Worker's compensation is a way you can recoup financially when you are injured on the job. If you have a pre-existing medical condition and an injury on the job exacerbates or caused the injury, you may wonder if you are eligible for this benefit through your workplace. Here is what you need to know:

Are Injuries Due to Pre-Existing Conditions Covered by Worker's Compensation?

This can be a difficult question to answer, as the rules slightly vary from state to state. However, most states agree that any injury that occurs due to a pre-existing medical condition is not allowed coverage by worker's compensation benefits. If your injury was not a direct cause by your pre-existing condition, however, you may be able to receive benefits through worker's compensation.

What Is Considered a Pre-Existing Medical Condition?

When it comes to worker's compensation, a pre-existing medical condition is one that you had prior to your on-the-job injury. It is generally an old condition or injury that you experienced in the past that, if aggravated, could impact your ability to do your job.

What Kind of Coverage Can You Receive with a Pre-Existing Condition?

This depends on the type of pre-existing condition you have and how the injury happened. If your old injury occurred at a previous place of employment and you hurt it in the scope of doing your new job, chances are you will be eligible for worker's compensation, especially if you received the same benefits from a prior job. The same goes if the old injury causes an additional injury while you are working.

If your condition is not connected to an old claim but did become exacerbated at your new job, the chances of you receiving coverage from worker's compensation may be more difficult. If your pre-existing condition is not at all connected to your job duties and did not cause your injuries, you cannot make a worker's compensation claim for a pre-existing condition. If you were hurt in an area unrelated to your pre-existing condition, you can file for worker's compensation coverage.

What Do You Need to Do to Begin Your Claim?

To start your worker's compensation claim, you need to visit your human resources department and ask to file a claim. The representative will have you schedule a doctor's appointment to have your injury evaluated and determine the origin. The doctor will provide a report on your diagnosis and determine whether or not the new injury is connected to your old injury or if the old injury has been exacerbated.

For more information, contact a local workers compensation lawyer.

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