If an Old Injury Gets Worse Due to Work

If you have injured a part of your body for which you received past medical treatment, therapy, or even surgery, you are still entitled to compensation if your work has made this past condition worse. We have represented many injured workers who have suffered multiple low back injuries over the years. For example, if you injured your back 2 years ago, had surgery, and returned to work, only to re-injure the same part of your back, you are entitled to compensation. In a similar way, if you have developed arthritis in your knees over many years, and receive regular treatment for that condition, you are still entitled to compensation if you sustain a new injury due to your work. This is true even if your past injury is made worse over time due to your workplace activities. It is common that repetitive bending, twisting, and lifting, will make a bad back much more painful. If this has happened to you, you may be entitled to compensation, no matter what your employer or their insurance company may tell you. Insurance companies will often argue that your activities outside of work are also a cause of your injury. Under Iowa law your work does not even need to be the major factor leading to your injury, as long as it is a factor. If you have had your claim denied because you have a past medical condition, contact the attorneys at Wertz & Dake to assist you in obtaining the compensation to which you are entitled.