Long-term Impact of Workplace Injuries
August 4, 2017
When an employee suffers from an injury at work, in most cases, that employee is eligible for Workers’ Compensation through their employee. Workers’ Compensation benefits cover lost wages, medical bills, physical therapy, and other costs related to the injury. However, when the injury has long-term effects, they are not always recognized as linked to the original injury. This can create significant financial and emotional problems for the employee.
A postdoctoral fellow from York University discussed this issue in an article entitled, “Diagnosed Chronic Health Conditions Among Injured Workers with Permanent Impairments and the General Population.” The article found that injured workers are more likely to suffer from conditions, such as high blood pressure, ulcers, arthritis, stomach issues, and depression as they get older. Most likely, these conditions are related to the initial injury, but the Workers’ Compensation claims department does not always consider the condition to be related. It can be very difficult managing these chronic conditions, especially when the cost to treat them is not covered by the employee’s Workers’ Compensation plan.
In many cases, the injured employee may not realize that the health issue they are experiencing is directly or indirectly related to their original workplace injury. It is common for workers to assume that a condition like high blood pressure or arthritis is simply part of the aging process. It may not occur to him or her that the health problem is linked to a past work injury.
Patient Testimonial
After losing his left arm in a workplace accident almost 40 years ago, a worker began to experience problems on the right side of his body. His doctor told him that it was related to the loss of his left arm. However, when he applied for Workers’ Compensation benefits, his claim was denied because they did not believe that the injuries were related, even though the employee provided medical records and documentation from several healthcare professionals. Committed to maintaining his health as much as possible, he attended regular physical therapy sessions and remained active despite losing his arm. He refused to give up. Ultimately, it took the employee 10 years to convince the Workers’ Compensation company to approve the claim.
It is important for injured workers to know that they are not alone. A medical professional can help determine whether a chronic health condition that you are suffering from now is related to a workplace injury that took place weeks, month, or even years ago. A qualified Workers’ Compensation lawyer can ensure that your legal rights are protected throughout the claims process.
Baltimore Workers Compensation Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Seek Justice for Injured Workers
If you or a loved one is suffering from a health condition that you believe is directly related to a previous workplace injury, do not hesitate to contact the Baltimore Workers’ Compensation lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. We are committed to protecting the rights of all injured workers and we will not stop fighting for you until we have secured the maximum financial compensation you deserve. We will address all of your questions and concerns throughout the claims process. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 844-556-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
