What is Pre-Existing Condition?
A health condition or injury that existed before the accident, which may complicate proving causation but doesn't bar recovery for aggravation.
Understanding Pre-Existing Condition
Defendants must take plaintiffs as they find them (eggshell plaintiff rule). If an accident aggravates a pre-existing condition, the defendant is liable for the aggravation. Medical records documenting pre-accident condition help prove what the accident worsened.
Examples
- 1Accident aggravating prior back injury
- 2Asymptomatic disc condition becoming painful after crash
- 3Previous knee injury worsened by fall
Related Terms
Eggshell Plaintiff Rule
The legal principle that defendants must take plaintiffs as they find them, meaning they are liable for all injuries caused even if the plaintiff was unusually susceptible to harm.
X-Ray Evidence
Diagnostic imaging used to document injuries in personal injury cases. X-rays show bone fractures, dislocations, and some soft tissue abnormalities, providing objective medical evidence of harm.
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