MY doctor says my injuries are from before the wreck but it never gave me problems before, does this mean my case is worth less? | Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

Many times, we have pre-existing conditions that we do not know about or just haven’t bothered us too much.  A car wreck can irritate this condition and make it more bothersome and noticeable.  In Virginia like many states, you are legally entitled to compensation for aggravation of an existing injury.  It wouldn’t be fair for the insurance company to say that because you suffered from an ailment before, they are not responsible for making it worse.  Often this scenario will make the case a little more difficult but a good lawyer knows how to handle this issue.  It is a matter of proving that the injury did not give you trouble before the wreck.  If we can prove that than the injury should not impact your case too severely.