Rick’s Back Injury at Work Aggravated a Preexisting Condition — And He Still Won His Workers’ Comp Case
Rick, a 60-year-old delivery driver in Washington, D.C., dedicated his life to hard physical work—lifting heavy equipment, navigating tight schedules, and ensuring timely deliveries. Over the years, the wear and tear on his body accumulated silently. He had no idea he was living with a degenerative spinal condition because he had never experienced any symptoms.
That changed one day when Rick attempted to lift a heavy piece of equipment. Suddenly, his back gave out. The pain was immediate and intense. He sought medical attention, and imaging revealed a degenerative condition in his spine. Despite the diagnosis, Rick had been symptom-free and fully functional until that specific work incident.
When Rick filed his workers’ compensation claim, the insurance adjusters were quick to point fingers at his preexisting condition, arguing that his injury wasn’t work-related. They attempted to minimize his claim, suggesting that his back issues were due to natural aging and not his job duties.
But here’s the truth: Rick’s job duties directly aggravated his underlying condition, transforming it from asymptomatic to debilitating. Under D.C. workers’ compensation law, if a work-related incident exacerbates a preexisting condition, the injury is considered work-related, and the employee is entitled to benefits.
We collaborated closely with Rick’s treating physician, who confirmed that the work incident was the tipping point that made the condition symptomatic. We gathered comprehensive medical evidence and presented a compelling case that Rick’s injury was indeed work-related.
The result? Rick received a substantial settlement that covered his medical expenses and compensated for his inability to return to his physically demanding job. This financial support provided him with the stability he needed during a challenging time.
If you’ve been injured at work and have a preexisting condition, don’t let insurance adjusters dismiss your claim. It’s crucial to understand that an aggravation of a preexisting condition due to work activities is compensable under workers’ compensation laws.
Protect your rights and your future. Contact Donahoe Kearney today at 202-393-3320 to discuss your case.