- agosto 7, 2023
- Workers' Compensation
Sustaining an injury can be a traumatic experience, especially if it affects your ability to work. Workers’ compensation insurance exists to provide financial support and medical treatment for employees who get injured on the job. However, things can get complicated when preexisting conditions are involved. Many people wonder whether their claim will be denied because of a previous injury or illness.
In this article, we will discuss this issue in more detail and explain why you need to contact an experienced Acworth workers compensation lawyer.
A Preexisting Condition Is Not a Reason to Deny a Workers Comp Claim
If you have a preexisting condition, it’s understandable to worry that your workers’ comp claim will be denied. However, having a previous injury or illness doesn’t automatically disqualify you from receiving benefits if you sustain a new workplace injury.
In fact, the law is clear on this issue: employers and insurance companies cannot use preexisting conditions as an excuse to deny workers’ compensation claims. That means even if you had a back problem before starting your job and then injure your back while at work, you are still entitled to receive medical care and wage replacement benefits for the new injury.
A Workplace Accident Can Exacerbate an Old Injury or Condition
Workplace accidents can be particularly dangerous for workers who have preexisting conditions or injuries. Even an old, seemingly healed injury can be reopened and exacerbated by a workplace accident. This is because the impact of the new injury on an already weakened area of the body can cause considerable damage.
For example, if a worker has an old back injury and then suffers another blow to that same area in a workplace accident, it could cause the original injury to flare up again with severe consequences.
Similarly, if someone had undergone surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome but continued to work at a job that required repetitive hand motions, they may experience further damage from their work duties.
However, with strong medical records and legal representation from an experienced Acworth workers compensation lawyer, you’ll have everything you need to prove otherwise!
Insurance Companies Often Try to Deny Workers Comp Claims on the Grounds of a Preexisting Condition
Insurance companies are in the business of making money, and they will do whatever it takes to minimize their costs. One way that insurance companies try to deny workers comp claims is by using a preexisting condition as an excuse not to pay out benefits.
When you file a claim for a workplace injury, the insurance company will look at your medical history. If you have any previous injuries or conditions related to the part of your body that was injured at work, they may argue that your current condition is not entirely due to the workplace accident.
However, just because you had a preexisting condition does not mean that you are not entitled to workers compensation benefits in Georgia. As long as your work-related injury caused new symptoms or made your existing condition worse, you should be eligible for compensation.
Your Acworth workers compensation lawyer can help gather evidence from medical records and other sources showing how the workplace accident affected your health. Don’t let an insurance company use a preexisting condition as an excuse to deny what you rightfully deserve!
Your Lawyer Will Prove the New Injuries with Medical Records
If you have a preexisting condition and suffer from a workplace injury, you may worry that your workers comp claim won’t be accepted. However, it’s important to know that having a preexisting condition is not grounds for denying your claim. In fact, if your existing condition was made worse by the workplace accident or injury, you are still entitled to compensation.
To prove this, it is essential to seek medical treatment immediately after the incident occurs so that any new injuries can be documented with medical records. These records will serve as evidence in proving that the worsening of your old injury or condition was caused by the workplace accident.
Your lawyer will use these records during negotiations with insurance companies and at hearings if necessary. Their job is to make sure that all potential damages are accounted for and compensated accordingly.
It’s also important to note that while workers comp will pay for treating only the injuries sustained on the job, seeking immediate medical attention can help strengthen any legal claims later on.
Don’t let a preexisting condition deter you from filing a workers comp claim. Seek legal assistance from an experienced Acworth workers compensation lawyer who understands how to navigate through complex laws surrounding workplace accidents and injuries.
Remember that Workers Comp Will Only Pay for Treating the Workplace Injuries
It’s important to remember that workers comp will only cover the treatment of injuries sustained in the workplace. This means that if you had a preexisting condition or injury, and your workplace accident exacerbates it, only the related medical expenses will be covered by workers compensation.
For example, if you had a back injury from years ago and then suffered another back injury at work, workers comp would only cover the medical costs associated with the new workplace-related injury. Any previous treatments for your preexisting back injury would not be covered under workers comp.
This is why it’s crucial to provide accurate information about any prior conditions or injuries when filing a claim. Your lawyer can help ensure that all necessary medical records are provided to prove which injuries were caused by your workplace accident and which ones existed previously.
Remembering this limitation of coverage can also help manage expectations for what expenses will be paid for through workers compensation. It’s important to communicate openly with doctors and insurance adjusters about which treatments are directly related to your workplace injuries so they can accurately bill accordingly.
Talk to an Experienced Acworth Workers Compensation Lawyer!
A preexisting condition should not be a reason for your workers’ compensation claim to be denied. However, insurance companies are known for trying to deny claims based on preexisting conditions. That’s why it’s important to work with an experienced Acworth workers compensation lawyer who can help prove your new injuries with medical records.
At our firm, we understand the complexities involved in filing a workers’ comp claim when there is a preexisting condition. Our team will work tirelessly on your behalf to ensure that you receive all of the benefits that you deserve under Georgia law.
If you’ve been injured at work and need legal representation, don’t hesitate to contact us today at 470-518-5026!
