When you’ve been injured in an accident, whether it’s a car crash, slip and fall, or workplace incident, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. But what happens if you had a medical condition before the accident occurred? Many people worry that a pre-existing condition will prevent them from filing a personal injury claim or reduce the amount they can recover. The reality is more nuanced.
In California and other states, you can still pursue a personal injury claim even if you have a history of medical issues. However, your pre-existing conditions may affect how your case is evaluated, negotiated, and resolved. Here’s what you need to know:
You Can Still Recover Damages with a Pre-Existing Condition
The law recognizes that people are not always in perfect health before an accident. You might have a prior injury, chronic illness, or degenerative condition, and that doesn’t automatically disqualify you from recovering compensation. In fact, under the “eggshell plaintiff” rule, defendants must take the injured person as they find them. That means if the accident aggravated or worsened a condition you already had, the responsible party may still be liable for the full extent of your injury.
For example, if you had a previous back injury that was stable but then a car accident caused new or intensified back pain, you may be entitled to compensation for the aggravation of that injury.
How Pre-Existing Conditions Can Complicate a Claim
While pre-existing conditions don’t bar recovery, they do make things more complicated. Insurance companies are quick to seize on any prior health issues in an effort to minimize what they owe. They may argue:
- Your injury existed before the accident
- The accident didn’t actually make your condition worse
- Any pain or symptoms you’re experiencing now are unrelated
- You would have suffered the same symptoms regardless of the incident
This often leads to disputes about what damage the accident caused versus what was already present. That’s why detailed documentation and experienced legal guidance are essential.
The Importance of Medical Records and Documentation
One of the most important things you can do if you have a pre-existing condition is to ensure your medical records are clear and up to date. This includes both your treatment history before the accident and the care you’ve received after.
If your prior condition was well managed, and your symptoms or treatment escalated after the accident, this pattern can help demonstrate that the incident caused a significant aggravation. For example, if you hadn’t needed medication or physical therapy before, but now you do, that shift supports your claim.
In some cases, your attorney may recommend working with medical experts who can offer opinions about how the accident impacted your condition. These professionals can distinguish between your baseline health and the new or worsening issues caused by the event.
Full Disclosure Is Key
It’s important to be honest about your health history when speaking with your attorney and medical providers. Trying to hide or downplay a pre-existing condition can backfire if the insurance company later uncovers it, which they often do through medical records or background checks. Full transparency allows your attorney to prepare a strong case and avoid surprises that could harm your credibility.
That said, just because you have a condition in your past doesn’t mean it defines your injury claim. The goal is to show what the accident changed, and to establish a clear “before and after” picture.
How an Attorney Can Help
Handling a personal injury claim with a pre-existing condition requires legal strategy and careful presentation of evidence. An experienced personal injury lawyer will:
- Review your medical history to identify relevant issues
- Work with experts to demonstrate how your condition was aggravated
- Push back against insurance adjusters who try to undervalue your claim
- Present your case in a way that focuses on what the accident changed
- Help you gather the right documentation, including medical reports, treatment records, and expert opinions
They’ll also make sure that your claim accounts for all damages, including pain and suffering, lost wages, and long-term medical costs that may be linked to the aggravation of your prior condition.
Common Pre-Existing Conditions That Could Influence Your Personal Injury Claim
When you file a personal injury claim, one of the first things insurance adjusters and defense attorneys look at is your medical history. If you have a pre-existing condition, they may try to argue that your current symptoms aren’t the result of the accident, but rather a continuation of past health problems. That’s why it’s important to understand which conditions commonly come under scrutiny and how they may influence your claim.
1. Back and Neck Injuries
Chronic back pain, herniated discs, and prior whiplash injuries are some of the most frequently cited pre-existing conditions. If you’ve had any history of neck or spine problems, the other side may argue that your new symptoms are simply a flare-up of an old issue. However, if the accident caused a noticeable increase in pain, reduced mobility, or new treatment needs, you may still be entitled to compensation for the aggravation of your condition.
2. Arthritis and Joint Problems
Degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis or joint injuries from previous accidents can affect how your body responds to a new trauma. A car crash or fall might not cause the arthritis itself, but it could worsen joint inflammation, stiffness, or pain. These changes can be compensable if clearly linked to the incident.
3. Previous Surgeries or Injuries
If you’ve had surgery—for example, a knee replacement, spinal fusion, or shoulder repair—that area of the body may be more vulnerable to reinjury. Accidents that compromise a previously healed area can lead to longer recovery times or new complications, making it important to document what’s changed since the new incident.
4. Mental Health Conditions
Depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other psychological conditions can be impacted by trauma. While these conditions are often more difficult to quantify, an accident may intensify symptoms or trigger new episodes. If emotional distress is part of your claim, your mental health history will likely be reviewed closely.
5. Chronic Illnesses
Conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or autoimmune disorders may not be directly related to your injury, but they can affect how your body heals or responds to treatment. Insurance companies may try to use these conditions to downplay the severity of your injuries or argue that complications were inevitable.
Why Documentation Matters
Having a pre-existing condition doesn’t mean you can’t recover damages. However, it does mean that detailed medical records, a clear timeline, and expert opinions may be needed to prove how the accident made things worse. A skilled personal injury attorney can help you navigate this complexity and ensure your injuries are properly valued.
If you’re dealing with a new injury layered on top of a past condition, contact our office to find out how we can help you build a strong, evidence-based claim.
Final Thoughts
A pre-existing condition doesn’t prevent you from seeking fair compensation—it just adds a layer of complexity. If you’ve been injured and have a medical history, don’t assume that you’re out of options. With the right legal help and thorough documentation, you can still build a strong case that reflects the full impact of your injury.
If you have questions about how your health history may affect your personal injury case, contact our office for a free consultation. We’re here to help you understand your rights and protect your recovery when you’re worried about the impact of pre-existing conditions.
