Compensable Consequence Injuries in Workers' Compensation
by Juan Flores
Getting hurt at work can change your life in an instant. What many injured workers do not realize, however, is that the impact of a work injury does not always stop with the first diagnosis. Sometimes, the original injury leads to additional medical problems down the road. In workers’ compensation law, these are known as compensable consequence injuries—and they can make a big difference in the benefits you receive.
What Are Compensable Consequence Injuries?
A compensable consequence injury happens when your initial work injury causes a new or secondary injury. For example, if you injured your lower back on the job and that injury causes numbness in your legs, you could lose your balance, fall, and injure your ribs or wrists. Even though those injuries did not happen in the original accident, they are still considered part of your workers’ compensation claim because they were caused by the first injury.
Why This Matters for You
If your secondary injuries are accepted as compensable, you may be entitled to:
More Benefits While You Heal – If the new injury prevents you from working, you could receive additional temporary disability payments.
A Higher Permanent Disability Rating – Secondary injuries can increase your overall level of disability, which may mean more compensation for you in the long term.
Medical Treatment Coverage – You do not have to pay out of pocket for care related to these additional injuries. Workers’ compensation should cover treatment for every body part that’s connected to your original injury.
These benefits can make a huge difference in your recovery, your financial stability, and your peace of mind.
The Challenge: Insurance Companies Don’t Always Agree
Unfortunately, insurance companies do not always make it easy. They may argue that your new injuries are unrelated, or that they happened outside of work. Without the right evidence and advocacy, you could end up losing the benefits you deserve.
That’s why it is so important to have an experienced workers’ compensation attorney on your side. A lawyer can help gather the medical proof, present your case, and fight back when the insurance company tries to deny responsibility.
We’re Here to Help
At Arns Davis, we understand how overwhelming a work injury can be—especially when it leads to additional medical problems. You shouldn’t have to fight this battle alone or worry about how to pay for the treatment you need. Our team has years of experience helping injured workers secure full benefits, including compensation for compensable consequence injuries.
If you have suffered complications or new injuries after your initial work accident, do not wait to get legal guidance. Call us today for a free consultation. We will listen to your story, explain your options, and fight to make sure you get the benefits you’re entitled to.