Workers’ compensation is an invaluable resource for those who get injured at work. However, many workers have preexisting conditions that can be aggravated by work or which are made unbearable by injuries that happen at the workplace. Unfortunately, workers’ compensation insurance companies often try to avoid paying out fair settlements to injured workers, especially those with preexisting conditions. Preexisting medical conditions can give insurance companies an excuse to point to other causes than work.
You may still be able to receive workers’ compensation after you suffer from a workplace accident if you had a preexisting condition, but it may be an uphill battle. If you were hurt in a work-related incident, make sure to work with an experienced North Carolina workers’ compensation attorney who can help you fight for your rights.
How Do Preexisting Conditions Affect Workers’ Compensation Payments?
Generally speaking, employers in North Carolina should not ask you about your medical history and should not have access to it. However, if you were injured at work and need to file a workers’ compensation claim, you are responsible for disclosing a preexisting condition. Workers’ compensation payments are not required to cover a preexisting condition per se, but they can certainly be required to cover a preexisting condition that has been aggravated by a workplace incident.
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