Car accidents don’t just cause new injuries—they can also aggravate old ones. If your crash in St. Louis, MO, worsened your pre-existing condition, you may be entitled to compensation.
At Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand how insurance companies work. They may try to use your medical history against you to reduce or deny your claim. But you don’t have to accept less than you deserve.
Our experienced St. Louis car accident lawyers are here to protect your rights and help you pursue full compensation, both for new injuries and for any existing conditions that were made worse. Contact us today at (314) 932-1066 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your claim.
How Eason Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help With a Car Accident Claim in St. Louis
Proving that a car accident worsened your pre-existing condition can be complex. Insurance companies are often quick to argue that your symptoms would have progressed naturally, or that your current pain is unrelated to the crash. That’s why an experienced St. Louis car accident attorney can be an asset to your case.
When you hire Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we will:
- Thoroughly review your current and past medical records
- Consult with your treating physicians and other medical experts
- Gather evidence that shows how your condition changed after the crash
- Work with specialists who can explain the impact of the accident on your pre-existing injury
- Present a compelling argument to insurance adjusters or juries about how your quality of life has been affected
Our team knows how to connect the dots and demonstrate that your worsened condition is a direct result of the accident, not just part of your natural medical history. Call us today to learn more about how we can help
Missouri Law on Pre-Existing Conditions
In Missouri, personal injury claims are fault-based. That means the person who caused the accident (or their insurance company) is financially responsible for the resulting damages.
The law doesn’t prevent people with pre-existing conditions from recovering compensation. In fact, Missouri utilizes the “eggshell skull rule,” which says that an at-fault party is responsible for all the harm they cause, even if the victim had a pre-existing condition that made them more vulnerable to injury.
Suppose you were recovering from a herniated disc before the crash, and the collision made that condition significantly worse. The at-fault driver can’t avoid liability just because your back was already susceptible to injury.
Why Insurance Companies Target Pre-Existing Conditions?
Insurance companies are focused on protecting their bottom line by limiting payouts or denying them altogether. They frequently claim that a victim’s injury, treatment, or limitations are due to a condition they had before the accident, rather than the accident itself.
They might try to:
- Use your medical history to cast doubt on your claim
- Downplay the severity of your worsened condition
- Offer a lowball settlement that ignores the full scope of your injuries
You should never have to face an insurance company alone. Our attorneys have extensive experience battling insurance companies, and we won’t let them undervalue your damages or minimize the extent of your injuries.
What Types of Pre-Existing Conditions Are Common in Missouri Car Accident Claims?
Some conditions are vulnerable to aggravation during a collision.
Common pre-existing conditions that are often worsened in car crashes include:
- Chronic back or neck pain
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Spinal cord injuries
- Arthritis or joint degeneration
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Concussions or post-concussive syndrome
- Previous fractures
- Degenerative disc disease
Even mental health conditions—like anxiety or PTSD—can be exacerbated after a traumatic crash. The key to a successful claim is showing that the accident caused a change or deterioration in your condition.
What Compensation Can I Recover for a Pre-existing Condition in St. Louis?
If your pre-existing condition has been aggravated in a St. Louis car accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your economic and non-economic damages.
Your compensation award may include:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Lost income or reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Our car accident attorneys in St. Louis can help you identify the types of compensation available in your injury claim. Call us today for help.
Contact a St. Louis Car Crash Lawyer for Help
You shouldn’t be penalized for having a pre-existing condition. If someone else’s negligence has made your health problems worse, you deserve justice and fair compensation.
At Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we’re here to fight for you. Our team has decades of combined experience helping injury victims get the full value of their claims.
Don’t go up against the insurance company alone. Let our St. Louis car accident lawyers help you level the playing field. Contact our office today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation and learn more about how we can help you move forward.