What are aggravation claims in the context of workers' compensation?

Aggravation claims refer specifically to situations where a pre-existing condition is exacerbated or made worse due to a work-related injury or activity. In the context of workers' compensation, these claims allow workers to seek compensation for the negative impact on their health and capacity to work that stems from their job, especially when an already existing medical issue becomes more severe because of work-related circumstances.

Recognizing aggravation claims is important because workers with pre-existing conditions may not have been significantly impaired prior to their employment, and the aggravation of such conditions can lead to greater medical expenses and lost wages. This component of workers' compensation acknowledges that work environments can affect individuals differently, including those with existing medical issues, thus ensuring they receive fair treatment under the system.

In contrast, new injury claims arise from a completely different incident unrelated to prior conditions, lost wages claims focus solely on income during recovery rather than medical conditions, and emotional distress claims deal with psychological impacts rather than physical ailments and their amplification.