If you have a preexisting condition exacerbated due to a workplace injury, there are crucial details you must understand about workers' compensation claims. It's a common misconception that preexisting conditions automatically disqualify individuals from receiving workers' compensation benefits. The truth is employees can still receive workers' compensation despite having a preexisting condition, provided that the workplace incident has worsened their condition.
Understanding Preexisting Conditions
Preexisting conditions are health problems that existed before the individual started working at their current job or before a specific workplace injury occurred. These conditions could range from chronic illnesses like asthma or diabetes to previous injuries such as back pain or knee problems.
How Workplace Injuries Interact with Preexisting Conditions
Workers' compensation laws are designed to protect employees who get injured or become ill due to their work. If a workplace accident or exposure has aggravated your preexisting condition, you may be eligible for workers' compensation benefits.
For instance, if you had a mild back pain issue, but a fall at work caused severe damage leading to surgery and extensive physical therapy, your worsened condition directly results from the workplace incident. Thus, even though you had a preexisting condition, you are still entitled to workers' compensation benefits.
Navigating the Claim Process
In cases involving preexisting conditions, the claim process can become complex. Insurance companies often scrutinize these claims closely and may attempt to deny your claim by asserting that your injury or illness is solely related to your preexisting condition. Therefore, it's crucial to have comprehensive medical records that clearly demonstrate the worsening of your condition due to a work-related incident.
When filing a claim, ensure that your doctor documents the correlation between your workplace incident and the worsening of your preexisting condition. A detailed narrative from your doctor explaining how your work incident worsened your condition is often a pivotal piece of evidence.
Why Legal Assistance is Essential
Given the complexities involved in workers' compensation claims with preexisting conditions, having a seasoned workers' compensation lawyer on your side can make a significant difference. At Zamora & Hogan Co., L.P.A., our Columbus workers’ compensation attorneys specializes in workers' compensation claims, and we have a wealth of experience in handling cases involving preexisting conditions.
If your workplace incident has worsened your preexisting condition, you deserve compensation. Contact Zamora & Hogan Co., L.P.A. today for assistance filing or appealing your claim. Let us use our expertise to help you navigate this complex process and secure the benefits you rightfully deserve.