
- Suggest the injury didn’t occur on the job
That’s why it’s critical to document everything and seek experienced legal help. You don’t have to navigate these tactics alone.
Statute of Limitations and Reporting Deadlines in Indiana
To protect your rights:
- Report the injury to your employer within 30 days
- File your workers’ compensation claim within 2 years of the injury
Delaying either step can disqualify you from benefits—even if the injury is valid.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. If my injury was caused by a personal medical condition, can I still get workers’ compensation?
Not always. If a purely personal medical condition caused the injury and the job didn’t contribute to or aggravate it, the claim may be denied. However, if your job increased the risk or severity of the injury, it may still be compensable.
Q2.How can I prove my injury was work-related if I don’t remember the exact cause?
A: You may need to show that the work environment or duties created a risk that contributed to or worsened the injury. Photographs, witness statements, and medical evaluations are critical.
Q3. What if my employer refuses to file the injury report or discourages me from filing a claim?
A: That may be illegal retaliation. You should document all communication and seek legal advice immediately to protect your rights.
Q4. Are mental health injuries or stress-related conditions covered?
A: Indiana has strict standards for psychological injuries. They may be compensable if tied directly to a physical injury or a traumatic work event. It’s best to consult an attorney in these cases.
Q5. How can I prove my injury was work-related if I don’t remember the exact cause?
A: You may need to show that the work environment or duties created a risk that contributed to or worsened the injury. Photographs, witness statements, and medical evaluations are critical.
Q6. Can I handle my claim without an attorney?
You can, but workers’ compensation laws can be complex, especially in disputed or idiopathic cases. An experienced attorney can help gather evidence, communicate with insurers, and improve your chances of approval
Every Detail Matters in Workers’ Compensation Cases
Unexplained injuries are among the most complex and frequently contested claims in Indiana’s workers’ compensation system. With the law now requiring injured workers to prove all three critical elements—including that the injury arose out of employment—it’s more important than ever to act quickly, document thoroughly, and seek legal guidance.
At Klezmer Maudlin, we understand the unique challenges injured workers face when the cause of an accident isn’t clear. Our team has the knowledge and experience to build strong cases, even in difficult or disputed circumstances. Whether you’re just starting a claim or facing a denial, we’re here to help.
Don’t wait or second-guess your rights. Contact Klezmer Maudlin today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and fight to secure the benefits you deserve.
Schedule a Free Initial Consultation Today!