How Pre-Existing Conditions Impact Your Naples Personal Injury Claim
Being involved in any accident can cause serious personal injuries in Naples. The extent of harm you suffer may be even more severe if you have a pre-existing physical or mental health condition. Unfortunately, insurance companies often try to use pre-existing conditions to deny or downplay claims. Our Naples personal injury lawyer explains how to protect your rights to compensation.
How Pre-Existing Conditions Impact Personal Injuries In Naples
According to the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), as many as one out of every two Americans suffer a pre-existing physical or mental health condition that impacts eligibility for health care and other benefits. Your condition could also affect your rights in a personal injury claim in Naples.
When an accident happens and you suffer harm, you can hold those at fault accountable for medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs you incur. However, your injuries must be directly caused by an accident. Unfortunately, car crashes, slips and falls, and other accidents could aggravate underlying conditions, such as:
- Muscle strains and sprains;
- Problems with discs or vertebrae in the back or neck;
- Previous concussions or traumatic brain injuries;
- Previously healed or recovering bone fractures;
- Diabetes, asthma, depression, high blood pressure, or other chronic conditions.
Get The Compensation You Are Entitled To For Personal Injuries In Naples
If you suffer a pre-existing injury, illness, or chronic health issue, being involved in an accident can cause a dramatic worsening of your condition. While the at-fault party can not be held responsible for health problems you suffered before it happened, they can be held liable for additional costs and complications that result.
Many people make the mistake of not disclosing pre-existing conditions to insurers when filing a personal injury claim. This is easy to uncover and will result in an automatic denial of your claim. However, even if you disclose it, the insurer will likely try to avoid payment. You will need to prove that you suffer a pre-existing condition and your accident caused new harm or aggravated symptoms you already suffer.
Under the Florida Statutes, even if your accident is only partially to blame, you may be entitled to compensation. Evidence that can help protect your rights in this type of claim includes:
- Medical records showing your prior condition and any new harm suffered;
- Statements from your doctor explaining how your current injuries impact underlying conditions;
- Evidence from the scene of the accident, such as police reports and witness statements indicating the other party was clearly to blame;
- Receipts, statements, and other documents detailing financial losses you suffer.
Contact Our Naples Personal Injury Lawyers Today
Personal injuries in Naples can take a heavy toll on your health, particularly if you suffer from pre-existing conditions. Unfortunately, insurers often attempt to deny or downplay these claims. Cardinal Law Firm helps you get the total compensation you deserve. Call or contact our office online to request a consultation today.
Sources:
cms.gov/CCIIO/Resources/Forms-Reports-and-Other-Resources/preexisting
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0768/Sections/0768.81.html
