Shreveport Injury Lawyer > Blog > Auto Accident > Impact of Pre-existing Conditions on Personal Injury Claims

Impact of Pre-existing Conditions on Personal Injury Claims

If you were in a car accident and were already coping with a pre-existing condition, you may wonder how that prior injury will impact your claim. When you speak with a Shreveport auto accident lawyer following a Louisiana car crash, they can let you know what compensation options are available to you, whether you had an injury before the event happened or not.

It is important to be honest about your health, with your lawyer and your healthcare provider. When people lie about injuries, it can lead to poor outcomes when their omissions or outright fibs are discovered.

Accidents Can Aggravate Pre-Existing Conditions

If you have aggravated a pre-existing condition, you are entitled to recover medical costs and pain and suffering for the aggravation. The law is clear when an injury causes an aggravation to a pre-existing condition the victim is entitled to recover for the full extent of the harm. Some attorneys refer to this as the “eggshell doctrine” or you take the victim as you find them. After a wreck an injured party is able to recover for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.

If your pre-existing condition was accelerated in the wake of a Louisiana crash, it is important to talk about your symptoms with your doctor. When a healthcare professional knows the details, a treatment plan can be put in place. Then, share your story and situation with an experienced attorney. Some of the existing health issues that could be aggravated in a wreck include the following.

Back issues and degenerative disk disease
Previous surgeries
Anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns
Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries
Fractures that were beginning to heal
Heart issues and high blood pressure

Honesty Will Strengthen Your Claim

Be clear and honest when talking over your personal injury claim with a lawyer. With correct knowledge, an attorney can fight for what is fair in your particular circumstance. It is possible for insurance companies to access your medical records. If they notice discrepancies, it could lead to a compromised claim and a denial of compensation. Damage recovery for aggravated pre-existing medical conditions can be complex, but an experienced attorney knows how to negotiate and achieve the maximum settlement amounts.

It is important to remember that insurance adjusters work for insurance companies. Part of their job is paying attention to the company finances. This means the first settlement offer may not be the full amount possible. With a legal professional on your side, a Shreveport auto accident lawyer can assess your claim and determine a fair, full compensation amount. An experienced trial attorney can guide you through the process so you can be confident you are making the right decisions.

Was your pre-existing condition aggravated in a car crash? Talk to the personal injury lawyers at Rice & Kendig. We truly care about our clients and devote all our knowledge, skills and resources toward securing a great result every time. You do not need to navigate complicated negotiations on your own. Together, we can achieve success. Contact us today at 318-222-2772 to schedule your free consultation.

By Rice & Kendig, LLC | Posted on February 19, 2021

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