Learn how a pre-existing injury can affect your workers’ compensation claim, why honesty is important, and how a workers’ compensation lawyer can help you secure the benefits you deserve.
When you’ve been hurt on the job, the last thing you want is confusion over whether your pre-existing injury will prevent you from receiving benefits. The truth is, workers’ compensation laws are designed to protect employees, even those who already had medical issues before a workplace accident. This article explains how pre-existing conditions affect workers’ compensation claims, why honesty is essential, what happens if your claim is denied, and how workers’ compensation lawyers can make a huge difference in your case.
Understanding Pre-Existing Conditions in Workers’ Comp
A pre-existing condition is any health issue you had before your workplace accident. It could be something minor, like a previous ankle sprain, or more serious, like chronic back pain. Having a medical history does not automatically disqualify you from benefits. Instead, the key question is whether your job-related accident aggravated or worsened your condition.
Common Pre-Existing Injuries That Affect Claims
Some conditions are more likely to be scrutinized during a claim:
- Old sports injuries, such as knee or shoulder problems.
- Chronic back pain or slipped discs.
- Arthritis or joint issues.
- Previous fractures or surgeries.
If your workplace accident worsens any of these, you may still be entitled to benefits.
Why Insurance Companies Question Pre-Existing Injuries
Insurance companies often search for reasons to limit or deny claims, and pre-existing conditions give them an opportunity to argue. They might claim your current pain has nothing to do with work, or that your accident only flared up an old problem. This is where workers’ compensation lawyers can step in to defend your rights and build a strong case.
Fun fact: Some of the earliest workers’ compensation laws in the United States date back to 1911, when Wisconsin became the first state to pass such protections for injured employees.
How Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Can Help
Before diving into the details of your claim, it’s crucial to understand that lawyers play a key role in balancing the scales. Insurance companies have adjusters and lawyers on their side, so having your own representation ensures fairness.
Benefits of Having Legal Representation
- Lawyers know how to gather medical evidence that proves your job aggravated your pre-existing condition. Just as Golden State Workers Compensation attorneys often do, they can work with medical experts to clearly link your current symptoms to the workplace incident.
- They negotiate with insurance companies that try to downplay your claim.
- If your case is denied, a lawyer can guide you through the appeals process.
A skilled workers’ compensation lawyer does more than just file paperwork, they become your advocate during one of the most stressful times in your life.
Proving That Work Made It Worse
To win your case, it’s not about proving your body was in perfect condition before the injury. Instead, you need to show that your workplace accident aggravated or accelerated your pre-existing condition. This could mean:
- Increased pain levels.
- New limitations in mobility.
- Needing additional medical treatment you didn’t need before.
Doctors’ notes and medical records will be your strongest evidence here, but your lawyer will know how to present this in a way that strengthens your claim.
Honesty Is Always the Best Policy
One of the biggest mistakes injured workers make is hiding pre-existing conditions out of fear of losing benefits. If you conceal an old injury and it comes up later (which it likely will, since medical records are reviewed), your claim could be denied for dishonesty. Being upfront about your medical history from the start allows your lawyer to build a stronger, more credible case.
Pre-existing injuries don’t mean you’re disqualified from workers’ compensation. If your workplace accident worsened your condition, you still deserve medical care, wage replacement, and support. Workers’ compensation lawyers are there to level the playing field, handle the complexities, and make sure your rights are protected every step of the way.
Getting hurt on the job is never easy, but with the right legal help, even workers with a medical history can win the benefits they need to recover and move forward.
