When people think of workplace injuries, they generally think of severe, debilitating injuries that happen as a result of a catastrophic accident. Yet, other types of injuries may not be as immediately obvious, but can still leave workers disabled and in pain. Consequential injuries or conditions are not apparent right away. They develop or worsen over time and can keep the injured employee from working for days, months, or even years.
Consequential Injuries and Conditions Impacting Today’s Workers
Consequential injuries can be both physical and emotional, and are always the result of an initial Workers’ Compensation injury. Examples of workers with consequential injuries include:
- A worker who becomes depressed after being injured on the job and is unable to return to work
- A worker who suffers a laceration on the construction site and became infected in the weeks after the accident, requiring additional medical care and recovery time
- A worker with a muscle sprain or strain that developed over time after a single job-related accident
Workers’ Compensation Benefits
If it is proven that a worker suffered a consequential condition or injury, they are eligible to receive the same Workers’ Compensation benefits they received for the initial injury. To prove the consequential injury occurred, the worker must provide specific medical documentation called PFME, which verifies the connection of causation between the initial injury and the resulting consequential injury or condition, which presented itself over time. The PFME must contain medical evidence to support how the injury occurred, a diagnosis for the injury, and a clinical opinion supporting the assertion that the injured worker’s injuries were directly related to their job.
Reporting Consequential Injuries
Like any workplace injury or illness, it is essential that injured workers report consequential injuries to their employer immediately. Because employers are more likely to dispute or deny Workers’ Compensation claims for these types of delayed onset injuries and conditions, it is always smart to seek the assistance of a skilled Cherry Hill Workers’ Compensation lawyer to advocate for you during this complex claim process.
Cherry Hill Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Pietras Saracino Smith & Meeks, LLP Recover Benefits for Workers with Consequential Injuries
If you are dealing with an injury or condition that is the direct result of a prior work injury, you may be entitled to benefits for ongoing medical care and lost wages. Cherry Hill Workers’ Compensation lawyers at Pietras Saracino Smith & Meeks, LLP understand the unique challenges that come with complex work injury claims. We do the work to prove causation for consequential injuries so you can receive the benefits you need to financially support you and your loved ones. For a free consultation, call us at 856-761-3773 or contact us online . Located in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, we represent clients throughout South Jersey, including the City of Camden.
