Pre-existing injuries do not automatically harm your personal injury case in Illinois, but they often become a major focus for insurance companies. Many people worry that if they had a prior injury or medical condition, they cannot recover compensation. That is not true.
In data updated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2025, about 76.4 percent of U.S. adults reported having at least one chronic health condition, such as arthritis, joint pain, or long-term back issues. Insurance companies are always looking to protect their bottom line. They regularly argue that pre-existing injuries harm your case to reduce or deny claims.
As of 2026, Illinois law allows injured people to seek compensation when an accident makes a prior condition worse. If you are facing these arguments, the Arlington Heights, IL personal injury lawyers at Newland & Newland, LLP can help protect your claim and explain how the law applies to your situation.