Workers' compensation claims can be a lifeline for employees who have been injured on the job, providing them with medical care and financial support while they recover. However, pre-existing conditions can complicate these claims, making it more challenging for injured workers to receive the benefits they need. At Goebel Law, PLLC, our experienced Jupiter, Florida attorney understands the complexities of workers' compensation claims and is dedicated to helping our clients navigate this process successfully. In this blog, we will discuss the impact of pre-existing conditions on workers' compensation claims in Florida and how our law firm can help you with your case.
Pre-Existing Conditions & Workers' Compensation in Florida
In Florida, workers' compensation is designed to cover injuries that occur in the course of employment. When a worker has a pre-existing condition, this can make it more difficult to determine whether the workplace injury is related to the pre-existing condition or if it occurred independently.
Insurance companies often use pre-existing conditions as a way to deny or reduce the benefits a worker is entitled to. They may argue that the injury is not work-related or that the worker's condition was not significantly aggravated by the workplace incident. It is crucial for injured workers with pre-existing conditions to understand their rights under Florida law and seek the help of an experienced attorney to fight for their benefits.
How Pre-Existing Conditions Affect Workers' Compensation Claims
Pre-existing conditions can impact workers' compensation claims in several ways:
Aggravation of a Pre-Existing Condition: If a workplace injury aggravates a pre-existing condition, the worker may be entitled to benefits. However, the worker will need to prove that the workplace injury directly caused the aggravation or worsening of the pre-existing condition.
Apportionment: In some cases, a worker's benefits may be reduced due to the presence of a pre-existing condition. This is called apportionment and occurs when an insurance company argues that only a portion of the worker's current condition is related to the workplace injury.
Denial of Benefits: If the insurance company can successfully argue that the worker's injury is unrelated to their job or that the pre-existing condition was not aggravated by the workplace incident, they may deny the worker's claim for benefits entirely.
How Goebel Law, PLLC Can Help
At Goebel Law, PLLC, we understand the challenges that injured workers with pre-existing conditions face when seeking workers' compensation benefits. If we take your case, Attorney William Goebel and our team may be able to help you with the following:
Gathering Evidence: We will work with you to gather the necessary medical records, expert opinions, and other evidence to support your claim and demonstrate that your workplace injury aggravated your pre-existing condition.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Our skilled attorneys will aggressively negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to pursue the benefits you deserve.
Representing You in Court: If your claim is denied, our team is prepared to represent you in court and fight for your rights.
Pre-existing conditions can significantly impact a worker's ability to recover workers' compensation benefits in Florida. However, with the right legal representation, injured workers can successfully navigate this complex issue and receive the benefits they need to heal and move forward. If you have a pre-existing condition and have been injured on the job, contact Goebel Law, PLLC in Jupiter, Florida, today to schedule a consultation and discuss your case.