Tequesta Personal Injury Lawyers

Accidents in Tequesta can leave victims struggling to recover both physically and financially. At Donaldson & Weston, we focus on helping injury victims understand their rights and pursue the compensation they are entitled to under the law. Our personal injury lawyer team is dedicated to providing strong advocacy and compassionate guidance, whether your case involves a car crash, slip and fall, or another type of accident. We know this time is stressful, and we are here to ease the burden. Contact us at 866-349-2912 today for a free consultation to discuss your case.

Understanding the Role of Pre-Existing Conditions in Personal Injury Cases

Personal injury cases often raise complex questions when the injured person has a pre-existing medical condition. Many people assume that having a prior health issue automatically prevents them from pursuing compensation after an accident, but this is not true. Florida law recognizes that individuals are entitled to recover damages even if they had an existing condition before the incident, as long as the accident made the condition worse or created new injuries.

If you have been hurt in an accident in Tequesta or elsewhere in Florida, it is important to understand how pre-existing conditions can affect your case and what steps you can take to protect your claim.

What Counts as a Pre-Existing Condition

A pre-existing condition is any injury, illness, or health problem that existed before the accident occurred. These can vary widely and may include:

• Chronic back pain or spinal issues 
• Arthritis or joint problems 
• Previous fractures or surgeries 
• Heart conditions 
• Diabetes or other long-term medical conditions
  

Insurance companies often use these conditions to argue that an accident victim’s injuries are unrelated to the incident. They may suggest that the pain or limitations being claimed are simply the result of the person’s prior health issues rather than the accident itself.

The Legal Principle of Aggravation

Florida law recognizes the concept of aggravation of a pre-existing condition. This means that if an accident makes a prior condition worse, the person responsible for the accident can still be held liable for the additional harm.

For example, if you had mild back pain before an accident but now require surgery and ongoing treatment because the injury was aggravated, the at-fault party may still owe you compensation for that worsening. The law does not allow negligent parties to escape responsibility just because the injured person was more vulnerable than someone else might have been.

How Pre-Existing Conditions Are Evaluated in Injury Claims

When pre-existing conditions are involved, medical evidence becomes especially important. Doctors, medical records, and expert opinions help establish whether your current symptoms stem from the accident, your prior health issue, or both. Courts and insurers typically look at several factors:

• Your medical history before the accident 
• The extent of your injuries after the accident 
• Diagnostic tests showing new damage 
• Testimony from treating physicians about how the accident impacted your condition 

This process often requires careful review and explanation by medical professionals who can separate what was already present from what the accident caused or worsened.

The Insurance Company’s Approach

Insurance companies often use pre-existing conditions as a strategy to reduce payouts. They may request years of medical records to look for anything that could explain your symptoms without linking them to the accident. While they are entitled to review relevant information, they sometimes overreach in an attempt to shift blame away from their insured.

It is common for insurers to argue that the injuries being claimed were inevitable due to prior health issues. Without strong medical evidence and legal advocacy, accident victims may find themselves facing unfairly reduced settlements.

Why Full Disclosure Matters

Some injured individuals are tempted to hide pre-existing conditions out of fear that it will damage their case. However, this can backfire. Insurance companies often uncover prior medical records during the claims process, and failing to disclose them can harm your credibility. Being open and honest about your medical history, while also clearly documenting how the accident changed your condition, strengthens your case.

Proving the Accident Made Things Worse

To succeed in a personal injury claim with pre-existing conditions, the key is showing how the accident directly impacted your health. This may include:

• Documenting changes in your ability to work or perform daily activities 
• Showing new treatment plans, medications, or surgeries that were not necessary before the accident 
• Using expert medical testimony to explain the difference between old and new injuries 

Clear evidence that your condition was aggravated can make the difference between a denied claim and a fair settlement.

Steps to Take if You Have a Pre-Existing Condition

If you have been hurt in an accident and already had a medical condition, here are practical steps to protect your claim:

• Seek medical care immediately – Make sure a doctor examines you right after the accident. Early documentation is critical. 
• Be upfront about your medical history – Provide your doctors and your attorney with accurate information about prior injuries or illnesses. 
• Follow all treatment recommendations – Consistent medical treatment shows that your condition was worsened by the accident. 
• Keep detailed records – Save copies of medical reports, bills, prescriptions, and notes about how your daily life has changed. 
• Work with an experienced lawyer – A personal injury attorney can push back against insurance company tactics and help prove the aggravation of your condition.

The Eggshell Plaintiff Rule

Another important concept in Florida law is the “eggshell plaintiff” rule. This principle states that defendants must take victims as they are. If someone is more vulnerable to injury because of a pre-existing condition, the responsible party is still fully liable for the harm caused. In other words, you are not penalized for being in a more fragile state than the average person.

Why Legal Help Is Essential

Cases involving pre-existing conditions are often more complicated than other injury claims. They require strong medical documentation, expert testimony, and strategic legal arguments to counter insurance company defenses. Having a lawyer who understands these challenges can significantly increase your chances of recovering fair compensation.

A pre-existing condition does not prevent you from pursuing a personal injury claim in Florida. What matters is whether the accident worsened your health or caused new injuries. With the right medical evidence and legal support, you can hold the at-fault party accountable and recover the damages you deserve.

If you were injured in Tequesta and are dealing with questions about pre-existing conditions, speaking with a personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and protect your claim.

Compassionate Personal Injury Attorney in Tequesta

In Tequesta, accident victims can count on Donaldson & Weston for knowledgeable legal guidance and strong advocacy. Our personal injury attorney is dedicated to helping clients secure the financial recovery they need to rebuild their lives after an unexpected injury. We understand how stressful this process can be, which is why we work tirelessly to handle the legal burdens while you focus on healing. Call 866-349-2912 today to schedule a free consultation and discover how our commitment to justice can make a meaningful difference in your case.