Numerous factors can impact the outcome of a personal injury case. When evaluating claims, insurance adjusters and personal injury attorneys consider elements including the nature of injuries, age and occupation of the person injured, and preexisting conditions. Here are a few ways one’s medical history makes a difference in settlement offers and jury verdicts.

How Medical History Affects Personal Injury Cases 

1. Preexisting Injuries

Someone with preexisting neck, back, or knee injuries who suffers new injuries to those areas may experience more pain and need additional rehabilitation than someone without that history. When preexisting injuries are aggravated in later accidents, permanent damage may result. This increases the value of personal injury cases, which is one reason insurance companies often contest such claims. To avoid paying more, insurers often argue no injury occurred and the individual is complaining about old injuries unaffected by the new accident.   

2. Preexisting Diseases

Diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure interfere with the body’s ability to heal. When people with these and other medical conditions suffer personal injuries, particularly wounds, they need more time to recover and special care. Extended pain and suffering elevates the value of a cases.

3. Physical Condition

The overall physical condition of an injured person matters. Smokers take longer to heal from surgery than non-smokers. Depending on the injury, obese individuals may have difficulty with the exercise and therapy needed to recover fully. On the other hand, a star athlete who breaks a leg in a slip and fall at a restaurant during the height of their career may recover quickly, but the impact on present and future earnings increases the value of their case.      

In Hamilton, OH, the personal injury and wrongful death attorneys at Pater, Pater & Halverson offer 90 years of combined experience to injured individuals. These skilled attorneys focus on achieving the best possible outcome in each case, regardless of a client’s medical history. Find out how these dedicated legal professionals can serve you. Visit their website now for more information and call (513) 867-1411 to schedule an appointment.