Do you have an injury that was made worse after a car accident in St. Petersburg, FL? Car accident victims can often seek compensation for financial losses and pain and suffering. Having a pre-existing condition doesn’t necessarily prevent you from recovering compensation after an accident. But it can complicate your case.
The lawyers at Lopez Law Group Accident Injury Attorneys have more than 25 years of combined legal experience. We are well-prepared to handle complex cases involving pre-existing conditions. We’ll stand up to insurance companies who will try to blame all of your injuries on your pre-existing condition and deny you the money you deserve.
We’ve recovered millions of dollars in financial awards for individuals injured in catastrophic accidents in St. Petersburg. We can help you fight for justice. Call (727) 933-0015 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation with one of our car accident lawyers.
How Can Lopez Law Group Accident Injury Attorneys Help Me With a Car Accident Claim in St. Petersburg if I Have a Pre-Existing Condition?
Any automobile accident is traumatic and can cause much anxiety and financial strain. If you have a pre-existing condition, you are already dealing with medical issues and expenses. You deserve to have a top-rated injury lawyer protecting your rights and fighting on your behalf.
When you hire our St. Petersburg car accident lawyers, we’ll:
- Investigate the cause of the crash and identify the injuries specifically caused by the accident
- Protect your prior medical records from unnecessary disclosure to the insurance company
- Gather evidence to support your claim for damages
- Hire medical experts who can help support your case
- Negotiate for a settlement that fairly compensates you for your injuries
- Present your case in court, if necessary
Having a pre-existing condition does not automatically disqualify you from compensation after an accident. But choosing the right attorney can make all the difference. We are dedicated to getting justice for you. We’re ready to get started on your case today. Contact our St. Petersburg, FL law firm for a free case evaluation.
What’s Considered a Pre-Existing Condition?
A pre-existing condition is a medical injury, illness, or condition that predates your car accident. It’s a physical or mental condition that was not caused by the accident.
Some common conditions that are exacerbated by car accidents include:
- Arthritis
- Broken bones
- Herniated discs and other back and neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Cardiovascular disease
- Fibromyalgia
- Strains and sprains
Identifying damage caused by your accident can be challenging when you have a pre-existing condition. But we’ve developed a trusted relationship with a network of respected experts in the Tampa Bay area who will analyze the circumstances of the accident and your medical records. Their opinions carry great weight and will help support your case.
How Does a Pre-Existing Condition Affect the Compensation I Could Receive After a Car Accident in St. Petersburg?
It really shouldn’t affect the money you can get for damages caused by your accident. It wouldn’t be fair to withhold compensation for injuries sustained in a car accident simply because you suffer from a previous injury or illness. Some studies indicate that about 27% of non-elderly adults have a pre-existing condition.
The reality is that a pre-existing condition can make your claim more complicated – but our experience, knowledge, and resources can benefit you and put you in the best position to get the maximum amount of compensation available.
You Can Seek Compensation Only for Injuries Related to the Accident
You may have pre-existing conditions that weren’t affected by the accident. You can’t receive compensation for those.
But you can seek compensation if your medical condition or injury was aggravated by the crash. To win your case, you’ll have to separate the injuries caused or made worse by the accident from your medical condition before the accident.
Insurance Companies Will Fight Harder
To limit their liability, insurance companies will try to link all of your current injuries to your prior condition. They may ask for more medical records than they’re entitled to. A skilled personal injury attorney will know how to handle the insurance company’s tactics.
The Defendant “Takes You As You Are”
The law is on your side. A doctrine called the “Eggshell Skull” (or “Eggshell Plaintiff”) rule preserves your right to recover the full amount of compensation for injuries caused by someone’s negligence – regardless of your health condition(s) before the accident. The defendant must take you as you are, no matter your physical condition before the crash or if you’re more susceptible to injury than other people.
Under the Eggshell Plaintiff rule in Florida, you (or your survivors) can recover compensation even if you had a pre-existing condition if the crash:
- Aggravated a prior injury
- Accelerated your death or disability
- Re-activated a prior illness or condition
The Eggshell Plaintiff rule applies to physical and emotional or mental conditions. If you had anxiety, PTSD, or depression prior to the crash but now suffer to a greater degree, you could receive compensation to the extent the accident worsened those conditions.
Get Help From Our St. Petersburg Car Accident Lawyers if You Have a Pre-Existing Condition
If you suffer from a pre-existing condition and were injured in a car accident, don’t let the insurance company convince you that you don’t deserve compensation. The St. Petersburg car accident attorneys at Lopez Law Group Accident Injury Attorneys will stand up for you.
Initial consultations are always free, and we’re standing by 24/7 to take your call.
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