Can a Car Accident Cause Degenerative Disc Disease?

A plaintiff who already suffered from degenerative disc disease can still recover compensation for the additional pain experienced from exacerbated symptoms. The key will be proving the link between the accident and the increased pain. Many car accident claims require testimony from expert witnesses, and this is likely the case with a degenerative disc case. A medical expert can explain to the court how the accident worsened your symptoms of degenerative disc disease. This will likely involve a review of spinal x-rays and medical records before and after the accident to clearly show the accident’s negative effects.

It’s important for plaintiffs to remember they can only claim compensation for damages directly resulting from a defendant’s negligence. The plaintiff in a degenerative disc disease case will not be able to sue for the past costs of treating the condition but will be able to claim compensation for additional medical expenses and pain and suffering resulting from the car accident. For example, a plaintiff who already attended physical therapy once a week for degenerative disc disease must now attend two or three times per week after a car accident. The plaintiff could sue for the ongoing treatments, but not for the cost of treatments from before the accident.

Exacerbating degenerative disc disease may also impact a victim’s ability to work. A plaintiff who struggled with back pain before a car accident will likely experience more significant pain following the accident. If this impedes the victim’s ability to work, then he or she can claim compensation for lost future earning capacity. An expert witness with a background in economics or finance would be able to explain the extent of the plaintiff’s future losses in court.