Key Takeaways
- Joint pain is just a small part of arthritis, which can result from injuries sustained from a car accident.
- You can pursue damages related to arthritis caused by an auto accident, including lost wages and future medical expenses.
- Insurance companies will almost always offer you a low initial settlement, but a car accident lawyer can help you pursue adequate compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
- Personal injury claims can be complicated, so having a personal injury lawyer on your side can make the process easier.
Getting in a car accident comes with consequences that could potentially last the rest of your life. The immediate physical and emotional toll is apparent, but the long-lasting effects can be particularly debilitating. Conditions like arthritis can result from car accident injuries, and that could last for years or perhaps even the rest of your life.
Medical treatment for long-lasting conditions like arthritis can be difficult and costly. With the proper legal guidance, however, you can fight for the fair compensation you need to cover the costs imposed by these conditions. Take a closer look at how a car accident can cause arthritis and how a skilled Michigan car accident lawyer can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Post-Traumatic Arthritis vs Osteoarthritis
Post-Traumatic Arthritis From A Car Accident
Post-traumatic arthritis is a specific kind of inflammation in the joints that forms after experiencing an injury from a traumatic event such as a car crash. This condition can develop immediately after an injury, in the 6-12 months following your accident, or even several years later.
Post-traumatic arthritis occurs when car accident injuries damage the bone, which leads to joint cartilage wearing down faster than usual. This condition can develop even faster if the auto accident aggravates a pre-existing injury. Arthritis affects more than 5 million people each year and is seven times more likely to develop in a joint that has been injured in the past compared to a joint that has never been injured.
Osteoarthritis From A Car Accident
Osteoarthritis is caused by the cartilage around the joints wearing down over time. This typically takes several years to be noticeable, but an injury can cause it to develop faster. Post-traumatic arthritis is a type of osteoarthritis rather than something entirely distinct. In fact, post-traumatic arthritis is the cause of around 10% of all osteoarthritis cases.
Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Arthritis
Short-Term
- Stiffness and pain in the affected joints, which typically occurs right away
- Reduced range of motion that can impair your day-to-day activities
- Affected joints tend to be ankles, elbows, knees, and hips
Long-Term
- Chronic short-term symptoms lasting longer than six months
- Worsened symptoms over time
At Matz Injury Law, we always argue that any car accident injury could lead to the development of post-traumatic arthritis, even if it doesn’t really develop until years down the line. With that in mind, we factor the potential cost of treatment for this condition into the value of your settlement.
Post-Traumatic Arthritis Treatment
Post-traumatic arthritis is typically treated with a combination of anti-inflammatory medicines and physical therapy. Over-the-counter NSAIDs may be all that is necessary in some cases, though your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications depending on your symptoms. In terms of physical therapy, this condition is often treated with low-impact exercise and ice and heat treatments. Weight loss tends to be recommended, and certain patients may warrant joint injections too.
In particularly bad cases, your doctor may recommend surgery. In these surgeries, patients may undergo debridement, joint fusion, joint replacement, or any combination of the three. This is typically reserved for those with severe, chronic cases of post-traumatic arthritis. Most sufferers will not require surgery at all. Always consult with your doctor to determine which kind of treatment is appropriate for your unique circumstances.
Can I File an Accident Claim in Michigan Based on Arthritis?
Yes, arthritis can be a part of your accident claim in Michigan if you can link your arthritis to the injuries suffered from the car accident. Arthritis can specifically be added as a relevant factor even after you already have an existing claim in addition to including it in the initial claim filed.
For an arthritis claim to be successful, you must be able to demonstrate that the accident either caused or worsened the arthritis you are experiencing. To do this, you will need to consult with a doctor to establish a medical record and then consult with a lawyer to translate that into a legal document. Doctors are only trained to treat conditions, so you will want an experienced attorney to communicate with them and gather all the necessary records to demonstrate your condition’s veracity.
It is important to note that settling your claim too quickly is not a good idea. Insurance companies will often make an offer that is valued less than what your claim might actually be worth. They tend to ignore potential damages sustained from the accident, including conditions like post-traumatic arthritis. Remember, insurance providers are interested in keeping money in their pockets, not putting it in yours. Having a lawyer review any offer first can help you argue for the full value of your claim. They also have the experience to negotiate with insurers to get the fair compensation you deserve.
Why Clients Choose Matz Injury Law
At Matz Injury Law, we approach every case individually and listen to your unique case details to determine how to move forward. With our decades of experience working with car accident victims in Michigan, our team can help you pursue a lawsuit for arthritis and other accident-related issues you may be dealing with. Let us take care of the legal issues, and you can be free to focus on recovery. Take a look at what some of our previous clients had to say about our services.
Previous Client Testimonials
“Steve Matz was there when I needed him. Nobody expects to be a victim of a car accident but when I found myself in that situation it was overwhelming. Steve made everything easy. Steve did not accept the insurance company’s first offer. He held out and got me a better settlement. Steve is very kind and professional. I highly recommend Matz Injury Law.” — Sharon K.
“Steve Matz deserves more than 5 stars! He went above and beyond to help me with my automobile accident/lawsuit, and stayed in constant contact with me. He cared about me as a person and how I was feeling or doing. I will recommend him to anybody who ever asks me, he has been amazing!!!!! Mr. Matz I can never thank you enough for what you have done for us. Thank you for always being authentically and truly you, You are definitely a fighter for what’s right.” — Holly L.
“I reached out to Steve after my car accident, and even without paying him he was there for me. Offered me advice and told me everything I needed to know about what my insurance company owed me. He cares about people and it shows!” — Kyanna W.
Start Healing With Matz Injury Law
Arthritis is a tough condition, so let Matz Injury Law fight for the compensation you need for the road to recovery. Contact our Southfield personal injury attorneys at 1-866-22Not33 or by filling out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Arthritis can develop in the wake of a car accident in as little as six months or after 10-20 years. That is why our law firm always argues that you could potentially develop arthritis in your accident claim to cover potential future medical costs.
Accident insurance will vary based on the details of your specific policy, but it generally does cover post-traumatic arthritis. You will need to go over your policy for a more direct personal answer. We can help you review your policy to see if it covers arthritis.
Yes, you can get compensation for arthritis if you can demonstrate that it was caused by the accident. Compensation for arthritis typically includes medical expenses and lost wages.
There is no solid universal answer for how much disability will pay for arthritis, but it generally offers no more than $3,822 per month from SSDI and $943 per month from SSI in 2024. However, this can vary based on several factors, so speak with a lawyer for details.
Doctors diagnose arthritis through a combination of lab tests and imaging techniques like x-rays of the affected area to see how your joints are working.
