Pre-Existing Conditions and How They Affect Personal Injury Claims

Pre-Existing Conditions and How They Affect Personal Injury Claims

Injuries are rarely simple. When an accident causes new harm to someone who already suffers from a medical condition or injury, personal injury claims can become more complex. If you’re dealing with a personal injury in California and have a pre-existing condition, it’s crucial to understand how that may influence your claim.

This article breaks down what you need to know about pre-existing conditions, how they affect personal injury claims, and what steps you can take to protect your rights.

What Is a Pre-Existing Condition?

A pre-existing condition refers to any health issue or injury you had before the accident that gave rise to your current personal injury claim. Common examples include:

• Chronic back pain
• Arthritis
• Previous fractures or surgeries
• Degenerative disc disease
• Mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression

These conditions can become focal points in a personal injury case, especially if the new accident aggravated or worsened them.

The “Eggshell Plaintiff” Rule in California

California law follows what’s known as the “eggshell plaintiff” rule. This legal principle holds that a defendant must take the plaintiff as they find them. In other words, if a person with a pre-existing condition is injured in an accident, the at-fault party is still liable for the full extent of the damages—even if the injuries are more severe due to the prior condition.

However, this doesn’t give plaintiffs a blank check. The key legal question becomes: Did the accident cause a new injury or make an existing condition worse? Establishing this link is often the most contested aspect of the claim.

How Insurance Companies Handle Pre-Existing Conditions

Insurance companies are well aware that pre-existing conditions can complicate a claim—and they may try to use this to their advantage. It’s not uncommon for an insurer to:

• Argue that your current symptoms are solely due to your previous injury or condition
• Claim that the accident did not significantly worsen your health
• Request extensive access to your medical history

Because of this, it’s essential to have thorough medical documentation and the support of experienced legal counsel.

Proving Aggravation of a Pre-Existing Condition

To succeed in a personal injury claim involving a pre-existing condition, the injured party must demonstrate that the accident aggravated their previous condition. This often involves:

• Detailed medical records from before and after the accident
• Expert testimony from physicians or specialists
• Diagnostic imaging showing a change in condition

For example, if you had minor back issues before a car crash but now require surgery, showing the difference in your medical needs can support your claim.

Be Honest and Transparent About Your Medical History

Attempting to hide a pre-existing condition is not only unethical, it can also damage your credibility and weaken your case. Courts and insurance companies appreciate transparency. In many cases, being upfront allows your attorney to craft a stronger argument about how the accident uniquely impacted you.

We encourage clients to disclose all relevant medical history early in the process. This enables us to build a fact-based case that accounts for the full scope of our clients’ health, both before and after the incident.

Why Legal Guidance Matters

When pre-existing conditions are involved, personal injury claims often require a higher level of legal and medical nuance. California law is clear that individuals with pre-existing conditions still have the right to fair compensation, but proving that requires a strategic approach.

An experienced attorney can:

• Help you gather the right medical evidence
• Work with experts to analyze and explain your condition
• Protect you from insurance tactics designed to minimize your payout

At the Law Offices of Brent D. George, we have extensive experience helping injured Californians navigate complex claims involving pre-existing conditions. We understand how to position your case for success—whether it’s by working with your doctors, consulting expert witnesses, or handling aggressive insurance adjusters.

Final Thoughts

A pre-existing condition should not prevent you from pursuing justice if you were harmed due to someone else’s negligence. In fact, California law protects your right to recover compensation for the aggravation of an existing injury.

If you’re navigating a personal injury claim and have concerns about how your medical history might affect your case, it’s wise to speak with a legal professional.

At the Law Offices of Brent D. George, we understand the intricacies of California personal injury law. Our team is here to help you make sense of your rights, evaluate your claim, and advocate for the compensation you deserve. We combine compassionate client care with rigorous legal strategy—especially when the road to recovery is complicated by pre-existing conditions.

Need Guidance?

If you’re unsure how your pre-existing condition might impact a personal injury claim, contact us today for a free consultation. Our office proudly serves clients across California and is committed to helping you move forward with clarity and confidence.