Bartolone v. Jeckovich
Facts:
Plaintiff negligently caused a car accident that gave defendant minor injuries. These minor injuries greatly aggravated a pre-existing schizophrenic condition, which then permanently disabled him.
Procedural History:
Jury awarded $500,000 to plaintiff, which judge set aside.
Issue:
Can one be liable for aggravating pre-existing conditions?
Defendant's Argument:
Condition was not aggravated; defendant is faking a mental breakdown. Even if was real, it would have happened anyway.
Rule:
: Defendant is liable for all physical injuries even if another plaintiff wouldn't have suffered those injuries.
Reasoning:
There are many cases of similar mental disorders being caused by traffic accidents. They held that the defendant should be liable. Defendant was living a normal life before the accident, so there is not reason to think it would have occurred then without it.
Rule/Holding:
One can be held liable for aggravating pre-existing conditions.
Judgment:
Reversed; jury's verdict reinstated.