When an injured worker has a pre-existing condition, the process of filing a workers’ compensation claim can become more complex. Understanding how this situation affects your claim can help you pursue the benefits you deserve.
How do pre-existing conditions affect workers’ comp claims?
A pre-existing condition is any health issue that existed before the work-related injury occurred, such as an old back injury or arthritis. However, a pre-existing condition doesn’t automatically disqualify you from receiving workers’ compensation benefits for medical treatment or lost time.
In Ohio, workers’ comp covers any injuries and illnesses that occur on the job. The key factor with a pre-existing condition is whether the workplace incident made your health worse. For example, if you already had a bad knee but a fall on the job caused additional damage, the worsening of your condition could make you eligible for coverage.
Note that only the aggravation of the condition is subject to compensation, not the original injury. Medical records and documentation help prove that your workplace incident directly impacted your well-being. Be honest about your medical history, as withholding information can hurt your case.
What can you expect when filing your claim?
When filing a workers’ comp claim in Ohio with a pre-existing condition, expect additional scrutiny. Employers and insurance providers may argue that the work-related incident did not really worsen your injury and that any damage does not correlate to your job. This is why clear medical evidence is vital.
You typically need to undergo an independent medical examination (IME) to determine the extent of the aggravation. This process can feel intimidating, but it’s a standard part of handling claims.
Pre-existing conditions can complicate workers’ comp claims, but they don’t make you ineligible for benefits. If your workplace injury worsened your condition, you have the right to pursue compensation. Do what you can to learn about the process and proactively document your case so you can navigate the system confidently.