When you have been hurt in an accident, your mind may be flooded with questions. One that many clients hesitate to ask out loud is: “Should I tell my personal injury lawyer about old injuries, or will that ruin my case?” At GLG Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand this fear. However, the truth is that your past injuries do not have to be a liability if they are handled properly.
This article will help you understand why full transparency is not just advisable, but essential, and how it can make or break your personal injury claim.
Why Full Disclosure Protects You
One of the first questions many accident victims ask is: “Will telling my lawyer about a pre-existing condition make my current claim weaker?”
It is a valid concern, but it overlooks the broader context. The legal system, especially in Arizona, does not penalize someone for having a history of medical issues. In fact, the “eggshell plaintiff” rule requires defendants to accept victims as they are. This means if your condition made you more vulnerable to injury, the at-fault party is still fully liable for the harm caused.
However, this protection only works if your attorney is fully informed from the outset. If a defense attorney uncovers a past injury before your lawyer does, your credibility could be challenged, and your entire case could be put at risk.
What Insurance Companies Already Know
If you are wondering, “Can the insurance company find out about my old ?”, the answer is yes.
Insurance adjusters are not working in the dark. They have access to sophisticated databases, prior claims records, and even social media. Trying to hide a past injury is not only ineffective, it is dangerous. Once discovered, it can permanently damage your claim.
At GLG Personal Injury Lawyers, we deal with insurance companies every day. We know their tactics, and we stay one step ahead by arming ourselves with the facts before they do.
How Old Injuries Can Actually Strengthen Your Case
This may surprise you: Your previous injuries may actually increase the value of your current claim. How?
If you had a previous injury that was dormant or stable, and the recent accident aggravated or reactivated it, you are entitled to compensation for the aggravation of that condition.
For example, if you had a neck injury from years ago that was under control until a recent car accident caused new pain, that worsening is compensable. We have handled many cases where proving this link has resulted in substantial settlements.
But to make that argument successfully, we need medical records, physician testimony, and honest input from you. Your transparency becomes the foundation of our strategy.
Will Mentioning Old Injuries Reduce My Settlement?
A common search we see is: Will my settlement be reduced if I have prior injuries?
The answer depends on how those prior injuries are presented and how they relate to your current condition. If they are unrelated, they may be a non-issue. If they are connected, the focus shifts to how much worse your condition has become as a result of the recent accident.
We collaborate with trusted medical professionals to clearly draw these distinctions. Our role as your legal team is to demonstrate that your pain, limitations, and financial losses are real, and that the accident made them worse. With the right documentation, prior injuries do not have to be a setback.
What Happens If I Hide My Past Injuries?
Let us be very clear: Hiding old injuries is one of the fastest ways to jeopardize your case.
Here is what could happen:
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Your credibility may be questioned in court
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Insurance adjusters may accuse you of fraud or misrepresentation
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A judge or jury may doubt all your claims, even the valid ones
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Your attorney may be blindsided and unable to pivot in time
It is far better for your lawyer to know about past injuries and control the narrative, rather than being forced into defense mode.
Trust and Transparency With Your Attorney
Trust is the core of any attorney-client relationship. At GLG Personal Injury Lawyers, we treat every client with dignity and respect. We are here to listen—not to judge. That means you can share your full medical history with us, knowing that it will be used only to strengthen your case.
We serve clients throughout Phoenix and surrounding Arizona communities, and we understand the nuances of local court systems, juries, and insurance carriers.
As a Phoenix personal injury lawyer, our legal team knows what it takes to build compelling arguments, even when a client comes with a complex medical past. What matters is how we present your story—and we can only do that with the truth.
When To Share Information About Old Injuries
So, when should you mention your past injuries?
Immediately. During your initial consultation, we will ask about your medical history, prior accidents, and existing health conditions. Do not hold back. Everything you share is protected by attorney-client privilege.
This includes:
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Injuries from car accidents, workplace incidents, or sports
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Chronic conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, or back problems
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Surgeries or physical therapy received years ago
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Any pre-existing diagnosis that affects the area injured
The more we know, the better we can protect you.
Our Promise To You
At GLG Personal Injury Lawyers, our mission is to advocate for the injured with compassion and strength. We believe your past should never be used against you unfairly. When you work with us, you are not just hiring an accident attorney in Phoenix, AZ, you are gaining a team that cares deeply about your recovery and your future.
We will stand by your side, build your case with integrity, and fight for the compensation you deserve. But it all begins with honesty.
Always Speak Up
If you are asking yourself, “Should I mention old injuries to my lawyer or keep quiet?”, the answer is simple:
Speak up.
Old injuries are not a threat to your case—they are a part of your story. With the right team behind you, that story can still lead to justice, healing, and financial relief.
Let us help you take the next step with confidence.
Contact GLG Personal Injury Lawyers today for a free, confidential consultation. Your past does not define your future—but honesty will always protect it.