Florida Workers’ Compensation For Older Workers: How Pre-Existing Conditions Affect Your Claim
If you are among the many people who have worked in Fort Lauderdale for decades, you likely have some wear and tear. Maybe it’s an old back injury, arthritis in your knees, or a shoulder that periodically acts up. Unfortunately, a workplace accident can dramatically worsen these or other conditions, but insurers are likely to use your medical history to either deny or downplay your claim.
Pre-existing conditions are among the most common reasons for Florida workers’ compensation denials, particularly for older workers. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer explains how to push back when your medical history is used against you.
Pre-Existing Conditions That Can Complicate Fort Lauderdale Workers’ Compensation Claims for Older Adults
According to the Florida Department of Health, six out of every ten adults have at least one chronic health condition, and the figures increase the older you get. When work-related accidents in Fort Lauderdale happen, it can dramatically worsen your symptoms and may cause permanent disabilities.
Fortunately, benefits available through the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation aren’t dependent on your age or being in perfect health. The key question is not whether you have a pre-existing condition, but whether a workplace accident made it worse. Examples include:
- A prior back injury aggravated by a lifting accident at work.
- Arthritis in the knee that becomes disabling after a workplace slip and fall.
- A previously managed shoulder condition that requires surgery following a workplace incident.
- Degenerative disc disease accelerated by repetitive physical work duties.
Benefits available through workers’ compensation in South Florida still cover medical treatment, lost wages, and other costs when a pre-existing condition is involved, as long as the workplace injury contributed to your current condition.
How Older Workers Can Protect Their Rights To Fort Lauderdale Workers’ Compensation
Pre-existing conditions are among the most common causes of disputed or denied workers’ compensation benefits in Fort Lauderdale. To protect your rights from the start, take these steps:
- Report workplace injuries immediately in writing, clearly describing how the incident occurred and what changed in your condition afterward.
- Be honest with your treating physician about your full medical history, as inconsistencies can be used against you.
- Ask them to document specifically how the workplace injury worsened your pre-existing condition.
- Gather prior medical records to establish a clear baseline showing what changed as a direct result of the workplace accident.
Keep in mind that even if the insurer attempts to dispute or deny your benefits, an experienced Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer can help you challenge their decision.
To Protect Your Benefits, Request a Consultation With Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today
Is an insurer trying to use your age or a pre-existing condition to deny or reduce your benefits? At the Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A., our experienced Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer knows how to challenge these tactics. To get the total amount you are entitled to, call or contact us online. Request a consultation at our Sunrise, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach office today.
Source:
floridahealth.gov/individual-family-health/injury-prevention-wellness/chronic-disease/