Worsening of Pre-Existing Conditions After Manhattan Car Accidents: Can I Sue?
Although Manhattan car accidents can cause new injuries, they can also worsen pre-existing conditions. If you notice that your pre-existing conditions have become much worse after a car accident, you might wonder how to pursue compensation. Perhaps you face new hospital bills, rehabilitation requirements, and other losses due to the worsening of your conditions. Can an injury lawyer help in this situation?
How Can a Car Accident Worsen My Existing Conditions?
Various medical conditions could become much worse after a car accident. One example is a head injury. If you have a history of experiencing concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), you may be more vulnerable to the negative effects of subsequent impacts to the brain. This has been confirmed by numerous studies, including those published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
One study found that if you have suffered three or more concussions in the past, you are more likely to lose consciousness, experience amnesia, and suffer “mental status changes” with subsequent head injuries.
You might also be more vulnerable to fractures if you have existing bone conditions, such as osteoporosis. If you are immunosuppressed or immunocompromised, you might be more vulnerable to infections and other consequences of car accidents.
Existing mental health issues may also make it more challenging to recover from a car accident. For example, a victim might develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after an assault. If this individual later experiences a car accident, their PTSD may heighten, making it more challenging to recover.
These are only a few examples of pre-existing conditions that could become much worse after a car accident. If you believe your pre-existing condition became worse after a car accident, you are probably correct.
Can I Still Get Compensation for a Pre-Existing Condition After a Car Accident?
Yes, you should still be able to pursue compensation for a pre-existing condition after a car accident, assuming you can prove that the car accident made your condition worse. This may be challenging, and you may face pushback from insurers and defendants. They may try to argue that because your injuries are not new, they should not lead to compensation. If you face this type of pushback, consider enlisting the help of an experienced injury attorney.
Your main focus should be to seek medical attention after your accident. Speak with a family doctor who is familiar with your health journey. These medical professionals should be able to determine that your existing conditions and injuries have become much worse as a direct result of the car accident.
Can a Manhattan Car Accident Lawyer Help Me?
Whether you have suffered new injuries or worsening conditions, you should be able to pursue compensation after a car accident in Manhattan. Your first step should be to seek medical attention, even if you’re not 100% sure whether your conditions have worsened. Next, contact the New York car accident lawyers at Cohan Law, PLLC to discuss the subsequent legal steps.
Source:
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK185336/