Soft tissue injuries are common forms of physical harm that can result from virtually any type of accident. They involve the ligaments, tendons, or muscles and often cause significant swelling and discomfort.
Although they’re often viewed as minor because they don’t always cause immediate pain, soft tissue injuries can sometimes require extensive medical care. Learn more about these injuries and their characteristics.
Common Types of Soft Tissue Injuries
It’s possible to sustain injuries to the muscles and critical connective tissues in any type of traumatic incident, from motorcycle crashes to construction accidents. Here are a few of the most common.
Sprains
Sprains impact the ligaments, which connect bones to bones. A sprain occurs when a ligament stretches or tears, leading to acute, deep pain and swelling. Minor sprains may only require rest and ice to relieve the inflammation, while more serious injuries may demand ongoing physical therapy.
Strains
Strains, or “pulled muscles,” arise when someone stretches or tears a muscle or tendon. The pain can be intense, and range of motion can be limited in the affected area until the victim heals.
Whiplash is one of the most common types of muscular strains. It’s frequently sustained during car accidents.
Tendonitis
Tendonitis is inflammation in a tendon, which connects bone to muscle. It’s often caused by repetitive motions and can impact the elbows, shoulders, knees, and other major joints. The pain tends to worsen when the affected area is moved, and there’s often visible swelling. Movement may also be accompanied by a grating sensation in the joint.
Bursitis
Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints and prevent them from rubbing together. Overuse, impact trauma, and repetitive motions can cause these sacs to swell, leading to joint pain, stiffness, and redness or warmth. This type of inflammation is known as bursitis, and it can be both painful and limiting in terms of movement.
Contusions
Contusions are bruises. They result directly from trauma to soft tissue, which causes discoloration and broken blood vessels that contribute to pooling.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim After Suffering a Soft Tissue Injury
Soft tissue injuries are often dismissed as minor, but they can require ongoing medical treatment and lead to significant expenses. These injuries may also limit your range of motion, potentially affecting your ability to work or participate in everyday activities you once enjoyed.
If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may have the right to file a personal injury claim to seek compensation for your losses. To succeed, you must demonstrate that the at-fault party failed to act with reasonable care under the circumstances.
This typically involves showing that the other party owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused your injury as a direct result. Establishing these elements is key to building a strong claim and pursuing the compensation you deserve.
Potential Damages Available for Soft Tissue Injuries
Filing a personal injury claim gives you the opportunity to recover compensation for the losses you’ve suffered.
Depending on your situation, damages may include:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for hospital visits, diagnostic tests, prescription medications, physical therapy, and any ongoing or future treatment related to your injury.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income you lost while taking time off work to recover.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: Damages if your injury prevents you from returning to the same job or limits your ability to earn income in the future.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injury.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Damages if your condition prevents you from participating in activities you once enjoyed.
Understanding the full scope of damages available can help ensure you pursue the compensation you need to move forward after a soft tissue injury.
How Working With a Lawyer Can Benefit Your Claim
Hiring a personal injury lawyer can make pursuing compensation far less stressful and more effective.
An experienced attorney can assist with:
- Investigating Your Case: Gathering evidence, reviewing accident details, and working with expert witnesses to establish how the incident occurred and who is liable.
- Handling Insurance Companies: Managing all communications and negotiations with insurers who may try to minimize or deny your claim.
- Protecting You From Blame Tactics: Countering attempts by insurance companies to shift fault onto you or dispute the facts of your case.
- Negotiating Fair Compensation: Advocating on your behalf to pursue a settlement that fully reflects your losses.
- Litigation Support: Taking your case to court, if necessary, and representing your interests before a judge or jury.
Working with a lawyer can give you the guidance and advocacy needed to pursue the best possible outcome for your claim.
Contact a Dallas Personal Injury Lawyer at Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been hurt because of another person’s careless actions, it’s important to assert your rights. Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers can provide the dedicated legal support you need to seek fair and adequate compensation for your losses. Contact us today at (214) 556-8321 to schedule a free consultation with a trusted personal injury lawyer in Dallas, Texas.
