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Can I Be Compensated for Pre-Existing Conditions After a Car Accident?

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Can I Be Compensated for Pre-Existing Conditions After a Car Accident?

Have you been injured in a car accident in Austin, Texas? McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers can help when you call (512) 474-0222. We offer a free consultation with an Austin car accident lawyer, making it easier to understand your rights and what steps to take next after a serious collision.

In many cases, you may be compensated for pre-existing conditions if the crash made them worse. Texas law allows accident victims to recover damages for any aggravation of an existing injury, though proving these claims can be challenging.

Why Choose McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers To Help You Seek the Compensation You Deserve

Why Choose McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers To Help You Seek the Compensation You Deserve

At McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand the challenges of pursuing car accident cases involving pre-existing conditions. Our attorneys understand the Texas laws that apply to these cases and know the tactics insurers use to avoid paying claims involving pre-existing conditions.

Here’s why you should choose us after an accident in Austin, TX: 

  • Our highly rated attorneys bring more than 40 years of combined experience in personal injury law to every case we handle.
  • Our firm has secured over $500 million in compensation for clients, reflecting a long-standing record of meaningful results.
  • Our attorneys are trusted within the legal community and by the people we serve, earning recognition and top ratings from Super Lawyers and Expertise.com.
  • We understand the complexities of cases involving pre-existing conditions and are ready to apply our in-depth knowledge of Texas statutes and case law to strengthen your claim.

We are here to listen, advocate, and fight for the compensation you are entitled to under Texas law. Contact our team today for a free consultation with an experienced Austin personal injury attorney. 

Texas Law and the “Eggshell Plaintiff” Rule

Texas law safeguards your right to pursue compensation even when you have a prior injury or medical condition, but understanding how these issues influence your claim is crucial to securing full recovery. 

Under the state’s long-recognized “eggshell skull” rule, a negligent party must take an injured person as they are. This means that if a pre-existing condition made you more vulnerable to harm, the at-fault party is still legally responsible for the additional injury their conduct caused.

Texas courts consistently apply this doctrine. This guidance ensures that individuals with pre-existing health issues remain entitled to compensation for the worsening of their condition resulting from an accident.

What Damages Can You Recover for a Pre-Existing Condition After a Car Accident?

If your pre-existing condition was aggravated by a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for economic damages. These damages include, but are not limited to:

  • Medical expenses: All treatment related to the aggravated condition, including doctor visits, surgeries, physical therapy, and medications.
  • Lost wages: If the aggravated injury keeps you from working, you can recover lost wages, including the reduction of future earning capacity.
  • Out-of-pocket expenses: These expenses may include travel to and from medical appointments, assistance with household chores, and personal care.

In addition to financial damages, you may also receive non-economic damages related to the worsening of a pre-existing condition after a car accident. These damages include:

  • Pain and suffering: Compensation for the extra physical and emotional pain caused by the worsening of your prior injury.
  • Loss of quality of life and enjoyment of life: If the injury affects your ability to enjoy life or perform everyday activities, you can receive compensation for that loss.
  • Permanent disability or impairment: If the aggravation causes lasting damage or disability, you can seek compensation for how it impacts your independence and ability to function in daily life.

It is up to you to prove that the car accident caused your pre-existing condition to become worse. The insurance company will use various tactics to argue that your injuries were not caused by the accident.

Proving Aggravation of a Pre-Existing Condition After a Car Accident in Austin, TX

The key to recovering compensation is proving that the accident directly caused or significantly contributed to the worsening of your pre-existing condition. This requires medical documentation that shows your condition before and after the accident.

Insurance companies often argue that the accident did not cause your injury. Instead, the company argues that your condition merely reflects the natural progression of your existing condition. 

Generally, victims require medical expert testimony linking their injuries to the accident and explaining the extent of the aggravation.

Protecting Your Rights After an Austin Car Accident

You are entitled to compensation for the full extent of the injuries and damages caused by a car accident in Austin, Texas. This is true even if you have a pre-existing condition that could make you more susceptible to injury. 

Contact McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with an Austin car accident lawyer. We will explain your legal rights and how to protect your interests regarding a car accident claim involving pre-existing conditions.

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