Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to be in perfect health prior to a work-related injury or illness to be protected under the workers’ compensation system in Florida. You may still be entitled to benefits even if you have a pre-existing medical condition.
A prior back injury, joint degeneration or a history of chronic pain does not automatically shut the door on a claim. Here’s more on this.
Florida’s legal standard
Florida workers’ compensation law sets a relatively strict standard when it comes to linking a workplace accident to a compensable injury. To qualify for benefits, the work-related incident must be the major contributing cause of your injury or need for treatment.
In practical terms, it means that the workplace incident must account for more than 50% of your new condition when weighed against all other contributing factors combined, including any pre-existing conditions or prior injuries.
The crucial role of medical evidence
Proving that the workplace incident is the dominant cause of your current medical condition or treatment needs requires objective, relevant medical findings. Your claim cannot be based on pain or other subjective claims alone.
This is where your medical records come in. Diagnostic imaging like MRIs or X-rays, physical examination results and documented clinical observations over time can help show a clear change in your condition following the work-related event.
Your doctor’s opinion is also crucial. It should explain, to a reasonable degree of medical certainty, how the workplace incident materially worsened or altered your baseline condition beyond what would be expected from its natural progression.
Don’t face this alone
While your workers’ compensation claim cannot be denied solely due to a pre-existing condition, you may run into complications when an insurer is determined to use your medical history against you.
Having experienced legal guidance to help frame medical evidence, address causation issues and counter disputed interpretations of your records can improve your position and help you pursue the benefits you deserve.
