Yes, pre-existing conditions can complicate a spinal cord injury claim. Defendants and insurance companies often use pre-existing conditions to reduce their payout, arguing that the accident wasn’t the sole cause of the injury but rather a contributing factor was the pre-existing condition. However, a competent attorney can refute these arguments. Many jurisdictions adhere to the “eggshell skull rule,” which mandates that defendants must accept victims as they find them. If your pre-existing condition made you more susceptible to injury, it doesn’t limit or absolve the defendant’s liability.