Pre-Existing Conditions in a Workers’ Compensation Claim

Pennsylvania workers’ compensation laws exist to protect employees with work-related injuries. But what if your injury is connected to a pre-existing injury or condition?

While your employer or their insurance company may suggest you aren’t eligible for workers’ compensation, that is not the case. You have rights under Pennsylvania and federal law.

If you have questions about your eligibility or need help fighting for the compensation you deserve, schedule a free consultation with a workers’ compensation attorney at Munley Law. We can help you understand your legal options and will fight for your rights.

Understanding Pre-Existing Conditions in Workers’ Comp Cases

For workers’ compensation purposes, a pre-existing condition is any prior medical condition that an employee has experienced before beginning work with your organization.

Common pre-existing conditions of  injured workers include:

• Back and spine injuries
• Arthritis and joint problems
• Knee injuries
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Heart conditions
• Asthma and respiratory issues
• Mental health conditions
• Genetic predispositions

For workers’ […]

What to Do While on Workers’ Compensation in Pennsylvania

Receiving workers’ comp benefits in Pennsylvania limits an injured worker’s activities. If your workers’ comp claim is in progress or has been approved, you may have questions about what you can and can’t do while receiving entitlements. Your claim benefits can be reduced or revoked if the insurance company or your employer can show that you don’t require them.

Workers’ compensation rules can feel overwhelming. Medical treatment, returning to work, and even personal activities can impact your recovery and entitlements. Physical recovery should always be your first priority. When you are focused on that and following your doctor’s orders, your workers’ compensation claim process should proceed more smoothly.

Unfortunately, your employer or insurance company paying for your entitlements will watch for any opportunity to revoke or reduce your compensation payments. For this reason, having an experienced Pennsylvania workers’ […]

6 High-Risk Jobs With Hidden Dangers

While injuries can happen to anyone, some jobs are far more dangerous than others. Employers are responsible for ensuring a safe workplace and offering fair compensation if something goes wrong. In many states, workers’ compensation laws allow employees to receive financial support for job-related injuries without having to prove that their employers were negligent, including coverage for medical expenses and lost income. Here, we take a look at six high-risk jobs with unexpected hazards.

Lesser-Known But Life-Threatening Occupations

Some jobs come with risks that aren’t immediately obvious, yet they carry life-threatening hazards. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 5,486 total fatal work-related injuries across all sectors in 2022. Roadway incidents were the leading cause, with 1,369 fatalities — and other causes included falls, slips, trips, and homicides.

OSHA violations in these fields often involve inadequate safety protocols and poor hazard management. […]

Workplace Injuries During 12-Hour Shifts

Extended 12-hour shifts in various industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, and emergency services, pose significant injury risks due to physical and mental strain. These workers often experience fatigue, poor decision-making, and increased accidents. Healthcare workers often lift patients and operate heavy equipment, putting them at risk for back and musculoskeletal injuries.

Manufacturing workers face heavy machinery and high-risk environments, leading to burns and severe cuts. Emergency services personnel face high-stress situations, causing physical and emotional strain. And transportation workers face constant driving hours, increasing the risk of accidents. Understanding these risks helps implement preventative measures and ensure legal support for workplace injuries.

Common Industries with 12-Hour Shifts and Injury Risks

Industries that require 12-hour shifts are some of the most physically and mentally demanding environments, where the risk of injury is ever-present. In healthcare settings, doctors and nurses work tirelessly around the clock, […]

What Is an Aggravation of a Preexisting Condition or Injury?

You may be eligible for compensation if you were injured on the job or in an accident resulting from the negligence of another party. You can seek compensation by filing an insurance claim or lawsuit.

However, your case may be uniquely complex if you have a preexisting condition. Along with compensation for any new injuries you may have sustained, you may also deserve compensation for the aggravation of a preexisting condition. Proving you deserve this compensation could be challenging, though.

Understanding Aggravation of a Preexisting Condition

What is an aggravation of a preexisting condition or injury? In a legal context, aggravation of a preexisting condition means that the condition was made permanently worse. This differs from exacerbation. When someone sustains an exacerbated injury, their previous injury temporarily worsens. However, said preexisting injury is likely to return to its previous state over time. […]