Even a minor car accident can inflict serious injuries. The problem is that some injuries are not always visible from the beginning. Instead, they show the first signs days or even weeks after the event, making it difficult if not impossible for victims to claim proper compensation if they don’t have a medical report. That’s why it’s imperative to always see a doctor after a car accident even if you think everything is fine.
That’s the case with soft tissue injuries. Soft tissue injuries are some of the more difficult injuries to identify and diagnose. Unfortunately, they often leave the victim with permanent mobility issues, chronic pain or other conditions. Here are the most important things to know about soft tissue injuries.
The Most Common Soft Tissue Injuries in a Car Accident
Soft tissue injuries are harder to spot than bone fractures or open wounds. Soft tissue injuries affect structures like tendons, ligaments, fascia (the membrane that connects muscles to bone,) muscles and other types of tissues that are not visible during a regular X-Ray scan.
The most common soft tissue injuries include:
- Muscle tears
- Strains
- Whiplash
The severity of a soft tissue injury is graded on a 1 to 3 scale. Grade I injuries are the least severe and might not require medical intervention, only rest. Grade III injuries involve complete tears of soft tissue structures that leave the victim with the inability to use their joint or limb.
Symptoms of soft tissue injuries are
- Tenderness
- Redness in the area
- Swelling
- Fever
- Pain
- Limited mobility
- Stiffness
- Numbness
Once you start noticing these signs, it’s time to investigate them. As mentioned before, X-Rays may not be able to show the full extent of soft tissue injuries. Your doctor might recommend investigations like CT scans or MRI scans after speaking with you.
Permanent Damage from Soft Tissue
Unfortunately, some injuries from car accidents result in permanent damage. Grade II or Grade III soft tissue injuries can leave the victim with long-term limitations or even permanent damage, disfigurement or lifelong chronic pain. Victims who suffer from severe soft tissue injuries will not be able to work as much as they did before. Moreover, the quality of their life will change for the worse, affecting many areas of their daily activities, such as sports, hobbies, taking care of children or other dependents, etc.
One of the most important steps to take when suffering car accident injuries is to go to the doctor as soon as possible and get a clear diagnosis and treatment plan. The other pressing issue that you will want to handle is receiving compensation for your damage. Hiring an experienced St. Louis auto accident lawyer can make a huge difference, especially when it comes to soft tissue injuries, which can be difficult to prove.
Work with a Lawyer
Focusing on your recovery is the most important, especially if the soft tissue injuries you have suffered are at risk of becoming permanent. In this case, getting fair compensation and applying for benefits is important for the quality of the rest of your life. Speak with an experienced St. Louis car accident attorney and let them bring you justice and financial relief.
Free Consultation with a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer
Don’t talk to an insurance claims adjuster before speaking with The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. We can help you avoid making statements that may affect the outcome of your case. The consultation is free; you don’t pay unless we get you money!
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