Your Chronic Condition Was Manageable—Then an Accident in Burlington Changed Everything.

Living with a chronic condition means constantly adjusting. You know what works for you. You manage the pain. You get through each day. Then—an accident happens. Maybe you were rear-ended on Shelburne Road, slipped on an icy sidewalk in Church Street Marketplace, or got hurt on the job at the University of Vermont Medical Center. Whatever it was, everything changed in an instant. Suddenly, the pain you had under control is unbearable. Things you used to do without thinking—getting out of bed, making coffee, driving to work—now feel impossible. That’s when you realize you need a personal injury attorney to help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

That’s where we come in. At Horn Wright, LLP, we know accidents don’t just cause new injuries—they can make old ones worse. If someone else’s negligence has left you struggling with more pain than ever, you deserve compensation. 

How an Injury in Burlington Can Make Chronic Pain a Daily Struggle

When you live with a chronic condition, even a minor accident can turn your life upside down. A fender bender on Interstate 89 or a slip-and-fall outside your favorite café might not seem serious to others, but for you, it could mean unbearable flare-ups and months—maybe years—of extra pain. Here’s how an accident can make chronic pain worse:

• Inflammation overload – A sudden impact can send your body into overdrive, making already-sensitive joints, muscles, or nerves flare up like never before. If you have arthritis or fibromyalgia, the increased inflammation can push your pain levels through the roof.
• Loss of mobility – You might’ve spent years carefully maintaining your strength and flexibility. One wrong move—one injury—can undo all of that. For example, if you have degenerative disc disease, a back injury could leave you unable to bend, twist, or even sit comfortably.
• Worsened nerve pain – If you already deal with nerve-related pain, an accident can make it unbearable. Someone with sciatica, for instance, might go from occasional discomfort to shooting, burning pain that never lets up.
• Emotional toll – Chronic pain is exhausting, both physically and mentally. When it gets worse, it can take an even bigger toll on your mental health. Over 50% of people with chronic pain also struggle with depression or anxiety—an accident can make that even harder to handle.

And the worst part? Getting the help you need isn’t always easy—especially when insurance companies try to dismiss your suffering. That’s why having an experienced Burlington attorney on your side can make all the difference.

Fighting Insurance Companies Who Claim Your Condition "Wasn’t Caused by the Accident"

Insurance companies don’t like paying out claims. If you had a pre-existing condition, they’ll try to use that against you. They might argue that your pain was already bad before the accident or claim that your new symptoms have nothing to do with what happened.

It’s frustrating, but even if you had a condition before the accident, that doesn’t mean the accident didn’t make things worse. The law is on your side. Under the eggshell plaintiff rule, whoever caused the accident is responsible for the full impact of your injuries—even if you were more vulnerable than someone else might’ve been. To fight back, you’ll need solid evidence. That includes:

• Medical records – Showing what your condition was like before the accident versus after can make all the difference. If you were working, exercising, or handling daily tasks with minimal pain before, that helps prove the accident caused your decline.
• Doctor statements – Specialists—like neurologists, pain management doctors, or orthopedic surgeons—can explain how the accident worsened your symptoms.
• Testimonies from experts – Medical professionals can back up your claim by detailing the treatments you now need, whether that’s stronger medication, physical therapy, or even surgery.

Insurance companies will try to brush off your claim—but with the right Burlington personal injury attorney, you don’t have to let them.

Proving That an Accident in Burlington Worsened Your Health

When an accident makes your chronic pain worse, proving it can feel like an uphill battle. After all, pain isn’t something you can see on an X-ray. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck—there are still ways to show just how much this accident has affected your life.

Why Old Injuries Matter More Than You Think

Some people worry that having a pre-existing condition will hurt their case. In reality, it can help. If you were managing your pain well before the accident but now struggle to get through the day, that’s a major red flag—and solid evidence that the accident made things worse. This is how you can prove it:

• Medical comparisons – Showing the difference between your pain levels, medication needs, or mobility before and after the accident. If you’ve gone from occasional over-the-counter painkillers to needing prescription opioids or steroid injections, that’s proof something changed.
• Doctor testimony – A specialist can explain how the accident aggravated your condition. For example, a neurologist might confirm that a minor traumatic brain injury has worsened an existing migraine disorder.
• Pain journals – Writing down your daily struggles can make a big impact. If you used to walk a mile every morning but now struggle to make it up a flight of stairs, documenting that change can strengthen your case.
• Statements from people who know you – Friends, family, or even coworkers can speak to how much your condition has declined. Maybe your spouse sees you wincing in pain all the time, or your boss notices you are needing more sick days—those observations matter.

A good lawyer knows how to use this kind of evidence to fight for the compensation you deserve.

What Kind of Compensation Can You Get for Increased Pain and Suffering?

If an accident made your chronic condition worse, you have the right to seek compensation. But what does that actually cover?

• Medical expenses – Hospital bills, physical therapy, prescription medications—these costs add up fast. Studies show that people with chronic pain spend thousands per year on treatments.
• Lost income – If your increased pain has forced you to cut back on work or stop working altogether, you should be compensated for that lost income.
• Pain and suffering – Chronic pain takes a serious toll on your quality of life. Vermont courts recognize that long-term suffering deserves fair compensation.
• Loss of enjoyment – If your pain keeps you from doing what you love—whether it’s hiking in Centennial Woods, playing with your kids, or even just enjoying a walk downtown—you deserve compensation for that loss.

Get the Legal Help You Need with Horn Wright, LLP

You didn’t ask for this. Your life was under control, and now you’re stuck dealing with more pain than ever. At Horn Wright, LLP, recognized as one of the best law firms in America, we know how to take on insurance companies and fight for people dealing with pre-existing conditions. We’ll work with doctors, gather the right evidence, and handle the legal side of things.

Don’t let insurance companies downplay your suffering. Contact a personal injury attorney at Horn Wright, LLP, today and take the first step toward getting the justice you deserve.