If you had a pre-existing injury before you suffered injuries at work in Virginia, you may run into a few difficulties with Worker’s Compensation insurance. By law, however, you are entitled to benefits for injuries you sustain in the workplace, whether or not you had a pre-existing condition.
To ensure that your case is handled fairly, you should schedule a meeting with a Virginia Workers’ Comp lawyer. A lawyer can thoroughly explain how your case may be affected by a pre-existing condition, your Workers’ Comp impairment rating, and other factors.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance: Law for Pre-Existing Condition
If you have a pre-existing condition, such as torn knee cartilage, and then suffer injuries at work, such as a broken leg, you should be covered. However, if your pre-existing condition is a disorder or disease such as asthma, for example, you probably won’t be entitled to benefits if your symptoms are aggravated by paint fumes in the workplace.
On the other hand, if you have no history of asthma, but were diagnosed after inhaling any kind of fumes in the workplace, this most likely will grant you benefits based on Worker’s Compensation insurance law.
Protecting Your Rights When You Fall victim to Injuries at Work
The important thing is that you seek medical treatment if you feel as if you have developed a disease as a result of the conditions at your place of employment. The date that you will be diagnosed with an occupational disease will be documented as the date of the accident.
Since there are deadlines involved with Workers’ Compensation benefits, you should contact a lawyer soon after you receive a diagnosis.
Contact a Virginia Workers’ Comp Lawyer
When you have difficulties with your work-related injury claim or Workers’ Comp impairment rating, a lawyer can bear some of the burden you’ve been placed under. To get back on your feet, whether it means getting back to work or getting the benefits you deserve, order a copy of our free book, the Ultimate Guide to Workers’ Compensation in Virginia, and contact a Workers’ Comp lawyer at the Injured Workers Law Firm for a no-cost consultation – 877-755-7744 or 804-755-7755.
The Injured Workers Law Firm is a Richmond, Virginia based firm solely focused on serving clients with workers' compensation claims in Virginia. If you have questions about your benefits or if you would like more information on the Virginia Workers’ Compensation system, order our book, “The Ultimate Guide to Workers’ Compensation in Virginia” , or call our office today (804) 755-7755.