Fall from loading dock is a sudden an extraordinary event for Psychiatric purposes

• Posted By: Harvey Brown
• October 1, 2021

This is an order denying reconsideration case

This is a very significant case for workers’ compensation principles.

The applicant claimed an industrial injury to her tibia, humerus and psyche due to a fall.  The applicant did not work for the employer 6 months at the time of the injury.

The applicant was walking on a loading dock at work looking for the cafeteria when she fell on her second day of work. Defendant denies the applicant’s claim for psychiatric injury under Labor Code section 3208.3 (d) because she had not worked for the employer for 6 months.  The applicant went to a Psychiatric Qualified Medical Examiner who stated the applicant’s psychiatric injury was predominately industrial.

The case went to trial. The Workers’ Compensation Judge (WCJ) found the applicant’s psychiatric injury was a “sudden and extraordinary” event that was an exception to the six-months employment requirement under section 3208.3 (d).

The defendant petitioned for reconsideration contending that falls at work were common and “routine” and therefore, not a sudden and extraordinary event.

The majority of the Workers’ Compensation Appeals  Board (WCAB) panel in a split decision upheld the WCJ.  They cited Matea v. WCAB.  They ruled a fall from a loading dock was an unexpected risk. The applicant’s injury was not barred by 3208.3.

Case:

• Posted In: Appeal, Work Injury