A pre-existing condition does not automatically prevent you from recovering compensation for a car accident claim in Minneapolis, Minnesota. However, they can make it more challenging to receive a fair settlement if the insurance company fights the claim. If you have a pre-existing condition and were in an accident, call Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys at (800) 292-1979 to discuss your car accident case and legal options.
Our Minneapolis personal injury lawyers have over 80 years of combined legal experience. We have recovered over $90 million for our clients in verdicts and settlements. If you hire us, we’ll use our considerable resources to pursue all available legal claims and maximize how much your case is worth.
Contact our law offices today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Minneapolis car accident lawyer.
How Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help You With a Car Accident Claim Involving Pre-Existing Conditions
Car accident victims are entitled to compensation for the harm caused by the crash. Fair compensation should be the case regardless of the victim’s health condition before the accident. However, insurance companies often try to use pre-existing conditions to avoid liability for damages.
At Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys, we stand up for the rights of accident victims. When you hire our top-rated car accident lawyers in Minneapolis, you can expect us to:
- Investigate the cause of the car accident to determine how the crash occurred and gather evidence proving fault
- Work with your doctors and medical specialists to determine how the crash could have worsened your pre-existing conditions
- File insurance claims and handle disputes with the insurance company regarding pre-existing conditions
- Assess how much your case is worth by carefully documenting and analyzing your damages
- Negotiate fair settlements based on the value of your damages
- File a lawsuit and take your case to trial if the other parties refuse to negotiate a fair settlement
Numerous organizations recognize our Minneapolis personal injury attorneys for their outstanding legal services. We have a perfect 5-star average on Avvo and have the highest peer rating available with Martindale-Hubbel. Our attorneys have also been recognized by The National Trial Lawyers and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
Call our personal injury law firm to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced car accident lawyer in Minneapolis, MN.
What Are Pre-Existing Conditions in a Minneapolis Car Accident Case?
A pre-existing condition is any health condition you have before the car accident. Examples of pre-existing conditions include, but are not limited to:
- Diabetes
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Soft tissue injuries
- Concussions
- High blood pressure
- Back injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Hernias
- Knee injuries
- Heart conditions
- Traumatic brain injuries
Prompt medical treatment after a car accident is crucial in any situation, especially if you have pre-existing conditions. An accident can cause new injuries. However, it can also worsen pre-existing conditions.
Delays in medical treatment could jeopardize your recovery and health. It could also make it more difficult to prove your case.
Can I Recover Compensation for a Car Accident if I Have Pre-Existing Conditions?
The “eggshell skull rule” is rooted in common law. It makes an at-fault party liable for causing harm to another person, even if the victim is more susceptible to injury. For example, let’s say an accident victim has a previous back injury. Because of the injury, it makes them more likely to suffer a spinal cord injury in a car crash.
The driver could still be held liable for the damages related to the spinal cord injury. The driver could also be liable for damages if the back injury worsened because of the car accident. However, the car accident claim would not include expenses related to the original back injury.
Should I Disclose a Pre-Existing Condition After a Car Accident in Minneapolis, MN?
You should not hide pre-existing conditions. If you do, it could hurt your case. However, that does not mean you should disclose information without legal advice.
The best way to handle the situation is with the help of an experienced Minneapolis car accident lawyer. Tell the attorney about your pre-existing conditions. Your attorney can disclose the relevant information to the insurance company while protecting your right to compensation for the damages caused by the car crash.
What Damages Can I Receive for Pre-Existing Conditions After a Car Accident in Minneapolis, MN?
You must prove that the car accident caused your pre-existing condition to worsen and/or you sustained additional injuries to receive compensation for damages. Generally, accident victims can receive compensation for non-economic and economic damages, including:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Medical bills
- Property damage
- Loss of enjoyment of life and quality of life
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Lost wages and benefits, including reduced earning capacity
- Impairments and disabilities
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Disfigurement and scarring
The damages you receive are based on the facts of your case. Our legal team helps you document your injuries and damages. Medical specialists and experts can assist by providing opinions explaining how the car accident worsened your pre-existing conditions.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Minneapolis Car Accident Lawyers
Pre-existing conditions can complicate a car accident case. Our lawyers at Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys have the experience and skills to help you maximize the value of your claim. Call (800) 292-1979 for a free case review to discuss how our Minneapolis car accident attorneys can help you with your case.
