If you’ve been injured in a car accident or another incident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may wonder how your pre-existing condition will impact your ability to seek compensation. It’s a common concern—and an important one. Insurance companies often try to use your medical history against you, arguing that your injuries weren’t really caused by the accident. At the Reed Firm, we know better.

You are more than your medical records. You deserve justice for harm that someone else caused—even if you were already dealing with health issues beforehand. Here’s what you need to know about how pre-existing conditions affect personal injury claims in Arkansas, and why having a trusted legal team matters.

What Is a Pre-Existing Injury?

A pre-existing injury is any medical condition or previous injury that existed before the current accident. Common examples include:

• Previous back or neck injuries
• Degenerative disc disease
• Arthritis
• Old fractures
• Chronic pain conditions

These conditions are not a free pass for insurance companies to deny your claim. In fact, the law protects victims who suffer a worsening or aggravation of a pre-existing injury due to someone else’s negligence.

The Law Is On Your Side

Arkansas law recognizes that people don’t walk around in perfect health—and the law doesn’t punish you for that. If a car accident or other incident aggravates a pre-existing condition, you may still be entitled to compensation. The legal standard focuses on whether the accident made your condition worse, caused additional medical costs, or led to new limitations in your life.

This is where experience and strategy matter. At the Reed Firm, we know how to build a case that clearly shows the difference between your condition before the accident and after. That clarity can make the difference between a denied claim and a full recovery.

Don’t Let the Insurance Company Minimize Your Pain

It’s no secret: insurance companies will look for any reason to minimize or deny your claim. A common tactic is to label your pain as the result of a pre-existing injury car accident, not the accident itself. They’ll scrutinize your medical history, question your honesty, and try to downplay your suffering.

We don’t let them get away with it.

At the Reed Firm, we work with medical experts to document how your accident exacerbated your condition. We connect the dots between the incident and your increased symptoms, medical expenses, or functional limitations—something insurance companies hope you won’t know how to do on your own.

Full, Fair Compensation Is Still Possible

Even with a pre-existing condition, you may be eligible to recover damages for:

• Increased medical costs
• Additional pain and suffering
• Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
• Emotional distress
• Long-term treatment or rehabilitation needs

Each Arkansas personal injury case is unique. That’s why we take the time to understand your full story—so we can fight for everything you’re owed, not just what the insurance company is willing to offer.

Why You Should Call the Reed Firm Early

The sooner you contact us, the better. Early legal representation helps us:

• Collect and preserve medical records
• Work with your doctors to clearly establish causation
• Prevent the insurance company from twisting your medical history
• Ensure your statements are accurate and protected

You only get one chance to get this right. Don’t wait until the insurance company has already started shaping the narrative.

Justice for Every Injury—Including Yours

At the Reed Firm, we believe in standing up for people—not insurance companies. Whether your injury is new or an aggravation of something pre-existing, your suffering is real, and your claim matters. We bring compassion, commitment, and relentless advocacy to every Arkansas personal injury case we handle. Don’t let a pre-existing condition silence your voice or reduce your compensation. Contact the Reed Firm today for a free consultation and let us help you fight for the justice you deserve.