Aggravation vs Exacerbation of a Pre-existing Injury
In the world of personal injury law, it is essential to distinguish between exacerbation and aggravation. Though they sound similar, these terms have very different meanings. Exacerbation temporarily worsens symptoms, while aggravation is a permanent escalation of your pre-existing condition.
Understanding the differences can help you better comprehend how they impact a worker’s compensation or personal injury claim. So, what exactly is the difference between exacerbation and aggravation? Let’s take a closer look.
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What does “exacerbation” mean?
ex·ac·er·ba·tion (ĭg-zăs′ər-bā′shən)
Doctors use the term “exacerbation” when discussing a temporary flare-up of a pre-existing medical condition. Generally, this is some form of arthritis.
When a doctor states that you “have an exacerbation of pre-existing degenerative disc disease,” it just means that your arthritis has flared up. The real question, however, is, “When will this exacerbation subside?”
In general, an exacerbation is a condition expected to resolve within two to eight weeks, depending on the level of worsening and extent of the pre-existing condition.
What is the aggravation of a pre-existing condition?
ag·gra·va·tion (a-grə-ˈvā-shən)
An aggravation injury is another level beyond exacerbation when we talk about the worsening of pre-existing arthritis. In most doctors’ minds, aggravation occurs when you have escalated a pre-existing condition.
This does not mean the injury pathologically changed the diagnosis and location of arthritis; it just increased the severity. When an injured person has had multiple types of treatment and weeks of therapy, and the result is that they are no better off six weeks later than they were at the time of the injury, doctors will tend to use an “aggravation” diagnosis.
What is an exacerbated injury?
Exacerbating a pre-existing medical condition entails a short-term escalation of the injury. For example, physical states that can worsen temporarily in a motor vehicle accident could include:
- Osteoporosis
- Bone Spurs
- Arthritis
- Degenerative bone conditions
The impact of this type of accident could trigger a temporary worsening of symptoms of a medical ailment that was already affecting your health.
What is an aggravation injury?
Aggravating a pre-existing injury is a step above exacerbation. In the case of aggravation, the definition of your disorder has not altered. It is simply that the severity of your underlying condition has increased to the extent that it is permanently worsened.
It is expected that, at first, your condition will not be diagnosed as aggravated. It usually takes some time before aggravation can be determined. Your new injury would need to stabilise before a long-term diagnosis could be made.
Difference Between Exacerbation and Aggravation
Aggravation and exacerbation describe situations in which a new injury worsens an existing medical condition. An exacerbated injury is previous damage that worsens due to a new physical impact but eventually returns to its original state. An aggravated injury is when further damage forever escalates the existing medical condition.
How Exacerbation and Aggravation Impact Work-Related Injury Claims
There is a significant difference between exacerbations and aggravated injuries for workers’ compensation and personal injury claims.
When a work-related incident exacerbates a pre-existing condition, this is known as exacerbation. For example, if you have arthritis and fall and injure your knee, the worker’s compensation insurer (WorkCover) will cover the treatment for your knee injury. However, they will not cover the therapy for your arthritis because that was a pre-existing condition.
Aggravation, on the other hand, is when you are injured, making a previous injury worse. For example, if you hurt your back at work, and then aggravated that injury by lifting something heavy, workers’ compensation will cover both the original injury and the aggravation injury.
You must demonstrate that work-related activity caused your damage to claim workers’ compensation benefits. If you have a pre-existing injury, be sure to tell your doctor so that they can document it in your medical records.
More about workers comp and pre-existing injuries >
What If I Already Had a Workers’ Compensation Claim for the Pre-existing Injury?
If you already have a workers’ compensation claim for your pre-existing injury, you must decide whether to make a new claim or seek additional benefits under the existing claim. Here are some factors to consider:
Considerations for a new claim
When you file a new WorkCover claim, you have new benefits like:
- Weekly payments
- Medical expenses
- Permanent impairment assessment
In other words, even if you got the highest number of weekly payments from your first claim, the new claim means you are entitled to a new set of weekly payments.
Considerations for an existing claim
It may be harder to get additional benefits from an existing WorkCover claim, depending on when you filed your initial claim. For example, in Queensland, the maximum period for weekly payments is five years, and there is also a maximum amount of payables benefits. So, how much do you have left from your initial claim?
Workers Comp Legal Advice for Exacerbated and Aggravated Injuries
Our workers’ compensation lawyers provide legal advice for workplace injury claims on a 100% no-win, no-fee basis. They will explain your rights and the medical evidence required to access workers’ compensation benefits.
Additionally, our preferred medical treatment professionals understand the medical terminology for exacerbated and aggravated injuries, particularly work-related ones. They will ensure an accurate diagnosis accompanies your WorkCover claim.
Splatt Lawyer’s legal team offers a free first consultation for workers injured by employer negligence. Call 1800 700 125
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Difference Between Exacerbation and An Aggravated Injury FAQs
What is the medical term for aggravation?
Exacerbation and aggravation are words for when a new injury or condition worsens a pre-existing condition. An aggravated injury will likely be long-term and more difficult to treat, severely impacting employment capacity.
What are aggravated damages in personal injury cases?
When a defendant acts in a way that worsens the claimant’s distress, they can be awarded additional compensation, called aggravated damages.
What is the medical meaning of aggravation?
Simply put, it is a definable event that makes an existing condition worse.
How long does it take to recover from an exacerbation?
Depending on the type of exacerbation and its severity, it can take a few days or weeks to recover.