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Car accidents can impact anyone—whether you are in perfect health or managing a chronic condition. If a crash has aggravated a pre-existing injury, you may still have a valid injury claim. In St. Louis, Missouri, the law recognizes that an accident can worsen old injuries, and you have the right to pursue compensation for that added harm.
Unfortunately, insurance companies may use your medical history against you to downplay your injuries. That is why it is essential to understand your rights and work with a legal team that knows how to challenge these tactics and fight for the full value of your claim.
An aggravated pre-existing condition is a medical issue that existed before an accident but has been made worse because of the crash. For instance, someone with a previously healed back injury might experience renewed pain, inflammation, or limited mobility after a collision. The accident did not cause the original condition—it intensified it.
In Missouri, the “eggshell skull” doctrine applies. This legal rule holds that a negligent driver is still fully responsible for all resulting harm, even if the injured person was more susceptible due to a prior condition. In other words, having a pre-existing issue does not disqualify you from seeking compensation. It simply means your case may require more detailed medical evidence and legal support to show how the crash worsened your health.
Some conditions are more likely to get worse in a car accident—such as old back or neck injuries, arthritis, past concussions, or mental health struggles like PTSD or anxiety. Even if your current symptoms are under control, a crash can intensify those symptoms. That might mean needing new treatments, more doctor visits, or changes to your daily routine to feel okay again. It’s not just frustrating—it can be a real setback.
Yes. You can pursue a pre-existing condition personal injury claim if you can prove that the accident aggravated your condition. It does not matter whether the original injury happened last year or ten years ago. If the crash made it worse, you have the right to file a claim.
That said, these cases can be more complicated than standard claims. Insurance companies often argue that your current symptoms are unrelated to the crash or that you are just dealing with the natural progression of an old injury.
Having a medical history doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Missouri law lets you seek compensation if an accident made an old injury worse. That can include medical bills, rehab or therapy costs, lost wages, and even pain and suffering. Just because the injury didn’t start with the crash doesn’t mean it doesn’t count.
If your claim gets denied because of a pre-existing condition, that doesn’t mean you have to give up. Insurance companies often push back to save money. But an experienced attorney who knows how to handle these cases can help you fight back and pursue what you’re owed.
Insurance companies often focus on the origin of the injury, hoping to avoid responsibility. They may argue:
This is where expert medical analysis and legal guidance come into play. If you have already been offered a lowball settlement or faced a denied claim, you might still have options. Do not sign anything until your case is reviewed by a personal injury attorney.
You need solid medical evidence for aggravated injuries to build a strong case. Here’s how you can support your claim:
This evidence shows that the accident did not just stir up old issues but significantly worsen them.
If you think a car accident has aggravated a pre-existing condition, take the following steps:
Taking these steps early can make all the difference in protecting your health, your rights, and your ability to recover fair compensation.
Car accident claims involving aggravated injuries are complex and demand medical evidence, significant insight, and strong advocacy. At Goldblatt + Singer, we work closely with your doctors, gather key records, and build a clear case connecting your worsened condition to the crash.
Our team pushes back when insurers use your medical history against you. With decades of experience and a personal approach, we fight for the outcome you deserve. If a car accident has worsened an old injury, call our law firm at (314) 231-4100 or contact us online. You do not have to face this alone. Let one of our St. Louis car accident lawyers handle everything for you.
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