Soft tissue injuries can lead to serious limitations and chronic pain if not accurately diagnosed and treated.
Soft tissue injuries are the frequent subject of personal injury lawsuits. Even a low-impact car accident can result in whiplash - a common soft tissue injury with a lasting impact.
If you experience unusual pain after an accident, it is important to seek medical treatment immediately. Soft tissue injuries can lead to serious limitations and chronic pain if not accurately diagnosed and treated. Unfortunately, many soft tissue injuries require ongoing medical treatment which can be costly.
If you have been diagnosed with, or suspect, a soft tissue injury after an accident, you may have a claim against the person responsible for the accident to recover medical costs and receive compensation for related damages. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you determine if a lawsuit is appropriate in your case.
Here are the basics you need to know about soft tissue injuries:
Any level of trauma that results in damage to muscles, ligaments, or tendons is a soft tissue injury. Initially, soft tissue injuries may present with bruising, stiffness, and swelling; however, while there may not be external evidence of the injury, pain and immobility from these injuries can linger for years. Soft tissue injuries are often caused by a sudden or uncontrolled movement like the jolt of a car accident or tripping over an uneven sidewalk. Soft tissue injuries range from whiplash and sprains to muscle tears and nerve damage.
The R.I.C.E. method is a common recommendation for minor soft tissue injuries: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Soft tissue injuries that are diagnosed as minor (Grade 1) or moderate (Grade 2) usually heal within a few weeks and may require little to no medical intervention. However, more severe injuries, known as Grade 3, usually require long-term medical treatment and/or surgery and often have long recovery times.
When soft tissue injuries are undiagnosed, improperly diagnosed, or do not receive adequate treatment, the injury may worsen or lead to long-term pain, limited mobility, and the need for surgical intervention later. Additionally, soft tissue injuries do not always come with external markers indicating trauma.
In a personal injury lawsuit, this opens the door for the injury to be minimized or otherwise downplayed by the responsible party. Therefore, it is important to seek medical treatment immediately for proper diagnosis and care, but also to keep a detailed record, documenting everything related to the injury so that the injury can be substantiated when an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit is filed to ensure you recover the full financial benefit you deserve.
When you suffer a soft tissue injury because of an accident, you may be entitled to recover associated expenses including medical bills, lost wages, the cost of any property that was damaged, and even be compensated for your pain and suffering. Contact Natasha Misra Law today for a free consultation with a Milwaukee personal injury attorney.
