What to Do If a Work Injury Aggravated Your Degenerative Disc Disease

 Posted on September 28, 2021 in Workers' Compensation

In Illinois, employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This insurance reimburses injured workers for medical expenses and part of their lost wages if a work injury causes them to miss work. However, what happens if a work injury aggravates a pre-existing medical condition like degenerative disc disease? Is the worker still entitled to compensation? What if the insurance company tries to claim that work duties did not cause the worsened medical condition?

Successfully recovering compensation for worsened medical conditions is often tricky, especially if the medical condition gradually worsened over time instead of being caused by a singular traumatic accident. This is why many people in this situation work with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer.

Seeking Workers’ Comp for Worsened Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease causes the spinal discs to wear away. The condition can lead to significant neck and back pain, numbness, and tingling. Jobs that require the worker to lift or carry heavy objects, twist and bend at awkward angles, or perform manual labor may worsen disc disease and other back conditions. A work accident such as a fall may also aggravate spine and back conditions.

Fortunately, Illinois workers are entitled to workers’ compensation when work duties worsen a pre-existing condition. However, proving that your job caused the pain and other symptoms you are experiencing can be very difficult. Insurance companies are interested in the bottom line. They want to reduce the amount paid to injured workers as much as possible. This means that you may be offered a payout that is much less than you actually need to cover lost wages and medical bills. Your workers’ compensation claim may even be denied entirely.

A skilled workers’ compensation lawyer who has handled cases involving pre-existing conditions can help you gather evidence to build a strong claim, negotiate a settlement, and, if necessary, file an appeal after a workers’ compensation denial.

Contact a Springfield Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Degenerative disc disease can be an excruciatingly painful condition – especially if worsened by a physically demanding job. Fortunately, those who suffer degenerative disc disease or other back problems may be entitled to workers’ compensation. For help, contact the knowledgeable Champaign workers’ compensation lawyers at Kanoski Bresney. Our team of skilled legal professionals has served the central Illinois area for over 40 years. We can help you stand up for your rights and pursue the financial compensation you need. Call us at 888-826-8682 for a free, confidential case review and consultation.

Source:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16912-degenerative-disc-disease