Off The Record – Workers’ Comp – Pre-Existing Conditions

Video Transcript

Hi, I’m Bill Turley with the law firm of Turley Redmond & Rosasco. I wanna talk to you today about pre-existing conditions and how it interplays with your workers’ compensation benefits. You know, clients often will bring up this issue. They’ll say, “Well, you know, I did have an injury on the job. I lifted a heavy box and I hurt my back. But, you know, I also had a car accident, it was like five or six years ago, and I hurt my back then and I was under treatment, but I settled the case. Is that gonna make a difference?”

And the answer to that question is yes. You do have to reveal any pre-existing injuries or illnesses for any body parts that you’re claiming. So there’s a specific question that is asked on the C-3 claim form where they ask you if you ever had a similar injury or illness to that body part. And you are required to answer that truthfully. And you also need to tell them what kind of treatment you had for that injury and the name of the doctor who treated you.

And when I say them, I mean the workers’ compensation board and the insurance carrier. If you don’t answer truthfully to something like that, it could lead to problems down the road. And that’s something that you don’t want to do. It’s best to just be honest and forthcoming about your pre-existing injuries or illnesses because, the truth be told, the insurance company can find out this information anyway. But it is always good to be, you know, forthright and honest about your pre-existing injuries or illnesses to avoid problems. If you have any other questions about workers’ compensation, Social Security disability law, or veterans’ benefits, please give us a call at 631-582-3700. Or you can visit us on the web at www.nydisabilitylaw.com. This is Bill Turley and have a great day.