Do I Still Have a Case if My MRI was Normal?

Do I Still Have a Case if My MRI was Normal?

Routine Scan, Real Pain, Real Case in New York City

You have been in a car accident or another serious incident in New York City, and you are in pain. You know your body and that something is not right, but your MRI comes back “normal.” The doctor tells you there is “nothing wrong” and sends you home.

You still cannot sleep, work, or move like you used to. You feel ignored, doubted, and stuck.

At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we represent New Yorkers every day who are living this exact situation in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. A regular MRI does not mean:

• You are not injured
• Your pain is not real
• You do not have a personal injury case

Pain is complex. Imaging is only one piece of the puzzle. What truly matters, both medically and legally, is your symptoms, limitations, and how your life has changed.

If your MRI was normal but you are still in pain after an accident in New York City, you may still have a strong case.

Free Consultation With a New York City Personal Injury Lawyer
Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) or contact Greenstein & Pittari, LLP online.
The call and consultation are free, and you pay no fee unless we are successful.

Can I Still Have a Case if My MRI was Normal in New York City?

Yes. Absolutely.

Many successful New York personal injury cases involve normal MRI or CT scan results. Your case is not judged solely on a single image. It is judged on:

• Your symptoms
• Your functional limitations
• How the accident has affected your work and daily life
• The medical evidence and documentation as a whole

A normal MRI:

• Does not mean you are not injured
• Does not end your case
• Does not give the insurance company a free pass

At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, our NYC accident lawyers regularly represent victims with “clean” imaging who still suffer from:

• Serious neck and back pain
• Chronic headaches
• Nerve pain and tingling
• Dizziness and balance problems
• Cognitive and emotional changes

We handle cases involving:

• Car, truck, and rideshare accidents
• Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
• Slip and fall and trip and fall incidents
• Construction and worksite accidents
• Other serious injuries across New York City

Why a “Normal” MRI Does Not Mean You Are Not Injured

MRI technology is powerful, but it does not detect every injury. MRIs focus on structural changes, and many accident-related injuries are either too subtle or too complex to appear clearly.

Common Injuries That May Not Show on MRI

Soft tissue injuries
Sprains, strains, muscle tears, tendon injuries, contusions, and microtears can cause significant pain and stiffness but may not be evident on MRI, especially early on.

Nerve damage or irritation
Nerves can be bruised, inflamed, or stretched without visible compression on MRI. This can cause:

• Radiating pain into arms or legs
• Burning or electric sensations
• Numbness or tingling
• Weakness or loss of grip strength

Whiplash and neck injuries
Sudden back-and-forth neck motion, common in rear-end collisions, can injure ligaments, muscles, and facet joints in the cervical spine. Symptoms can include:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Headaches
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Limited range of motion

These injuries often appear “normal” on imaging, especially early.

Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
Many mild traumatic brain injuries do not show up on MRI or CT scans. Victims may experience:

• Headaches
• Memory or concentration problems
• Light and sound sensitivity
• Mood changes, anxiety, or depression
• Sleep disturbances and fatigue

These injuries are diagnosed based on symptoms, neurological exams, and, in some cases, neuropsychological testing, not just imaging.

Inflammation and microtrauma
Small tears and early inflammation in joints, discs, or soft tissues may be too subtle to see, but can cause significant pain and functional problems.

In short, a normal MRI does not equal everyday life. You can still be seriously injured even when your imaging looks “fine.”

Why Imaging Tests Sometimes Miss Accident Injuries

Imaging tests like MRI and CT are helpful, but they are only one diagnostic tool. They can miss injuries for several reasons:

• They capture one moment in time, while many injuries develop over days or weeks
• They focus on structural changes, not functional or neurological issues
• Some conditions are clinical diagnoses, based on symptoms and exam findings, not imaging

Other Diagnostic Tests Your NYC Doctors May Use

If your MRI is normal but you are still in pain, your physicians may consider:

• CT scans to visualize certain fractures or internal injuries better
• X-rays to detect fractures, bone alignment issues, or degenerative changes
• Ultrasound for specific soft tissue and joint problems
• EMG or nerve conduction studies to evaluate nerve damage or irritation
• Neuropsychological testing to document cognitive changes after a suspected brain injury
• Diagnostic injections to identify pain sources in joints or nerves

Good doctors in New York City look at the entire picture, not just a single scan.

Doctors May Dismiss You, But You Should Not Dismiss Yourself

Too many NYC accident victims hear statements like:

• “It is just stress.”
• “Your imaging is normal; there is nothing wrong.”
• “You will be fine, give it time.”

When you are still in pain, being dismissed is not only insulting, it is dangerous.

• You know your body.
• You know what you can and cannot do anymore.
• Pain that interferes with sleep, work, parenting, or daily tasks is severe.

What You Can Do Medically if Your MRI is Normal but You Are Still in Pain

• Keep following up with doctors
  Do not stop treatment because one test was regular.
• Request referrals to specialists
  Ask about seeing:

• A pain management specialist
• A neurologist
• A physiatrist (rehabilitation doctor)
• An orthopedic or spine specialist
• Follow the treatment plan
  This might include physical therapy, medications, injections, counseling, or home exercise. It helps your health and supports your legal claim.

If you feel ignored or dismissed, consider getting a second opinion. Your health is more important than one doctor’s rushed conclusion.

How a Normal MRI Affects a New York City Personal Injury Case

Insurance companies in New York often try to use a “normal” MRI to deny or limit claims. They may argue:

• You were not really injured
• Your pain is preexisting or unrelated
• You are exaggerating your symptoms

However, New York personal injury law does not require abnormal imaging to prove an injury. Your claim is based on evidence, not just imaging.

Key Evidence in Cases With Normal MRI Results

Medical records and doctors’ notes
These include:

• Office visit notes
• Physical examination findings
• Diagnoses and differential diagnoses
• Prescribed medications and treatment plans
• Work restrictions and activity limitations

Physical therapy and specialist records
These help show:

• Limited range of motion
• Weakness or imbalance
• Pain levels and flare-ups
• Functional limitations during therapy
• Progress over time

Pain journals and symptom diaries
You can track:

• Daily pain levels on a 0 to 10 scale
• Areas of pain
• Activities that worsen symptoms
• Sleep disruption
• Headaches, dizziness, or neurological symptoms
• Missed work and missed activities

Work and activity limitations

• Missed work days or reduced hours
• Job modifications
• Difficulty commuting by subway, bus, or car
• Problems with household chores, childcare, or hobbies

Witness statements

• Family members, friends, and coworkers can describe how you were before and after the accident, and what you can no longer do.

At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, our New York City personal injury attorneys use this evidence to tell a clear, credible story about your injuries, even when imaging is inconclusive.

New York Legal Issues After an Accident With a Normal MRI

New York has specific rules that affect accident cases, especially car crashes.

No Fault Benefits and Serious Injury Threshold

For most NYC car accidents:

• No fault insurance covers medical treatment and a portion of lost wages, regardless of fault, up to certain limits.
• To bring a lawsuit for pain and suffering against the at-fault driver, you generally must meet New York’s serious injury threshold, which can involve:

• A fracture
• Significant disfigurement
• Permanent loss of use of a body organ, member, function, or system
• Significant limitation of a body function or system
• A medically determined injury or impairment of a non-permanent nature that prevents you from performing usual daily activities for at least 90 of the first 180 days after the accident

Even with a normal MRI, you may meet the serious injury threshold if your functional limitations are well documented.

Statute of Limitations and Deadlines

In most New York personal injury cases:

• You generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for bodily injury.
• If a city, state, or public authority is involved, you may have to file a Notice of Claim within 90 days and may have a shorter time to sue.
• For wrongful death, the time limits are different and usually shorter.

Because these deadlines can be complicated, it is essential to talk with an NYC personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I still have a case if my MRI was normal after a car accident or fall in NYC?
Yes. Many valid New York personal injury cases involve routine imaging. The strength of your case depends on medical records, symptoms, functional limitations, and how clearly your injuries are documented, not just on MRI findings.

2. Do I need an abnormal MRI or CT scan to sue in New York?
No. New York law does not require abnormal imaging to bring a lawsuit. Many injuries, including soft tissue injuries, nerve pain, and concussions, may not appear on an MRI yet still qualify as serious injuries under New York law when properly documented.

3. Can I have a concussion or brain injury if my CT or MRI is standard?
Yes. Mild traumatic brain injuries and concussions often do not appear on standard imaging. They are diagnosed based on your symptoms, neurological exams, and, in some cases, neuropsychological testing.

4. What kinds of neck and back pain do not show up on MRI?
You may have pain from:

• Muscle strain or spasm
• Early-stage soft tissue injuries
• Small ligament or tendon tears
• Facet joint injuries
• Referred pain from the hip, pelvis, or sacroiliac joint
• Fibromyalgia or chronic pain syndromes

These conditions can cause significant pain even when an MRI appears normal.

5. Can an MRI miss inflammation or subtle damage after a New York car accident?
Yes. MRI can miss mild or early inflammation, tiny ligament or tendon tears, specific nerve injuries, and microscopic tissue damage. That is why doctors consider your history, physical examination, and sometimes additional tests.

6. Will the insurance company deny my claim because my MRI is normal?
They may try, but that does not mean they will succeed. With strong medical documentation, honest and consistent symptom reporting, and skilled legal representation, you can still recover compensation for your injuries.

7. How can I prove my pain is real if the MRI does not show anything?
You can prove your pain and limitations through:

• Regular medical visits
• Physical therapy records
• Medication history
• Pain journals and symptom diaries
• Statements from family, friends, and coworkers
• Opinions from medical experts

These tools can be more persuasive than a single imaging report.

8. Should I keep getting treatment if my doctor says “nothing is wrong”?
If you are still in pain, yes. You should:

• Continue to report your symptoms
• Ask for referrals to specialists
• Consider getting a second opinion

Stopping treatment may harm both your health and your legal case.

9. What should I do right now if my MRI is normal but I am still in pain after a New York accident?

• Keep seeking medical care and follow your doctor’s advice
• Start or continue a pain journal
• Save all medical records and bills
• Avoid signing anything from the insurance company without legal advice
• Contact a New York City personal injury attorney as soon as possible

10. When should I talk to a NYC personal injury lawyer?
You should speak with a lawyer if:

• Your pain is affecting your work or daily life
• Someone else’s negligence caused the accident
• The insurance company is minimizing or questioning your injuries
• You feel overwhelmed and are not sure what to do next

Consultations at Greenstein & Pittari, LLP are free and confidential.

Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari, LLP for Your New York City Injury Case

When your MRI is normal but your pain is not, you need a law firm that understands “invisible” injuries and knows how to prove them.

At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP:

• We are a New York City personal injury law firm focused exclusively on representing accident victims
• We offer our Fee Guarantee: no fee unless we win your case
• We provide bilingual services to serve NYC’s diverse communities
• We have hundreds of positive client reviews and testimonials
• Our lawyers have been recognized by Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers
• We handle the insurance companies so you can focus on healing
• We understand New York City courts, juries, and insurance carriers

Our motto is powerful and straightforward: “Don’t Be a Victim Twice.”

We maintain convenient office locations in:

• Harlem
• The Bronx
• Brooklyn
• Queens
• Staten Island
• Yonkers
• Nassau County

Your convenience and your recovery are our priorities.

Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462)
The call is free. The consultation is free.
You do not pay us unless we are successful.

Talk to a New York City Personal Injury Lawyer Today

A regular MRI does not define your pain, your future, or your legal rights.

If you were injured in a car accident, pedestrian accident, bicycle crash, construction accident, or fall in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, or Staten Island, and your MRI was normal. However, you are still in pain; you do not have to face the system alone.

Your pain is real. Your story matters. You deserve to be heard.

Free Consultation, No Fee Unless We Win
Contact Greenstein & Pittari, LLP today at 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) or online.
Let us fight for the medical care, financial compensation, and justice you deserve in New York City.