How Medical History Affects Accident Injury Claims

When filing a personal injury claim after an accident, many factors can influence the outcome, including the severity of injuries, liability, and insurance policies. However, one often overlooked factor is your medical history. Insurance companies and defense lawyers may examine your past medical records to determine whether your injuries were pre-existing or directly caused by the accident. “Medical History and Accident Injury Claims”

Understanding how medical history and accident injury claims are connected can help you strengthen your case and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

If you’ve been injured in an accident, get a free case evaluation today to discuss your legal options with an experienced personal injury lawyer.

Why Medical History Matters in Injury Claims

Your medical history plays a crucial role in determining:

The extent of your injuries – Whether the accident worsened a pre-existing condition or caused a new injury.
Liability and compensation – Insurance companies may try to reduce payouts by arguing that your injuries existed before the accident.
The credibility of your claim – Consistent medical records support your claim and help establish a clear cause-and-effect relationship between the accident and your injuries.

How Insurance Companies Use Your Medical History

Insurance adjusters and defense attorneys will closely examine your medical history for reasons to minimize your claim. Here’s how they do it:

1. Identifying Pre-Existing Conditions

A pre-existing condition is any injury, illness, or medical issue you had before the accident. Insurance companies may claim that:

✔ Your injuries were not caused by the accident.
✔ The accident only aggravated a previous condition, meaning they should pay less.

2. Looking for Gaps in Treatment

If you didn’t seek immediate medical attention after the accident or delayed treatment, insurers may argue that:

✔ Your injuries were not serious enough to require immediate care.
✔ Your condition could have been caused by something else after the accident.

3. Examining Past Medical Records

Insurers often request access to your entire medical history, not just records related to the accident. They may look for:

Chronic pain conditions – To argue your injuries existed before the crash.
Previous injuries – To claim that current symptoms are related to old injuries.
Degenerative conditions – Such as arthritis, which they may argue would have worsened over time anyway.

4. Using Your Own Words Against You

If you mention a previous injury or medical issue in conversations with an insurance adjuster, they may use it against you to deny or reduce your claim.

🚨 Tip: Never discuss your medical history with the insurance company before consulting a lawyer!

Pre-Existing Conditions and Personal Injury Claims

Can You Still Recover Compensation If You Have a Pre-Existing Condition?

Yes! Having a pre-existing condition does not mean you cannot receive compensation. However, you need to prove that:

✔ The accident aggravated or worsened your condition.
✔ You were able to function before the accident, but your injuries have significantly impacted your life afterward.

This is known as the “eggshell plaintiff rule,” which states that defendants must take victims as they find them. If an accident worsens a pre-existing condition, the at-fault party is still liable.

Examples of Pre-Existing Conditions That Can Affect Your Claim

Common medical conditions that insurance companies may scrutinize include:

Back and Neck Problems – Old injuries, herniated discs, or arthritis.
Previous Concussions or Brain Injuries – Especially in car accidents.
Chronic Pain Conditions – Such as fibromyalgia.
Joint Injuries – Knee, shoulder, or hip injuries from past accidents or sports.
Mental Health Conditions – PTSD, anxiety, or depression that may have been worsened by the accident.

A lawyer can help demonstrate that your accident made your condition worse, rather than letting the insurance company argue your injuries were unrelated.

How to Protect Your Injury Claim If You Have a Medical History

If you have a pre-existing condition, taking the right steps can help protect your accident injury claim:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention

📌 Why It Matters:
✔ Delays in treatment can weaken your claim.
✔ A doctor can document new injuries or worsening symptoms right after the accident.

2. Be Honest About Your Medical History

📌 Why It Matters:
✔ You must disclose past injuries when asked—but don’t overshare.
✔ Insurance companies will find out if you hide information, which can hurt your credibility.

🚨 Tip: Work with a lawyer to present your medical history in a way that strengthens your case.

3. Follow Your Doctor’s Treatment Plan

📌 Why It Matters:
✔ Failing to follow medical advice may lead insurers to argue that you aren’t seriously injured.
✔ Keep all medical records, prescriptions, and treatment notes as proof.

Medical History and Accident Injury Claims

4. Avoid Signing Medical Release Forms from the Insurance Company

📌 Why It Matters:
✔ Insurers may request full access to your medical history to find reasons to deny your claim.
✔ Only provide relevant medical records—consult your lawyer before signing anything.

5. Keep a Journal of Your Symptoms

📌 Why It Matters:
✔ Daily notes about pain levels, doctor visits, and mobility issues can support your claim.
✔ Document how the accident impacted your daily life (work, household tasks, social life).

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help with Medical History Disputes

Insurance companies may try to use your past against you—but an experienced personal injury lawyer can protect your rights. Here’s how:

Proving Aggravation of Pre-Existing Conditions – A lawyer will work with doctors to show that your condition worsened due to the accident.
Fighting Insurance Company Tactics – Lawyers challenge unfair denials and low settlement offers.
Ensuring Only Relevant Medical Records Are Used – Protecting your privacy by limiting insurer access.
Maximizing Compensation – Your lawyer will make sure you receive full and fair compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages.

🚨 Need help? Get a free case evaluation today to discuss your claim with an experienced attorney.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Your Medical History Be Used Against You

Having a pre-existing condition doesn’t mean you should accept less compensation after an accident. Insurance companies may try to argue that your injuries were not caused by the accident, but with proper medical evidence and legal representation, you can still pursue a successful injury claim.

📌 Key Takeaways:
Insurance companies will examine your medical history to reduce payouts.
A pre-existing condition doesn’t disqualify you from receiving compensation.
Proper medical records, legal support, and timely action are key to winning your claim.

If you’re dealing with an accident injury claim and worried about your medical history, don’t leave your case to chance. Get a free consultation today and let an experienced lawyer fight for your rights.

“Medical History and Accident Injury Claims”