Preexisting conditions in medical recordsMany people think that a pre-existing condition will prevent them from achieving a fair result in a personal injury or workers’ compensation claim. I wrote this article to correct that misconception and put your mind at ease. South Carolina's personal injury laws are intended to place you back in the position you enjoyed prior to the accident. Therefore, if an accident worsened your health, increased your pain, caused you to incur new medical bills, or forced you to miss time from work, you have the right to recover, regardless of your pre-existing conditions as our South Carolina personal injury lawyer details.

The Defendant Is Responsible for Every Problem He Causes or Makes Worse

For example, many seniors suffer from various health problems. However, when our seniors get in auto accidents or become victims of nursing home neglect, their health often worsens. They may not have been in great shape before the accident, but that does not mean the elderly receive no protection from the law. In these cases, our seniors are entitled to payment for all medical expenses and other losses they would not have incurred “but for” the other party’s negligence. The same truth applies to every injured person in South Carolina with a pre-existing condition. Remember that under our law, the defendant takes you as he finds you, and is responsible for every problem he causes or makes worse.

Pre-Existing Conditions and Workers' Compensation in South Carolina

Likewise, South Carolina’s workers’ compensation laws do not punish employees for their pre-existing conditions. The law expressly provides that an injured worker may recover benefits if the pre-existing condition was aggravated by a work-injury. 

I understand that many South Carolinians fear disclosing a pre-existing condition in their job applications. However, if you commit “fraud in the application” you may not be able to receive benefits for your on-the-job injury. It can be a double-edged sword, though, between deceit and honesty, the choice is clear.

Speak With A Personal Injury Lawyer About Your Prior Health Conditions

While insurance adjusters and others may want you to believe they can treat you unfairly or pay pennies on the dollar because of your prior health conditions, I am here to tell you that our personal injury and workers' comp laws say otherwise. We offer free consultations and would be happy to answer your questions. Contact us online today or call us at 803-790-2800. Our offices are conveniently located in Columbia and Myrtle Beach, and we have been proudly servicing clients throughout the surrounding areas. Contact us online today or call us at 803-790-2800 (Columbia, SC) / 843-427-2800 (Myrtle Beach, SC).

Request a Free Consultation

Start a Live Chat

 

Kenneth Berger
Connect with me
Columbia and Myrtle Beach car accident and personal injury lawyer dedicated to securing justice for clients.