COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS: DON’T ASSUME YOUR CASE IS OVER

Why a Pre-Existing Condition Doesn’t Necessarily End Your Claim

The Myth: If you had knee problems before your workplace accident, you can’t receive workers’ compensation benefits.

The Truth: A pre-existing condition doesn’t automatically prevent you from receiving workers’ compensation benefits.

Many people are surprised to learn that workers’ compensation doesn’t only cover brand-new injuries. It can also apply when a workplace accident aggravates, accelerates, or worsens an existing condition.

For example, someone may have mild arthritis or an old knee injury that caused little or no daily problems. After a workplace accident, however, that same knee may become significantly more painful or require treatment that wasn’t needed before. In situations like these, the workplace injury may still be considered a contributing cause of the person’s current condition.

That doesn’t mean every claim involving a pre-existing condition is automatically covered. Each case depends on the medical evidence and the specific facts. But having a pre-existing condition alone does not mean you’re ineligible for workers’ compensation benefits.

Bottom Line: Don’t assume an old injury automatically disqualifies your claim. If a workplace accident made your condition worse, you may still have rights under workers’ compensation.

If you have questions about a work injury involving a pre-existing condition, Just Work Comp Law is here to help. We’re happy to answer your questions, help you understand your options, and we’ll even tell you if you don’t need an attorney. Call now.

• Call us today: 801.849.3999
• Email: info@davis-sanchez.com
• Visit: justworkcomplaw.com