As a rule, workers compensation does not generally cover pre-existing conditions. If you have a pre-existing condition, it may not be covered under workers compensation. There are some exceptions to this rule, however.
Pre-Existing Conditions Covered Under Workers Compensation
Your pre-existing condition may only be covered by workers compensation if your job directly worsens your condition. For example, say you have a bad back and your hand is injured after being caught in a piece of work machinery. Since the accident with your hand is not related to your back, workers compensation will not cover medical bills related to your back injury.
However, say you have discs in your back and do a lot of heavy lifting at work. Over time, the heavy lifting causes a disc to slip, meaning you need another surgery. In this case, workers compensation may provide coverage for your medical bills related to the injury since your job directly exacerbated the injury.
What Pre-Existing Conditions are Covered Under Workers Compensation Insurance?
Some examples of pre-existing conditions that may be covered under workers compensation insurance include:
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Existing conditions exacerbated by stress or repetitive movements
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Asthma or respiratory problems worsened by exposure to chemicals, dust, etc.
Asthma or respiratory problems worsened by exposure to chemicals, dust, etc.
For example, say you have carpal tunnel. Due to the repetitive movement needed by your job, your carpal tunnel grows worse and leads to you needing surgery. In this case, your expenses may be partially covered under workers compensation insurance.
If you are not sure about whether your condition will be covered under workers compensation insurance, be sure to speak with your employer and insurance agent. It is important that you receive the medical care you need when it comes to a workplace injury or illness.
What Does Workers Compensation Not Cover?
Whether related to pre-existing conditions or not, certain accidents or injuries will not be covered if:
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The injury occurs while the employee is committing an illegal activity
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The injury occurs while the employee is horsing around/not doing work activities
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The injury is not reported within a certain span of time
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The employee does not seek immediate medical attention
Speak with your employer about their workers compensation insurance policy to understand what will and will not be covered, especially if you have a pre-existing condition that may later be influenced by your work.