Experiencing an injury at work while already having a pre-existing condition is immensely stressful. Many workers believe that having a medical condition or prior injury to the accident can completely bar them from receiving any type of relief. Luckily, having a pre-existing condition does not automatically prevent you from receiving workers’ compensation benefits in Michigan. Insurance companies commonly reinforce this misconception which is why having the right legal team on your side is so important for proper guidance.
What is a Pre-Existing Condition in Workers’ Comp?
A pre-existing condition includes anything from mental disabilities, cardiovascular conditions, impacts from aging, etc. Just because you have one of these conditions, does not automatically mean that you cannot receive benefits. Everything is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Michigan’s Rule on Worsening Pre-Existing Conditions
Michigan workers’ comp covers injuries that aggravate, accelerate, or worsen a pre-existing condition. Benefits can only be denied if the symptoms are due solely to the natural progression of the condition and not because of work activity.
This just means that if work makes your conditions worse, then there is potential for compensation, whereas if the conditions worsen on their own then they may not qualify for compensation.
How Employers and Insurers Challenge These Claims
It’s common for insurance companies to make arguments along the lines of the injury existing before employment or that work didn’t significantly change the condition. They typically use independent medical examinations to dispute people’s claims, which is why keeping as much of a documented paper trail on all of your medical history is crucial.
Evidence That Helps Prove a Work-Related Aggravation
Because workers’ compensation claims involving pre-existing conditions are often challenged, strong evidence is essential to showing that a workplace incident aggravated or worsened the condition. Medical documentation plays a central role, particularly records that demonstrate a clear change in symptoms, pain levels, or physical limitations after the work injury occurred. Opinions from treating physicians are especially valuable when they directly link job duties or a specific workplace event to the aggravation of the condition.
In addition to medical documents and evidence, having detailed descriptions of your work environment and your job duties will also help your legal team formulate the real picture of the circumstances that you were faced with that led to your injury. Take as many statements from supervisors, coworkers, or any general witnesses that may have seen how work negatively impacted you.
Why Having a Pre-Existing Condition Does Not Automatically Disqualify You
Michigan law is centered around the cause of the injury. It does not go off of just your prior medical history alone. At the end of the day, if your workplace played a part in why you became injured, or why your injuries may have worsened, then compensation is definitely possible.
In fact, many workers’ comp claims involve some form of pre-existing condition. The best way to approach handling your case is to stay organized and consult with the right legal team. Having as much detail surrounding your pre-existing conditions that you can pass along to your attorney will give you the best chance of obtaining fair compensation.
How a Michigan Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
When a workers’ compensation claim involves a pre-existing condition, having experienced legal representation can make a huge difference. A Michigan workers’ comp lawyer understands how insurers attempt to deny or limit these claims and knows how to push back on those arguments effectively. An attorney can help gather and organize medical records, obtain detailed opinions from treating physicians, and clearly demonstrate how work activities worsened an existing condition.
If you are currently dealing with a workers’ comp case while having pre-existing medical conditions, make sure you contact Duff Law in Grand Rapids, Michigan for a free consultation. Having a strong legal team to guide you in the right direction and be there every step of the way will get you the fair compensation that you deserve.