Idaho Law Blog
Sometimes the pain and disability associated with traumatic personal injury seems out of proportion to the trauma that caused it. A minor accident may cause a significant disability. In Idaho and every state, a person who negligently or intentionally causes personal injury is liable for all of the damages that result, even those that seem to be out of proportion to the act. There have been cases, of course, where people have tried to fake a serious injury to get a recovery. This rarely works, but it does cause problems for those people that have truly been seriously injured in seemingly minor accidents. However, with proper medical diagnosis, the links can be established between major injuries and seemingly minor accidents.
We know, for instance, that a minor impact can cause a whiplash or a brain injury that results in serious damage. Sometimes, even an apparently minor trauma to an arm or leg can also cause serious injuries. Even the injured person might not relate the pain and disability that appears later to the accident that caused it.
Some examples:
• A minor impact to an arm or leg can result in an infection, called cellulitis, requiring extensive treatment.
• It can also cause compartment syndrome, where the affected tissues swell and, if not treated promptly, can cause the loss of a limb.
• Trauma to almost any part of the body can cause severe, unrelenting pain that might last for years. Known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, or what doctors used to call Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, it can be very difficult for most doctors to recognize.
• Food poisoning, which at first causes a few days of vomiting and diarrhea, can sometimes result in serious long-term autoimmune diseases like one of several varieties of reactive arthritis, or cause long-term gastrointestinal conditions like irritable bowel syndrome.
These conditions can be difficult for a doctor to diagnose, but there are things you can do to help. Do your research, and bring what you find to your doctor’s attention. Make sure he understands your relevant history — the minor incidents that might have caused your condition. It is only if your doctor fully understands what is happening that he can make you better.
A good personal injury lawyer can also help if you believe you have been injured in any way. We would be honored to task to you about your concerns.