Champaign, IL Workers' Comp Lawyer for Pre-Existing Conditions

Attorneys for Injuries That Aggravate Existing Medical Issues in Champaign County, Peoria County, and Sangamon County

Employees who suffer injuries while working are entitled to workers' compensation benefits. These benefits are paid by an employer's worker's compensation insurance provider, and a person will be eligible to receive benefits for any work-related injury, no matter who was at fault. However, a workers' comp claim can become more complex in situations where an employee had a pre-existing condition. In some cases, employers and insurers may attempt to deny a claim by stating that an injury did not occur because of work-related activities, but because of an employee's existing health issues. To ensure that they can receive the benefits they deserve, workers with pre-existing conditions should work with an experienced lawyer when filing a workers' compensation claim.

The attorneys of Kanoski Bresney have been assisting victims of work-related injuries for over 40 years. With our knowledge of workers' compensation laws and experience representing clients during the claims process, we can make sure you are properly compensated for a work injury. We have helped work injury victims recover a total of over $100 million, and our goal is to ensure that you get the respect, response, and results you deserve.

Work Injuries and Aggravations of Pre-Existing Conditions

Workers' compensation benefits apply to any new injuries suffered in on-the-job accidents or because of the work that a person performs. In addition, a pre-existing injury or illness that becomes aggravated by a new injury may also be covered under workers' comp. These benefits will cover the costs of medical treatment for an injury, and they may also address the income lost due to a temporary or permanent disability.

Some examples of situations in which workers may need to address pre-existing conditions include:

• A person who has degenerative disc disease or other conditions affecting the back or spinal cord may suffer an injury when trying to lift heavy items.
• A worker who had previously dislocated their shoulder in a car accident may further injure their shoulder when reaching for items on a high shelf.
• A person who suffers from asthma may experience more serious lung disease due to the inhalation of smoke or fumes while working.
• A worker who has received treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome may experience a worsening of this condition due to repetitive stress injuries at work.

In some cases, it can be difficult to determine whether an injury was the direct result of a person's work or whether it occurred because of a previous injury or health-related condition. Typically, if a person had received treatment for a pre-existing condition and followed a doctor's recommendations, they will be able to show that a new injury was unrelated to a previous injury or health issue. By demonstrating that the new injury or the aggravation of a pre-existing condition occurred because of work-related activities, they will be able to receive workers' comp benefits.

In other situations, a person may have previously suffered a work-related injury and received workers' compensation, and a new injury may lead to an aggravation of this pre-existing condition. Any medical treatment for the new injury should be covered by workers' comp, and a worker may also receive temporary disability benefits to address income lost while recovering, as well as vocational rehabilitation that will allow them to continue working in their current job. If a person had previously been awarded compensation for a permanent injury, the permanent disability benefits for the new injury may address an increase in the level of permanent impairment.

Contact Our Decatur Pre-Existing Condition Aggravation Lawyers

Pre-existing conditions can complicate workers' compensation cases, and claims may sometimes be denied even if a previous injury was unrelated to a new injury. To ensure that you can receive the benefits you deserve, you will want to contact Kanoski Bresney as soon as possible after your injury. Our attorneys can help you file a claim and demonstrate that your injury or the aggravation of a previous condition occurred because of work-related activities. Call 888-U-COUNT-2 or 888-826-8682 to set up a free consultation and learn how we can help with your case. We assist with workers' comp claims involving pre-existing conditions in Sangamon County, Champaign, Peoria County, Bloomington, Schuyler County, McDonough County, Decatur, Adams County, Champaign County, Rushville, McLean County, Macon County, Macomb, Tazewell County, Pekin, Quincy, Springfield, Peoria, and throughout the state of Illinois.