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Does a pre-existing condition eliminate workers’ compensation?

On Behalf of | Nov 5, 2020 | Workers' Compensation |

Workers’ compensation insurance is a program that protects people from losing their income or struggling with medical bills because of a medical condition they experience due to their job. People can seek benefits for work-acquired illnesses, as well as for injuries that result from an incident at work.

Some people may have medical conditions that get worse over time because of the job that they do.

Carpal tunnel, back injuries and joint issues could all worsen over the course of years as you perform repetitive, physical tasks for your employer.

Even if you had a pre-existing condition, such as an injury to your back or mild carpal tunnel in your hands, the job that you do could make your injury worse. If that happens, are you allowed to seek workers’ compensation in Iowa?

You have to show how the job affected your condition

The law in Iowa is clear that any medical condition that results from your work potentially qualifies you for medical benefits and disability benefits if you need time off of work through workers’ compensation.

In fact, even those who already had an injury to a specific part of the body that experience a worsening of their symptoms or pain because of their job can receive workers’ compensation benefits for their treatments and if they have to miss work while recovering.

In order to get workers’ compensation benefits when you have a pre-existing condition, you will need to show how your job exacerbated the condition and made it worse.

Those with complicated scenarios may benefit from professional help

Even straightforward workplace injuries sometimes leave people struggling to connect with workers’ compensation benefits. If you have a pre-existing medical condition or other complicating factors that might influence your claim for benefits, getting help with your application and with the appeal of an initial denial can improve your chances of success.

A lawyer will not only be familiar with your rights and how to comply with the law and program rules for workers’ compensation but will also be able to manage the stressful process of applying for benefits or appealing a denial so that you can focus on getting better and back to work.

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