Pre-Existing Conditions and Compensation.
Car accidents can worsen existing injuries and trigger old ones, leaving victims in pain. Many believe this disqualifies them from seeking compensation, but if you didn’t cause the accident, you can still pursue damages for your suffering, regardless of pre-existing conditions.
Understanding Pre-Existing Conditions and Compensation
Your medical history doesn’t disqualify you from accident compensation, but it can complicate the process. Pre-existing injuries are often used by insurance companies to reduce or deny compensation. They may argue that your prior condition made you more vulnerable to injury, that your health is unchanged, or that your new symptoms result from your original injury, not the recent accident. This underscores the importance of having a legal expert by your side.
Victims should not face an uphill battle to obtain what they’re entitled to after an accident worsens their condition. If an insurance company isn’t offering fair compensation, reach out to Galbreath Law Firm for legal assistance.
Defining Pre-Existing Conditions
A pre-existing condition refers to injuries suffered before the date of the accident for which you’re filing a claim. It’s a misconception that only chronic or long-term injuries can affect your payout; any prior injury can impact your compensation, regardless of severity, recovery status, or when it occurred.
Common Pre-Existing Injuries
Pre-existing injuries vary, but here are some commonly mentioned during the claims process:
- Back injuries
- Head and neck injuries
- Concussions and other brain injuries
- Strained or pulled muscles
- Broken bones
- Arthritis
- Epilepsy
- PTSD
Numerous other conditions fall under this category. If the injury occurred before the current accident, it qualifies as a pre-existing condition and can factor into future insurance negotiations.
Steps to Take if You Have a Pre-Existing Condition
After any accident, prioritize your health. Visit a doctor promptly and inform them of your pre-existing conditions so they can assess for further damage. Ensure their report is accurate and comprehensive before leaving.
If you sustain new injuries or exacerbate an existing condition, file a claim with your insurance provider. They will assess the situation and inform you of compensation or denial. Do not sign an agreement until you’ve reviewed it thoroughly.
If there are issues, consult an experienced attorney to address mistakes or disputes about proper damages. Your legal representation is crucial in navigating these complexities.
Seek Legal Support with Galbreath Law Firm
Pre-existing conditions shouldn’t disqualify victims from seeking rightful compensation. With a firm like Galbreath, you have a partner in advocating for your rights and proper compensation.
Our team is ready to assist you. Give us a call at (325) 437-7000.