ICD10
ICD-10 Code W20: Struck by thrown, projected or falling object
Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 26 May 2026
What is this code?
ICD-10 entries help standardize how diagnoses are organized for coding, reporting, analytics, and documentation. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for External causes of morbidity (V00-Y99).
When is it used?
- May be used when a clinician documents struck by thrown, projected or falling object in a patient's medical record.
- May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
- This code may act more like a grouping or parent code, so a more specific child code may be used in final documentation when available.
What it does not mean
- A code alone does not explain severity, treatment plan, or outcome.
- A medical code should not be treated as a substitute for a doctor's diagnosis or advice.
- This entry may represent a broader category rather than the most specific billable code.
Code hierarchy
chapter
20External causes of morbidity (V00-Y99)
block
V00-X58Accidents
block
W00-X58Other external causes of accidental injury
block
W20-W49Exposure to inanimate mechanical forces
currentW20-W49
Official coding notes
Applicable to
- any associated:
- cataclysm (X34-X39)
- lightning strike (T75.00)
Excludes1 (do not code together)
- falling object in machinery accident (W24, W28-W31)
- falling object in transport accident (V01-V99)
- object set in motion by explosion (W35-W40)
- object set in motion by firearm (W32-W34)
- struck by thrown sports equipment (W21.-)
Code first
- any associated:
- cataclysm (X34-X39)
- lightning strike (T75.00)
7th character notes
- The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category W20
- initial encounter
- subsequent encounter
- sequela
Where you may see this code
You may see this entry in coding references, medical records, or claims workflows when a broader diagnosis category is being reviewed before a more specific code is chosen.
Related codes
Sibling codes
W21Striking against or struck by sports equipmentW22Striking against or struck by other objectsW23Caught, crushed, jammed or pinched in or between objectsW24Contact with lifting and transmission devices, not elsewhere classifiedW25Contact with sharp glassbillableW26Contact with other sharp objectsW27Contact with nonpowered hand toolW28Contact with powered lawn mowerbillableW29Contact with other powered hand tools and household machineryW30Contact with agricultural machineryW31Contact with other and unspecified machineryW32Accidental handgun discharge and malfunctionW33Accidental rifle, shotgun and larger firearm discharge and malfunctionW34Accidental discharge and malfunction from other and unspecified firearms and gunsW35Explosion and rupture of boilerbillableW36Explosion and rupture of gas cylinderW37Explosion and rupture of pressurized tire, pipe or hoseW38Explosion and rupture of other specified pressurized devicesbillableW39Discharge of fireworkbillableW40Explosion of other materialsW42Exposure to noiseW44Foreign body entering into or through a natural orificeW45Foreign body or object entering through skinW46Contact with hypodermic needleW49Exposure to other inanimate mechanical forces
Mapped diagnoses and classifications
SNOMED_CT 242560001high
Accident caused by rockfall
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 217882001high
Accidental bumping into moving object
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 217889005high
Accidental bumping into projected object
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 217883006high
Accidental collision with moving object
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 217890001high
Accidental collision with projected object
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 217884000high
Accidental kicking against moving object
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
Coding guidelines
Compatibility
Legacy code aligns to an official FY 2026 category. Frontend should resolve to the official category page and surface the billable child codes.
Legacy codes
W20
Replacement codes
W20.0 — Struck by falling object in cave-inW20.1 — Struck by object due to collapse of buildingW20.8 — Other cause of strike by thrown, projected or falling object
Common synonyms
Struck by thrown, projected or falling object
Frequently asked questions
About this content
This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from ICD-10. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.