Many hardworking individuals who are injured on the job or who aggravate a preexisting injury at work do not realize that they can still file a workers’ compensation claim. Our workers’ compensation attorneys at Hedberg & Boulton, P.C., in Des Moines understand the workers’ compensation laws in Iowa and can help you file a claim to recover benefits, even if you have a preexisting injury.
Under the existing workers’ compensation laws, if work activities cause your existing medical condition to accelerate or become aggravated, you can qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. For example, if playing sports in high school led to a lower back injury, and a decade later that injury worsens because of work duties such as lifting, you have a valid claim for workers’ compensation benefits.
A company doctor may tell you that the previous injury many years ago disqualifies you for benefits. In truth, your employer may be trying to avoid paying you and may even tell you that you need to continue working in order to get paid even though that could cause further injuries.
We use our multiple generations of combined experience to create cases aimed at getting you the benefits you need. We have strong working relationships with highly qualified medical professionals who can provide documentation that illustrates how your preexisting injury has worsened due to work-related activities. We can also help you appeal your claim if it was originally denied.
It is not necessary for work to be the only factor or even the lead factor in the worsening of your condition. If work contributed to the problem, that may be sufficient enough to receive workers’ compensation benefits