If you have a pre-existing condition and get injured at work, you might wonder how it will affect your workers’ compensation claim. The process can seem complicated, but understanding the rules can help you feel more confident. Here’s how workers’ comp handles pre-existing conditions in Florida.
Workers’ comp and pre-existing conditions in Florida
Florida workers’ compensation insurance covers injuries that happen while you’re working. But what if you already have a health issue, like a back problem, that worsens because of a workplace injury? Workers’ comp typically covers new injuries, but if your pre-existing condition gets aggravated, the insurance may still provide benefits. The insurance company will determine how much your job contributed to the injury and whether the pre-existing condition significantly worsened because of the work-related incident.
How pre-existing conditions affect your claim
When you have a pre-existing condition, it can complicate your workers’ comp claim. The insurance company might argue that your workplace injury isn’t solely the cause of the condition. If your condition was aggravated by your job, you might still receive benefits, but the amount of compensation could be reduced depending on the role your pre-existing condition played in the injury. Florida law allows you to receive benefits if the workplace injury aggravates your pre-existing condition, but proving that the job caused or worsened the injury can be challenging.
The importance of medical evidence
To support your claim, you’ll need medical evidence showing that the workplace injury either caused or aggravated your pre-existing condition. Doctors will need to explain how your job directly impacted your health, even if you had a prior injury. Strong medical records detailing the impact of the injury can help prove your case and increase the chances that workers’ comp will cover treatment for the aggravated condition.
Handling pre-existing conditions in a workers’ comp case can be tricky, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t qualify for benefits. If a workplace injury worsens your condition, you may still receive compensation. By understanding your rights, gathering the right medical evidence, and knowing the rules, you can navigate the process with more confidence.