Common Conditions in Washington DC Workers’ Compensation Cases

A number of common conditions could lead to a valid workers’ compensation claim in Washington DC. If the insurance company approves your claim, you could receive a percentage of your weekly pay in a matter of days. However, not every claim will be approved.

If the carrier denies your claim, you have the right to a formal hearing. You are also entitled to legal counsel throughout the process. To discuss your rights with a workers’ comp attorney, schedule your initial consultation today.

Examples of Common Conditions

There are many conditions that could result in a viable workers’ compensation claim in the District. These injuries may be caused by physical trauma, such as a fall or a blow by a falling object, or repetitive stress. Some common conditions often covered by workers’ compensation claims include:

  • Brain injuries
  • Neck injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Strokes
  • Hernias
  • Damaged Cartilage
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

This list is non-exhaustive, and there are a variety of other conditions that could be eligible for compensation. A nearby attorney could evaluate a specific workers’ comp case to determine the likelihood of a claim approval in D.C.

Conditions That May Not Be Covered

Not every injury to an employee will result in a workers’ compensation claim. Some injuries that occur at a place of business are not covered, while other injuries that happen away from the office could result in a compensation claim.

Claim approval depends on if the employee was acting within the scope of their employment at the time of the injury. A worker involved in horseplay on the clock might not receive compensation despite being at their workplace. Alternatively, an employee making a delivery away from the office would be acting within the scope of their employment and may be covered for any injuries that occur during that time. A competent workers’ compensation attorney could review an injured worker’s claim and provide guidance on whether their injuries are covered.

Pre-Existing Conditions

Claims involving pre-existing injuries can be more complicated. If a workplace accident aggravates an old injury or condition, the insurance carrier could deny the claim. They may argue that the pre-existing condition never fully healed and therefore did not occur while on the job. Workers’ compensation claims are only intended to cover injuries that happen within the duration of employment.

A knowledgeable attorney could defend the linkage between a job-related accident and the aggravation of a pre-existing injury against insurance carriers looking to avoid coverage. If the insurance company denies a workers’ comp claim on the grounds that the condition pre-dated the workplace accident, a D.C. attorney could advise and advocate for the injured employee in a formal hearing.

Although claims for pre-existing conditions are less likely to receive full compensation, workers’ compensation lawyers understand the evasion tactics of insurance providers and can aggressively counter their arguments to defend employees’ rights. Professional legal guidance could help minimize the financial and emotional burden of work-aggravated conditions.

A Washington D.C. Attorney Could Seek Workers’ Compensation for a Variety of Common Conditions

Although many types of conditions are potentially viable for workers’ compensation claims in Washington DC, there is no guarantee that any injury will lead to benefits. The strength of a claim will depend on the severity of the injury, the context of the accident, and any mitigating factors such as pre-existing conditions.

Our experienced attorneys understand the breadth of employment-related injuries and could help you understand how D.C. workers’ compensation laws apply to your specific circumstances. If you believe you have a medical condition related to a workplace injury or illness, contact an attorney today for a case evaluation.