If you have been injured at work and are concerned that a past injury might prevent you from receiving workers’ compensation, you are not alone. Many workers in Findlay and the surrounding area deal with pre-existing conditions, but that does not invalidate their workers’ comp claim.
At Schaffer & Associates, we help local workers understand their rights and fight for the benefits they deserve. As experienced workers’ compensation attorneys—born and raised in northwest Ohio—we know how difficult it can be to get the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) to see the whole picture. Know that having a prior condition does not automatically result in your claim being denied. In fact, the law specifically addresses pre-existing conditions for workers in Findlay and the surrounding area to ensure that workers are not penalized for their medical history.
A pre-existing condition is any medical issue you had before your current workplace injury. Common examples include:
Having a pre-existing condition does not mean that any new injuries should be dismissed, nor does it exclude the possibility that your work worsened it. If your current job duties have worsened a pre-existing condition, you can still be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits in Findlay.
For example, if you had mild back pain in the past but recently re-injured your back while lifting at work and now require surgery, that constitutes a new, more serious injury. Our team at Schaffer & Associates can help prove that change and show how your current job made things worse.
State workers’ comp law, which applies to Findlay, allows workers to receive compensation if their job aggravated a pre-existing condition. To qualify for coverage, you must demonstrate that the condition existed before your work injury; a specific event or exposure at work worsened the condition; and the aggravation is not temporary or minor.
The aggravation of your medical condition must be “objective,” with medical evidence—such as test results or doctor’s notes—proving that your condition has worsened because of your job.
Having the right attorney can make a significant difference. At Schaffer & Associates, we know how to coordinate with your doctors, gather the necessary medical records, and build the strongest case possible to secure your benefits.
Many employees with previously diagnosed conditions are surprised to learn that their workers’ compensation claim in Findlay has been denied. In some cases, the BWC claims that there is not enough evidence of your condition worsening, or they argue that your condition is not related to your work.
An initial denial does not mean the end of your claim. You have the right to challenge the decision, and at Schaffer & Associates, we know how to make the BWC reconsider. Our attorneys will examine why your claim was denied and help gather the medical proof needed to push forward.
Every compensation case for workers in Findlay is unique, especially when a pre-existing condition is involved. Working with us means working with someone who understands the system and can help you navigate its unique challenges.
At Schaffer & Associates, we have handled hundreds of similar cases and understand what local doctors, employers, and the BWC expect. We do not just process claims; we dig into them, prepare them for every potential challenge, and fight to get you the best possible outcome.
As a small, boutique firm, we provide something that larger firms cannot: personal attention. When you call us, you will speak directly with your attorney, and you will not be passed from one person to another. We are here to listen, explain your options to you, and stand by your side throughout the process.
Work injuries are stressful enough without having to fight for your benefits. If a previously diagnosed condition is complicating your workers’ comp claim, we can help. At Schaffer & Associates, we are committed to helping injured workers in Findlay and the surrounding area get the support they need to recover and move forward. We will evaluate your claim, help you understand your rights, and work hard to prove that your job contributed to worsening your condition.
Do you want to learn more about how workers’ comp claims can be affected by pre-existing conditions for workers in Findlay? Contact us to schedule a case evaluation.