One of the challenges of a workers’ compensation claim is pre-existing conditions. If you have a pre-existing condition and you have suffered an injury at work, you should not file your workers’ compensation claim without the support of an attorney.
There are some key facts to consider about your pre-existing condition and your workers’ compensation claim.
Pre-existing conditions can complicate your claim
The insurance company may claim that your injury was the result of your pre-existing condition and not related to your job. You will have to show that your job aggravated that pre-existing condition or accelerated the symptoms which led to the current injury. This is often easiest when you have legal support to help you.
Your doctor can help with medical support
As soon as you notice the injury, you should seek a medical evaluation. Your doctor’s report could make a significant difference in how your claim is handled, especially if he or she can document that your pre-existing condition is not a contributing factor.
Your attorney can help document your situation
Working with an attorney can help protect your rights in a complicated workers’ compensation claim. Your attorney can get important details on the record, including the progression of your symptoms starting before the workplace injury and continuing to the current time. This can show that your pre-existing condition was not a factor before your job site injury occurred.
Even if your pre-existing condition makes you more susceptible to injuries, you are still eligible for workers’ compensation coverage for injuries that occur at work.
