A common concern injured workers in Massachusetts have is whether a prior injury or pre-existing medical condition will prevent them from collecting workers’ compensation benefits after they’ve been hurt at work. The short answer is No. If you have been hurt on the job and have a pre-existing condition, you are not automatically disqualified from benefits in Massachusetts.
Under Massachusetts law, a pre-existing injury or condition does not automatically bar an injured worker from receiving workers’ compensation benefits. Many workers — without even knowing it — have underlying conditions such as arthritis, degenerative disc disease, or old injuries that are made worse by a workplace accident. The law recognizes this reality.
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 152, Section 1(7A) specifically addresses this situation. Under that provision, if a work injury combines with a pre-existing condition to cause or prolong disability or a need for treatment, the resulting condition is still compensable — provided the work injury is a major, but not necessarily the predominant, cause of the employee’s disability or need for treatment. In plain terms, the work accident does not need to be the primary cause of your condition, but it must be a significant contributing factor.
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Key Takeaway: Under Section 1(7A), your work injury must be a “major” — not necessarily the predominant — cause of your disability or need for treatment. You do not need to have been in perfect health before your accident to qualify for workers’ comp benefits in Massachusetts. |
Workers’ Comp Claim Denied? You Have Rights & Options
If your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company denies your claim on the basis of a pre-existing condition, do not assume the denial is the final word. You have the right to file an Employee’s Claim for Benefits with the Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents. If you find yourself in this situation, contact experienced Massachusetts Workers’ Comp Attorney Chuck Pappas by calling (508) 879-3500 or fill out the contact form for a free case evaluation.
A work accident isn't something most think about often until it happens to them. This is why injured workers typically have many questions and concerns after being seriously injured on the job. If you were hurt at work, you should have a good understanding of the workers’ compensation process and benefits available in Massachusetts. Experienced workers’ compensation lawyer, Chuck Pappas is here to help you during this difficult time.