Pre-Existing Conditions and Pennsylvania Work Injuries: Are They Covered?

Pennsylvania Workers’ Comp and Pre-Existing Conditions: The Aggravation Rule You’ve been injured at work, but you have a history of a pre-existing condition, like a bad back or a weak shoulder. You’re worried that your employer or their insurance company will deny your claim by saying your injury isn’t new. This video will explain a critical aspect of Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law: the “aggravation” rule. Understanding this rule is vital to securing the benefits you deserve, even if you weren’t in perfect health before your accident.
The Law is on Your Side: We’ll clarify that Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law is
designed to cover injuries that are caused or aggravated by your employment. This
means that if a work incident makes a pre-existing condition worse, you are still entitled
to benefits. The law doesn’t require you to be a perfectly healthy individual to be
covered.
What Constitutes “Aggravation”? We’ll provide examples of how a pre-existing
condition can be aggravated by a workplace injury. For instance, if you had a history of
back pain, but a recent lifting incident at work caused a new herniated disc or a more
severe strain, your claim should be covered. The key is to prove that the work incident
was a substantial factor in making your condition worse.
The Role of Medical Evidence: We’ll explain the importance of clear medical
documentation. Your doctor’s opinion is crucial. They must be able to state that the work
injury caused a new injury or aggravated your pre-existing condition. This is why having
a trustworthy doctor is so important.
Don’t Let Them Deny Your Claim: This video is for any injured worker in Pennsylvania
who is concerned about a pre-existing condition. Don’t let your employer’s insurance
company intimidate you. Learn your rights and fight for the compensation you are
entitled to.