Some work injuries are clearly the result of employment. An incident occurs on the job. There are witnesses and internal documentation affirming that the employee’s medical condition exists because of their job responsibilities.
Other times, the connection may not be as clear. People develop occupational illnesses slowly and may then struggle to show that their job is responsible. In some cases, workers may have already had debilitating medical conditions when they accepted a new role that affected their health. A pre-existing condition can potentially become much more significant because of work responsibilities.
Constantly performing the same job functions or working in a high-stress environment could impact how a medical condition presents. Workers with pre-existing conditions may have a more challenging workers’ compensation claims process ahead of them. What is different about a workers’ compensation claim when the worker has a pre-existing condition?
More documentation is necessary
Medical documentation can make or break a benefits claim. Theoretically, a pre-existing condition could qualify for benefits so long as work responsibilities clearly contributed to the condition worsening.
The more records a worker has regarding the worsening of a chronic medical condition, the easier it may be to eventually prove that their job is the reason their condition has become more debilitating. The timing of the condition progressing and the records maintained by a healthcare professional can help show a clear correlation between work activities and an increased severity of symptoms for the employee.
Workers with pre-existing conditions often require workplace accommodations to continue their careers. They may need to limit repetitive job functions or transfer to a department where they can avoid certain types of exposure. The employee may also require medical benefits to help them treat their worsening symptoms and disability benefits if they need time away to recover after their condition worsens significantly.
Workers with pre-existing conditions are more likely to face questions about the origins of their illness and may have longer, more complex claims than the average injured employee. They may require in-depth medical evaluations and support throughout the claims process. In some cases, those with pre-existing conditions have to appeal claim denials. They may also need help negotiating and learning about their rights.
Pursuing workers’ compensation benefits for pre-existing conditions can be difficult. Those with the right information and support may have better chances of prevailing during the claims process.