Soft-tissue injuries may be hard to notice at first glance. They are definitely injuries that aren’t visible, which may make them even scarier and harder to detect and can significantly impact someone’s way of life, even long-term.
Therefore, when involved in a car accident, it is advised to visit a medical expert, in addition to other recommended steps, to have a record of getting these types of injuries checked out. Not only will an individual ensure that they are taking the necessary precautions to recover, but when trying to prove adequate compensation for soft-tissue injuries, having a form of record will benefit the plaintiff and their argument.
What are soft-tissue injuries?
A soft-tissue injury is when someone suffers trauma to their tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Injuries that may be included:
- Sprains and strains: this is typically an injury found in someone’s tendons or muscles, typically after stretching, overusing, or forcing. Symptoms may include stiffness, swelling, possible strains, and a reduced range of motion. An example of a neck strain is whiplash, one of the most common soft injuries after a car accident.
- Contusion: A contusion is when an affected muscle or connective tissue is crushed. Severe swelling and bruising resulted from a body part hitting an object during an accident.
- Whiplash: neck injuries and tissue damage around the head. Symptoms may include stiffness, neck aches and pain, headaches, numbness or tingling in the arms, unexplained dizziness, pain or tenderness in the arms, shoulder, or upper back, reduced range of motion. If not treated, untreated whiplash can have serious long-term effects even contributing to Degenerative Disc Disease- a condition that occurs when discs between the vertebrae of the spinal column deteriorate or break down, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness.
- Herniated Disc: a herniated disc is a disc in the spine that ruptures due to trauma. This allows the jelly-like center of the disc to leak, irritating the nearby nerves, which may lead to sciatica or back pain. The unnatural movement can wreak havoc on a person’s back and neck, leaving them with complications and a potentially grueling road to recovery.
What is the challenge of proving soft tissue injuries?
A misconception that individuals have about car accidents is that in order to really be injured, the vehicle must be traveling at a minimum speed for injuries to be legitimate or the amount of damage on your vehicle. However, the damage to someone’s vehicle isn’t a great indication of injuries that an individual has sustained doesn’t affect an individual in a detrimental way. Unlike physical injuries, such as a broken bone, soft tissue injuries typically don’t show up with diagnostic tools.
That is why it is recommended to seek medical treatment after an accident. Insurance companies and the defense team will make the argument that the injuries sustained weren’t awful enough if someone didn’t seek medical help after the car accident. However, having a record that someone consulted a medical expert after an accident, even if it is to ensure that everything is okay, will benefit when it comes to the claim.
How to calculate my compensation for soft-tissue injuries?
In any car accident claim, an individual will have to prove how much damage one has suffered.
Although clients will want to get an estimate of the compensation they can receive for a soft-tissue injury, there is no magical calculator that will determine the amount. Every case is different and will require an independent analysis to best determine the right compensation for each individual.
However, The Carlson Law Firm offers free consultations. There are no fees to speak to one of our legal experts to determine your legal options, help determine your claim value, your injuries, and the next step to help you to your recovery.
How can I help validate my case when it involves soft-tissue injuries?
If you have suffered a soft tissue injury after a car accident, it is in your best interest to follow the steps below.
- Seek medical help immediately after the accident. Even if someone believes to be okay, it is better to have a medical expert check them out to see if there is anything that may not be visible to the naked eye. Make sure to give a detailed explanation of what you are feeling and the pain you have. All of this will be documented and will be used to strengthen your case for the compensation that you deserve.
- Keep an eye on the statute of limitations. The insurance company will do everything in its power to look for loopholes in your case. Be ready to speak on anything that may seem like an issue in your case.
- Contact our office to speak to one of our legal experts. For 45 years, our attorneys have advocated against insurance companies for individuals that have suffered due to the negligence of others. We have the resources to help you go against insurance companies and get you the compensation that you deserve.
Remember insurance companies attempt their best to pay victims the lowest amount that they can. By speaking to one of our compassionate car accident attorneys, it is ensured that you will have someone by your side advocating for the compensation that you deserve.
The Carlson Law Firm can Help
After a car accident, your top priority should be your well-being and your recuperation. Dealing with insurance companies and at-fault parties adds unnecessary stress that may detriment your recovery. When you speak to an attorney at The Carlson Law Firm, you won’t be alone. We will ensure that everything is taken care of, and keep you updated on the status of your case. One of our car accident attorneys can help you seek compensation for:
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Past and future medical expenses
- Property damage
- Punitive damages
Contact our office today for a free consultation. We care and we can help.
