What if I Develop Post-Traumatic Arthritis From a Car Crash?

Car crashes often have consequences that continue long after the damaged vehicles are cleared away. One potential result is the development of post-traumatic arthritis. This condition is painful and debilitating, and it can have a lasting impact on an injured victim’s quality of life.

In this article, Arnold Law Firm delves into post-crash arthritis and how it may impact the injury claim of a crash victim.

Do you have post-crash arthritis resulting from a collision? If so, you may benefit from speaking with one of our auto accident lawyers in Sacramento. We have been helping crash victims for decades, recovering millions in compensation for their medical costs, lost wages and more.

Find out if we can help you with a FREE case review. If you choose our firm to represent you, there are no out-of-pocket costs to pay.

The Ripple Effect of Sacramento Car Crashes

Even minor crashes can have a lasting impact on a victim’s emotional and physical well-being. Post-crash arthritis is just one secondary condition that can be triggered by a traumatic injury.

The challenge is that post-traumatic arthritis may not develop right away. It is typically an injury that worsens over time. Even with treatment, victims may suffer from chronic pain and reduced mobility.

Some crash victims with post-traumatic arthritis may improve after a long recovery. Others, however, may be unable to work for a long time or may even have to change careers.

How Can You Connect Post-Traumatic Arthritis to a Collision?

Linking post-traumatic arthritis to your crash and proving it was due to another’s negligence is difficult. To be successful, you will need to  establish a clear link between your injuries, the onset of your post-traumatic arthritis and the initial crash.

If you are working with an experienced attorney, he or she will know what steps are needed to build a strong case on your behalf.

Evidence That Can Support Your Claim of Post-Traumatic Arthritis

Seeking immediate medical attention is a vital first step in linking your injuries to a crash. You also need to continue your treatment and be diligent to:

• Continue seeing your treating doctor
• Making every effort not to miss any appointments – this shows the insurance company you are serious about getting better
• Following your doctor’s prescribed care plan, including physical therapy
• Telling your doctor about any new symptoms, your pain levels and the daily impact on your quality of care

Taking these steps helps to ensure accurate medical documentation. Your medical records and the results of diagnostic testing, along with expert testimony from medical professionals, plays a key role in supporting your claim.

How Could Post-Traumatic Arthritis Affect Your Body After a Crash?

Any joints that were injured as a result of your car crash could be affected by post-traumatic arthritis, but the joints most often affected include:

• Wrists
• Ankles
• Knees
• Hips
• Elbows
• Spine

Crash victims who develop post-traumatic arthritis may experience stiffness, pain, swelling, tenderness, sensitivity and reduced range of motion in the affected areas.

What Compensation Can I Recover for Post-Traumatic Arthritis?

When thinking about compensation for damages, medical bills are only a starting point. Crash victims with post-traumatic arthritis often have other damages as well, including:

• Chronic, debilitating physical pain
• Lost wages from being unable to work
• Loss of future earnings if a job change is necessary
• Diminished quality of life
• Inability to participate in favorite activities
• Emotional distress
• Depression
• Other physical limitations
• Additional intangible losses

Getting Treatment Can Help Victims Move Toward Healing and Stability

Compensation is not the only recovery crash victims think about. It is also about getting back to their lives and regaining a sense of control and stability.

Recovering the compensation you need, however, can help you in purposeful ways, such as by covering your:

• Ongoing medical treatments
• Physical therapy
• Rehabilitation
• Diagnostic testing
• Pain management
• Mental health counseling
• And more

How Can an Attorney Help My Injury Claim?

Navigating the legal process of an injury claim is often complex and overwhelming to injured victims. This is especially true when dealing with a hard-to-prove condition, like post-traumatic arthritis.

Hiring an experienced attorney to manage your claim is often a game-changer. When crash victims try to handle their claims alone, insurance companies often take advantage of them.

Our law firm has the resources and staff to ensure no details are overlooked. We know how to negotiate with insurance companies and protect your best interests. We are also prepared to guide you throughout the legal process to help you avoid mistakes that could damage your claim. We do not overlook any critical details, and we always seek the maximum possible compensation on your behalf.

Injured in a Collision? Call Our Trusted Law Firm Today

If you suffered post-traumatic arthritis and other crash injuries due to the negligence of another party, you may have a significant injury claim. Seeking legal help right away can help protect your ability to recover full compensation for your damages.

We are prepared to investigate your crash, gather strong evidence and negotiate for full and fair compensation on your behalf.

Call (916) 777-7777 today to request your FREE, no-risk case review.