You can claim compensation for osteoarthritis after a car accident, but you will need to prove that the disease was caused by the car accident.
Osteoarthritis is a type of joint disease that causes pain, stiffness, and inflammation of the joints. Severe injuries from a car accident may cause osteoarthritis at a later phase in life.
Definition of Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a common form of joint disease often caused by underlying bone fractures or the breakdown of joint cartilage. The cartilage around a joint helps prevent rubbing of the bones against each other. If the cartilage of a joint breaks in a car accident, the victim suffers severe pain in the joint. In general, the joints of hands, knees, hips, and spine are more susceptible to osteoarthritis. Regular treatment can help reduce the pain and other symptoms of osteoarthritis but cannot cure the disease completely.
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
Some common symptoms of osteoarthritis include:
- stiffness in the joint
- severe pain
- inflammation in the joint
- a feeling of grating or grinding
- loss of flexibility
- tenderness
Doctors may diagnose osteoarthritis from these symptoms or may use blood testes, X-rays, or MRIs for confirmation.
Compensation for Osteoarthritis after a Car Accident
Post-traumatic osteoarthritis after a car accident is common. In fact, any accident or trauma accounts for around 12 percent of all osteoarthritis in the knee, ankle, and hip, affecting around 5.6 million people. You can claim compensation for osteoarthritis after a car accident, but you will need to prove that the disease was caused by the car accident. An experienced, qualified doctor will need to testify on your behalf. Ask for legal advice from a top-rated Chicago car accident attorney. Call Willens & Baez at (312) 957-4166.
