Injured at WDW!

[KevinFSU]

Who says there is nothing serious? There certainly could be.

People are seriously injured and killed by "accidents" everyday. You are right...let's just move on.

 

[Skroops]

I hope your MIL will be just fine. What an ordeal to go through when you are headed for fun at WDW.

I am impressed with the level of education from all of the posters who have chimed in. Way to go DIS'ers! Truly a wealth of information.

 

[PKK/MJK]

A similar thing happen to me at MK last May 5th--the day of the big opening ceremonies for the Happiest Celebration. I was standing across from the Plaza Restaurant shortly after the program had finished. All the tables and chairs had been removed and there were four weighed flag poles along the fence holding banners from each of the parks. I stood along the fence in an open area--and was sending a text message to my CM daughter so my head was looking downward. It was a breezy day and all of a sudden I heard someone yell, "Look out!". Unfortunately, I didn't move fast enough--and one of the metal poles blew over and hit me right on the top of my head. To say I 'saw stars' is an understatement!! I can still hear the sound that pole made when it contacted my skull!! YIKES!! CMs were on the scene FAST!!!! One especially gracious CM took me to the first aid station--and she commented that those poles must need to be secured better. (I have a hunch this was not something she should have said) Anyway, I was extremely lucky and only ended up with a headache. Because I lost a good portion of my afternoon sitting in First Aid, they gave me 4 passes--similar to Fast Pass--which I never got to use because it was raining when we left that building.

We knew we were returning to WDW in July, so when I returned home, I wrote a letter to WDW explaining what had happened and I asked if I could get some new Fast Passes since I never got to use the ones they gave me? A week or two later, I received a phone call from a lovely lady who was in charge of 'my case'!!!! She wanted to know how I was feeling, if I'd had any problems, if I'd needed to go to a hospital or consult a doctor etc etc. Fortunately, I was fine! The CM then sent me a very small check to 'settle the case.' I didn't want money--that never crossed my mind. I wanted replacement passes! I never did get the passes though.

Anyway, everyone was very kind and very solicitous. From my experience, I think if you send a detailed account of what happened, someone will contact you and do whatever is necessary to handle the situation to your satisfaction.

Good Luck!!

 

[#1MMFan]

I didn't tell her to go to an attorney for medical treatment. I told her to make sure she was getting checked out. I also was suggesting a diagnostic, which most doctors will order in such a case, given a neck injury with a radicular component (not to mention just regular 'ol x-rays).

Define "radicular component". Well, that is rather a generalisation that most doctors will order MRI. You and I haven't examined the person, and unless given detailed history and examination there is a genuine need for an MRI, I certainly wouldn't order an expensive MRI unless a true serious problem is suspected; it is neither beneficial to patients or the health system to request inappropriately detailed investigations when symptoms/signs do not suggest serious pathology. If a doctor cannot recognise red flag symptoms and signs requiring further investigation and those symptoms which are more reassuring then clearly they need further training. I despise this knee-jerk reaction of "let's do every investigation under the sun just because we can". Where is the art of medicine in that? Oh, what component of a disc lesion did you expect to see on a regular ol' xray?

 

[pedro2112]

Define "radicular component". Well, that is rather a generalisation that most doctors will order MRI. You and I haven't examined the person, and unless given detailed history and examination there is a genuine need for an MRI, I certainly wouldn't order an expensive MRI unless a true serious problem is suspected; it is neither beneficial to patients or the health system to request inappropriately detailed investigations when symptoms/signs do not suggest serious pathology. If a doctor cannot recognise red flag symptoms and signs requiring further investigation and those symptoms which are more reassuring then clearly they need further training. I despise this knee-jerk reaction of "let's do every investigation under the sun just because we can". Where is the art of medicine in that? Oh, what component of a disc lesion did you expect to see on a regular ol' xray?

The poster stated that she should be getting checked out, and then gave an opinion that she probably needs an MRI. If she followed his (good) advice and gets checked out, then the medical professional will make the determination whether she needs diagnostic testing or not. I'm not sure why you are making an issue out of great advice given.

 

[KevinFSU]

The x-rays have nothing to do with the radicular component, but to rule out a vertebral fracture.

 

[allaboutmm]

Hope your MIL is feeling better.

 

[#1MMFan]

The x-rays have nothing to do with the radicular component, but to rule out a vertebral fracture.

Yes, I'm sorry, that was rhetorical; I have my medical degree. I would certainly anticipate if there was any suggestion of cervical tenderness that the OP's MIL would have had AP and lateral Cx spine X-rays, with or without peg views. I just feel that someone with little medical knowledge (with all due respect - I have no law knowledge) is perhaps leaping to a very specific diagnostic conclusion when there are far simpler and more common explanations for these. If the UK worked on the assumption that anyone with a neck injury gets an MRI then the NHS would have broken down long ago. And you don't see many people going around with broken necks in the UK so we must be doing something right. You also don't see people being sued as much as in the USA for malpractice. Perhaps this is the reason why US doctors jump to doing these detailed investigations, but as I say you wonder if they are truly necessary for many problems, and you certainly have to weigh up the risk vs benefit ratio and ask "is it going to alter the management?". To the poster who thinks I'm making a big issue, I don't particularly like people giving specific advice on medical issues when they don't have the degree to back it up. It's like calling an emergency plumber because a joiner says you might have a blocked pipe. You'd think twice about that wouldn't you?

 

[Ducky4Disney]

MIL has a doctor appointment soon and says she is still experiencing a lot of pain, enough for her to take off work. I will e-mail her with a contact person at WDW to talk to. I'm curious about the incident report and what the hospital did for her, I'll find out what I can.

About the medical advice - I know what he meant, just get it looked at. Neck injuries can be very involved - lots of important stuff going on in there. They can also go on for a long time. That's what I'm most concerned about, that she is going to have lasting damage from this. I'm 7 months pregnant with her grandson, I want her to be able to pick him up and play him - comfortably and without pain.

To those of you who say "this is an accident, move on", I say that I would agree with you - if this were a splinter or a stubbed toe. She didn't crack a crowned tooth eating a Goofy jawbreaker and get mad at Disney.

She has not (that I know of) contacted Disney since returning home. I really think this will all be settled peacably and without lawyers. I have appreciated all the advice and well wishing - thank you!

D4D

 

[lookingforward]

To the OP, I am so sorry your MIL was injured. I hope that she feels better soon and that nothing is seriously wrong.

I don't think it is fair for the Medical doctor to question the lawyer's advice. I have neck problems that were caused by a horseback riding accident years ago. I suffer each and every day to a varying degree. It is not something bad enough to operate on but it causes me pain and stiffness and impedes the quality of my life.

In your MIL's case it would be prudent, in my humble non-medical doctor opinion to find out exactly what is going on in her neck. This way she can take corrective and protective action if need be. I certainly don't know what that has to do with England's medical system or anyone else. It is important for her to understand what the incident did to her neck for the long or short term.

I work for a police department as a social worker and often see first hand what happens to people as a result of accidents and trauma. Sometimes it takes a good advocate (me or even a lawyer to make things equitable. You MIL most likely will get the proper care from WDW without having to resort to a lawyer..but many, many people get no help with their non WDW injuries. When one is in pain it is hard to "move on" if the pain is chronic. I am not sure how other countries handle medical testing and how one qualifies for various tests...but in the good ol' USA, with something as serious as a neck injury, I say roll out the MRI, x-rays, and specialists if it can help someone.

 

[UrsulasShadow]

I agree with the MD taking exception to the lawyer offering medical advice. I hope your MIL seeks medical advice, and takes the advice of her doctor. To follow "medical advice" from a lawyer smacks of "ambulance chaser" (not that the responding lawyer IS one of those, but I think we know there's plenty of them out there). Here's hoping that your MIL turns out well, happy, and satisfied.

 

[graygables]

I, too, hope your MIL is OK. I was injured at WDW in 2004 when I stepped wrong in the track on Main Street after the fireworks. I didn't fall, just twisted the crud out of my ankle. First aid took fairly good care of it and that was all.

I'm curious, though, and please forgive me if it's a stupid question...but, where are these umbrellas? The only ones I recall seeing were for the no-bag lines. I thought all the other check areas had a roof? I'd like to a make sure I avoid them at all costs, since Murphy's Law genetically applies to me!

 

[#1MMFan]

I don't think it is fair for the Medical doctor to question the lawyer's advice. I have neck problems that were caused by a horseback riding accident years ago. I suffer each and every day to a varying degree. It is not something bad enough to operate on but it causes me pain and stiffness and impedes the quality of my life.

In your MIL's case it would be prudent, in my humble non-medical doctor opinion to find out exactly what is going on in her neck. This way she can take corrective and protective action if need be. I certainly don't know what that has to do with England's medical system or anyone else. It is important for her to understand what the incident did to her neck for the long or short term.

I am not sure how other countries handle medical testing and how one qualifies for various tests...but in the good ol' USA, with something as serious as a neck injury, I say roll out the MRI, x-rays, and specialists if it can help someone.

1. The UK is not exclusively England. I'm Scottish.

2. This is precisely why you are not a doctor. You fail to see there is a spectrum of neck injuries. To say "something as serious as a neck injury" shows that you have not considered this. If I have a patient who is determined to have investigations which I believe are unnecessary, sure, I would certainly not refuse to do these - after all it is a JOINT informed decision. When you say "roll out the MRI, x-rays, and the specialists if it can help someone" it shows a lack of understanding into the reason behind investigations. But, heck, if you don't have a good enough relationship with your doctor in order to trust him/her to help you make an informed decision before proceeding with tests that might not be necessary, then too bad. I'm not from the backwoods, I come from the place that has pioneered medicine whilst the US was in its infancy, with all due respect.

3. Forgive me if I'm putting 2 and 2 together and making 5, but you have to wonder, given an MRI etc is expensive, and will need to be claimed for, whether this is additional silver to line a lawyer's wallet when the eventual settlement is reached?

 

[KevinFSU]

Watch out lookingforward, suggesting that the MIL get checked out may be rendering medical advice. Let's leave it to the medical professionals to make such a big decision.

I think #1MMFan's problem is that I sue doctors. I didn't send the MIL to a MRI facility. I didn't examine her. However, I've been in this arena for almost 15 years, and I'd say I have a fair amount of knowledge when it comes to issues like this. Certainly, it should be with the advice and consult of her treating physician before an MRI is performed. However, my Disboard suggestion of an MRI is hardly made without any knowledge on the subject. I interpret "shooting pains" to mean the pain is shooting down into the shoulders, arms, hands, etc. This may or may not be the case, but the treating physician should find all of that out and make the appropriate decisions. If people were thinking I was suggesting she just take it upon herself to go out and get an MRI, that is far from the case.

Just because there is a neck injury doesn't mean you do a lot of unnecessary tests. With an impact to the neck, no question x-rays should be performed if she is hurting (Oooooppppssssss, did I give medical advice again???? ). Other diagnostics depend on the signs and symptoms.

Advise your MIL to be wary of any quick settlement offers, ESPECIALLY if she is still having problems. She'd be better off refusing any settlement now, and getting nothing later on down the road when she's 100% better, rather than settling for a small amount now and having some life long issues for which there will be no recourse.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

5. Most people that talk about friviolous lawsuits don't have any clue about what they are talking about. Yes they exist, but are probably a small percentage of the total. Most people have absolutely no idea the kind of negligence and medical malpractice that goes on out there.

6. Suit would have to be brought here in Florida.

Any other questions, or concerns, feel free to ask.

Here's the numbers. According to the Institute of Medicine 86 % of all medical malpractice claims filed are for non-negligent injuries, 70% of all cases filed against physicians are dropped, dismissed, or settled for the plaintiff.

 

[KevinFSU]

I don't suppose the IM has skewed some numbers have they??? I would imagine I can find numbers the other way.

However, put your fears to rest. Here in Florida, prior to filing suit, we have to have the verified opinion from a provider of the same specialty opine that the medical care fell below the standard of care. I can't just go out and file a medical malpractice action.

 

[#1MMFan]

Why would I have a problem with you suing doctors? 1. You are hardly likely to come into contact with me and 2. I am all for better health care.

I hope Ducky4Disney's MIL is improving and I hope she does discuss her condition with a physician. I hope the correct advice is given and she does not have to claim for tests that she and her physician do not collectively feel are necessary.

It always amazes me how many confident health conversations I hear in the States; believe me, my cousins have the audacity to talk "medical" in front of my family. If my family weren't medical, I would have no doubt my cousins were absolutely right the way they talk.

Let me diffuse another myth before it is alleged; I have nothing against lawyers. My father is a retired lawyer.

One final thought: What do you have when you have one personal injury lawyer buried up to his neck in sand? Answer: Not enough sand. Hahahaha, joking!!!

 

[Ducky4Disney]

Ok folks, break it up!

#1MMFan, don't take the England comment personally. I'm sure that person didn't mean it that way. And to say "This is precisely why you are not a doctor" is a little rude. They're not a doctor because they didn't go to school to become one and aren't trained in that arena. You make it sound like they're not a doctor because they're ignorant and clearly can't see the big picture. But I'm sure you didn't mean it that way. My MIL will see a doctor long before she calls a lawyer and she will have whatever proper treatment is advised. Thank you for your concern, I know it is genuine and well meant.

To KevinFSU, "Advise your MIL to be wary of any quick settlement offers, ESPECIALLY if she is still having problems. She'd be better off refusing any settlement now, and getting nothing later on down the road when she's 100% better, rather than settling for a small amount now and having some life long issues for which there will be no recourse". This is the only reason I say that contacting a lawyer or at least thinking seriously about retaining one is a good idea. If Disney comes back with some kind of settlement I'm sure there is a contract involved and that needs to be looked at. If it's a settlement that is not in her best interest based on her injuries (which the Doc's have diagnosed) then she needs to have legal advice on how to proceed.

I am still very impressed at all the advice, concern, and debate that this has generated without too much animosity . I like hearing all sides of things.

D4D

 

[KevinFSU]

Dang, and I can't think of any good doctor jokes.

Ducky, if there is any kind of settlement offer, I would be extremely surprised if they don't insist on your MIL signing a release of all claims. If you feel you need additional guidance, I think you can send me a private message. Hope everything turns out well without any permanent problems for your MIL.

 

[lookingforward]

1. The UK is not exclusively England. I'm Scottish.

2. This is precisely why you are not a doctor. You fail to see there is a spectrum of neck injuries. To say "something as serious as a neck injury" shows that you have not considered this. If I have a patient who is determined to have investigations which I believe are unnecessary, sure, I would certainly not refuse to do these - after all it is a JOINT informed decision. When you say "roll out the MRI, x-rays, and the specialists if it can help someone" it shows a lack of understanding into the reason behind investigations. But, heck, if you don't have a good enough relationship with your doctor in order to trust him/her to help you make an informed decision before proceeding with tests that might not be necessary, then too bad. I'm not from the backwoods, I come from the place that has pioneered medicine whilst the US was in its infancy, with all due respect.

3. Forgive me if I'm putting 2 and 2 together and making 5, but you have to wonder, given an MRI etc is expensive, and will need to be claimed for, whether this is additional silver to line a lawyer's wallet when the eventual settlement is reached?

I will try to be nice and respectful even if the favor will not be returned, however, I do feel that I should respond.

Never did I say that the UK or England is backwoods...with all due respect. The UK does have a different medical system than the United States. Not sure why you would be so defensive about my comments??

You don't know my educational level and I freely admitted that I am not a medical doctor, so please don't "precisely" claim anything about me.
I don't understand the entire spectrum of neck injuries, I was simply commenting about my personal experience and pain. I was not speaking for all.

I certainly did not say anything about my doctor or my trust level with him. But heck, I am not a medical doctor so maybe I missed something.

Lawyers don't get paid for MRI's so I don't know how that would line their wallets.

I come on these boards to offer support, friendship and my love of disney with other like minded people. To the orginal poster, I pray for your MIL's speedy recover and hope she becomes able to play and lift your baby real soon.