When filing a personal injury claim, it’s essential to disclose any pre-existing conditions that may have contributed to your injuries. Failing to do so can lead to your claim being denied or reduced. Insurance companies often use pre-existing conditions as a reason to dispute claims, arguing that the condition, rather than the accident, caused the injury.
If you’re considering filing a personal injury claim, it’s crucial to understand how pre-existing conditions may impact your case. In such situations, it is advisable to hire a personal injury attorney who can guide you through the process and ensure that your rights are protected.
In this article, we’ll explore a list of pre-existing conditions that may meddle with a personal injury claim. We will also delve into the impact of pre-existing medical conditions on personal injury claims and what you can do to protect your rights.
What Are Pre-Existing Conditions?
Pre-existing conditions are medical conditions that existed before the accident or injury. These conditions can be physical or mental and may have been diagnosed or treated before the accident.
How Do Pre-existing Conditions Impact a Personal Injury Claim?
Pre-existing conditions can impact personal injury claims by reducing compensation, denial, or prompting closer evaluation. Insurance companies may argue that the condition contributed to the injury, scrutinizing claims for evidence to support this argument and potentially minimizing or dismissing the claim altogether.
List of Pre-Existing Conditions That May Meddle with a Personal Injury Claim
- Some pre-existing conditions that may impact a personal injury claim include:
- Conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or psoriatic arthritis.
- Previous back injuries, surgeries, or conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or scoliosis.
- Conditions like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, or neuropathic pain.
- Pre-existing mental health conditions that may be exacerbated by the accident.
- Conditions like type 1 or 2 diabetes can affect circulation, nerve function, and wound healing.
- Pre-existing heart conditions like high blood pressure, heart failure, or coronary artery disease.
- Previous neck injuries, surgeries, or conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis.
- Conditions related to obesity, such as sleep apnea, joint problems, or metabolic disorders.
- Conditions like insomnia, or restless leg syndrome.
- Previous traumatic brain injuries or conditions like concussions, PTSD, or cognitive impairments.
- Pre-existing cancer diagnoses or treatments that may impact the injury or recovery.
- Conditions like asthma, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or pulmonary fibrosis.
- Conditions like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or epilepsy.
What to Do If You Have a Pre-Existing Condition
If you have a pre-existing condition and are considering filing a personal injury claim, here are some steps you can take:
- Be honest and disclose your pre-existing condition to your attorney and the insurance company.
- Collect all relevant medical records, including diagnoses, treatments, and test results.
- Hire a personal injury attorney who has experience handling cases with pre-existing conditions.
Final Words
Pre-existing conditions can impact a personal injury claim, but they don’t have to derail your case. By disclosing your condition, gathering medical records, seeking medical attention, and working with an attorney, you can protect your rights and receive the compensation you deserve. Remember, insurance companies are looking for ways to reduce or deny claims, so it’s essential to be proactive and prepared.
