Worsened Pre-Existing Conditions Following Car Accidents: Next Steps

“The accident didn’t cause my back pain—it made it unbearable.” These words echo across examination rooms throughout Alabama as patients describe how a moment of metal meeting metal transformed manageable conditions into daily struggles. 

The “eggshell plaintiff” doctrine recognizes that accidents take each victim as they are—with pre-existing conditions and all. When fender benders awaken dormant injuries or minor collisions accelerate degenerative processes, Alabama law provides pathways to compensation specifically for this worsening.

Understanding Aggravation of Pre-Existing Conditions

Pre-existing conditions vary widely, from previous injuries and chronic illnesses to age-related degeneration. When a car accident occurs, these conditions may become significantly worse, creating new challenges for those already managing health issues.

Common pre-existing conditions that can worsen after car accidents include:

• Spinal disorders such as herniated discs or degenerative disc disease;
• Previous back or neck injuries that had stabilized;
• Arthritis in various joints, particularly in the spine or knees;
• Mental health conditions like anxiety or PTSD; and
• Autoimmune disorders that flare due to physical stress.

The legal standard typically asks whether the accident “aggravated, accelerated, or combined with” your pre-existing condition to produce greater disability or require additional treatment.

The “Eggshell Plaintiff” Rule in Alabama

Alabama law recognizes what’s commonly called the “eggshell plaintiff” doctrine, which provides important protections for accident victims with pre-existing conditions.

Key aspects of this rule in Alabama include:

• Defendants must “take the plaintiff as they find them,” regardless of unseen vulnerabilities;
• A driver who causes an accident is responsible for all resulting injuries, even if they’re more severe because of pre-existing conditions; and
• The focus shifts to how the accident changed your condition rather than the condition itself.

While this doctrine provides important protections, you must still demonstrate that the accident actually caused the worsening rather than normal progression of your condition.

Documentation and Evidence for Aggravated Condition Claims

Building a successful claim requires thorough documentation that clearly shows how your condition changed after the accident.

Essential documentation includes:

• Medical records from before the accident showing your baseline condition;
• Diagnostic tests (MRIs, X-rays, lab work) from both before and after the accident;
• Expert medical opinions specifically addressing causation and aggravation; and
• Testimony from family members about observable changes in your condition.

The strongest claims include clear medical opinions that articulate how the accident specifically worsened your condition beyond its expected progression.

Challenges in Pre-Existing Condition Cases

Claims involving aggravated pre-existing conditions face unique challenges that don’t apply to straightforward injury cases.

Common challenges include:

• Insurance companies arguing your condition would have worsened anyway;
• Difficulty distinguishing between normal progression and accident-related worsening;
• Finding medical experts willing to testify about causation in complex cases; and
• Defense medical examinations designed to minimize the accident’s impact.

Overcoming these challenges requires strategic planning, thorough documentation, and often litigation experience specific to aggravation cases.

Calculating Damages for Worsened Conditions

Determining appropriate compensation involves calculations that separate pre-accident conditions from post-accident worsening. The goal is to compensate you specifically for what the accident changed.

Potential damages may include:

• Additional medical expenses required because of the aggravation;
• Lost wages if the worsened condition affects your ability to work;
• Pain and suffering specifically related to the worsening of your condition; and
• Future medical needs anticipated due to the accelerated progression.

The key to fair compensation lies in establishing clear “before and after” pictures of your condition.

Frequently Asked Questions About Worsened Pre-Existing Conditions in Alabama

Navigating a claim involving pre-existing conditions raises many questions for accident victims. 

Here are answers to some common concerns when pursuing compensation for aggravated conditions in Alabama.

How Do I Prove the Accident Worsened My Condition and Wasn’t Just Normal Progression?

Medical documentation creates the foundation for proving aggravation. Having records from before the accident establishes your baseline, while prompt medical attention after the crash documents the changes. Your doctors can then provide expert opinions on whether the timing and nature of the changes indicate accident-related worsening.

What if I Wasn’t Currently Treating for My Condition Before the Accident?

Even dormant or previously resolved conditions can be relevant if they made you more vulnerable to injury. If you weren’t receiving active treatment before the crash, focus on documenting how your symptoms and limitations changed afterward.

Should I Tell the Insurance Company About My Pre-Existing Condition?

While honesty is important, how and when you disclose pre-existing conditions matters. Consult with an attorney before discussing your medical history with insurance adjusters. Your attorney can help present this information in context, emphasizing how the accident created a significant change.

Can I Recover Damages if My Condition Would Have Eventually Worsened Anyway?

Yes. Under Alabama law, you can seek compensation for acceleration of a degenerative condition. If your condition might have worsened over decades but now has deteriorated in months due to the accident, you can pursue damages for this accelerated timeline.

Securing Your Path to Recovery Starts Today

Living with a condition that suddenly worsened after a car accident creates both physical and financial strain. When insurance companies attempt to attribute your current pain to “pre-existing conditions” rather than their policyholder’s negligence, the fight for fair compensation can feel overwhelming.

At Baxley Maniscalco, our attorneys understand the complex interplay between prior conditions and new injuries. We work with medical experts who can clearly document how the accident changed your health trajectory and fight for compensation that addresses your specific situation—not just what a “typical” injury victim might receive.

Contact our office today for a free consultation about your aggravated injury claim. Our team will evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and create a strategy designed to secure the compensation you need for your worsened condition.