If you have a medical condition that existed before you were injured at work, you may worry that it will prevent you from qualifying for workers’ compensation benefits. Many workers assume that if they are not in “perfect health,” their claims will automatically be denied. Fortunately, Georgia workers’ compensation law does not require employees to be free of pre-existing conditions. However, it does require you to show that your work injury made your condition worse or aggravated it in some way. Understanding how pre-existing conditions affect your claim is key to protecting your right to benefits.
At Hollington Brown LLP, we help injured workers throughout Augusta and the surrounding region navigate these situations successfully. Below is what you need to know if you have a pre-existing condition and were injured on the job.
What Counts as a Pre-Existing Condition?
A pre-existing condition is any medical condition you had before the workplace accident occurred. These conditions can vary widely in severity and type. Common examples include:
- Back or neck injuries
- Arthritis
- Chronic knee or shoulder pain
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Previous herniated discs
- Old fractures or joint issues
Even if your condition was stable for years, a workplace fall, heavy lifting incident, or repetitive motion can aggravate it. When that happens, your employer and their insurance company are still responsible for covering the aggravation of the condition, not just brand-new injuries.
You Must Show That Work Made the Condition Worse
Georgia workers’ compensation law follows what is known as the “aggravation rule.” This means that if your job duties or an accident at work worsened your pre-existing condition in any way, the aggravation is covered.
However, you will need medical evidence to support that your work caused:
- A noticeable change in your symptoms
- A need for new or increased medical treatment
- A temporary or permanent loss of ability to work
This is where documentation becomes critical. Medical records, physician notes, imaging results, and workplace incident reports all play an important role in proving that work made the condition worse, not simply that the condition existed.
Insurance Companies Often Challenge These Claims
While Georgia law allows workers with pre-existing conditions to receive benefits, employers and insurance companies frequently challenge these claims. Some common tactics include:
- Claiming your pain or symptoms are due to the prior condition—not work
- Arguing that your injury was not caused by a specific incident
- Suggesting that your condition would have worsened naturally over time
- Requesting that you return to work before you are medically ready
- Sending you to an independent medical examination intended to minimize your injury
These disputes can delay your treatment and benefits, which is why it is important to speak with a workers’ compensation attorney early in the process.
Why Reporting the Injury Immediately Is Critical
If you aggravate a pre-existing injury at work, you must notify your employer as soon as possible. In Georgia, you have 30 days to report a workplace injury, but waiting even a few days can allow the insurance company to argue that something outside of work caused your worsening symptoms.
Make sure to:
- Report the injury to a supervisor in writing.
- Request medical treatment from an authorized physician.
- Describe clearly how work activity triggered or worsened your condition.
The more detailed your report, the easier it will be to prove your claim.
How a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Can Help
Navigating a workers’ compensation claim involving a pre-existing condition can be complex. An experienced attorney can:
- Ensure your injury is properly documented
- Help you choose the right authorized treating physician
- Work to prevent the insurance company from denying or minimizing your benefits
- Represent you in hearings if your claim is disputed
At Hollington Brown LLP, we understand how insurance companies approach these cases—and we know how to fight back. Our firm has decades of experience representing injured workers across Augusta and throughout Georgia, including those with pre-existing medical issues.
Get the Help You Need Today
A pre-existing condition should not prevent you from receiving workers’ compensation benefits if your job made your condition worse. If you were hurt at work and are dealing with an aggravated injury, the earlier you seek legal guidance, the better your chances of securing full benefits.
Contact Hollington Brown LLP today for a free consultation. We are here to help you protect your rights and get the medical care and income support you need to move forward.
