Sustaining an injury while on the job is straining, especially when a pre-existing condition is further aggravated and worsened as a result. Because seeking workers’ compensation with a pre-existing condition in Chicago is a complex process, you should seek qualified legal counsel as soon as possible.
A workers’ comp attorney could help you gather evidence and make a strong case to get you the compensation you deserve.
A pre-existing condition is any state of being of an individual’s body that existed prior to the incident in question. These can include any ailments such as arthritis, degenerative changes in their back, or minor tearing over time in their shoulder. If a pre-existing injury is worsened while on the job, it is compensable under the law. Further, that threshold standard is low in Illinois, meaning the law favors the injured worker.
To get workers’ compensation for a pre-existing injury, the accident or work occurrence must have aggravated, accelerated or exacerbated an individual’s condition. If a worker was able to do their job and manage their pain before their accident but are unable after the accident, they could be entitled to compensation.
Before filing a workers’ compensation claim in Chicago, it is important to understand the effects a pre-existing condition could have on a case and know the process. Skilled attorneys understand the complexities of these cases and could analyze the medical records and present them in a work injury claim. The injured worker should also get a physician who understands workers’ compensation, something that seasoned counsel can help with.
Workers’ compensation claims are often denied when a pre-existing problem is involved, as many insurance companies look for any reason possible to deny and save money. Fortunately, a skilled attorney who is versed in this area could create a solid case to seek the compensation the injured individual deserves.
The cause, condition, and type of injury could affect the chance of denial. Work-related, repetitive trauma injuries that happen over a long period of time are sometimes scrutinized more than injuries that happen from an acute event. Fortunately, a workers’ comp attorney who is familiar with filing claims for pre-existing conditions could fight on the individual’s behalf for compensation.
Insurance companies may look for reasons to deny a workers’ compensation claim, but if you have a strong argument to make and the proper evidence, you have the potential to get the recovery you need.
Contacting a lawyer familiar with employee injuries to determine what your options are is crucial to do as soon as possible. When you are seeking workers’ compensation for a pre-existing condition in Chicago, having legal assistance to advise you of your situation and give you information for your specific case could bring you closer to recovery. Call today to schedule a free consultation.