INJURED IN ACCIDENT PREEXISTING CONDITION WORSE
Can there still be a case even though the injured person had a prior injury or condition? Our accident attorneys are frequently asked this question. The answer is yes.
Our personal injury lawyers often have cases where a client reinjures something in an accident.The injury may be to a body part that was previously a problem. For example, someone with a prior successful knee surgery may reinjure that knee in a slip fall accident. There are also cases where an accident makes a preexisting bad back or neck injury worse.
A person who causes an accident is responsible to the extent they made someone’s condition worse. That is the law in Minnesota. The insurance company will argue the injury is not worse, it is the same. If the symptoms are the same as they were before the accident, there is no case. Our lawyers hear this argument all the time.Ideally, there will be diagnostic scans that show a different or more significant injury. For example, an MRI might show a herniated disc got worse. The patient’s own description of their symptoms is important, but a doctor’s opinion is most helpful.
INSURANCE FOR ACCIDENT MEDICAL BILLS
Medical bills are the first concern after an accident. Our lawyers work to get the medical bills paid by whoever caused the accident.However, in the meantime, there are other ways to get the medical bills paid as well. For example, in a car accident, your No-Fault insurance will automatically pay at least the first $20,000 of medical bills. With No-Fault insurance, you do still have to prove the accident caused your injury. If you have health insurance, they will pay your medical bills regardless of a pre-existing condition. Your health insurance will then get paid back if we are successful with your case.
Call us for a free consultation with a lawyer if you have been injured in a Minnesota accident. Even if you have a preexisting condition, you are entitled to compensation if the injury was made worse. We have offices where you can meet a lawyer in Edina, Minneapolis, and Woodbury. Our attorneys will also come to you throughout MN.