Pre-existing conditions can easily complicate workers’ compensation claims. It is important to understand how such a condition will affect your claim if you sustain an injury on the job.
A pre-existing condition refers to any health issue that existed before the workplace injury occurred. This can include chronic conditions like arthritis, prior injuries or ongoing medical problems.
Why pre-existing conditions matter
Workers’ compensation in New York covers injuries and illnesses that arise out of and in the course of employment. However, when a worker with a pre-existing condition gets injured, insurance investigators will scrutinize that pre-existing condition. Workers’ compensation may not apply if someone files a claim for a pre-existing condition. If a separate workplace injury aggravates a pre-existing condition, though, you may still qualify for benefits.
Filing for workers’ comp with a pre-existing condition
New York workers’ compensation law does not automatically disqualify a worker from receiving benefits just because of a pre-existing condition. The key factor is whether the work-related injury made the pre-existing condition worse. For example, if a worker with a history of back problems injures their back in a workplace accident, the injury in question could be a worsening of the pre-existing condition. In this case, the worker could still be eligible for benefits.
Workers must provide clear evidence of a work-related injury aggravating the pre-existing condition. This requires medical documentation showing the difference between the condition before and after the workplace injury. It is important to report the injury as soon as possible and provide a detailed account of the accident.
New York’s workers’ compensation system recognizes the challenges that pre-existing conditions present. The system provides benefits even when a workplace injury aggravates or worsens an existing condition.