Soft tissue injuries have an unfair reputation for being “minor” injuries which motorists should quickly overcome without difficulty. In our experience, many soft tissue injuries can keep people sidelined for months on end, as the pain is too great for them to get back to work or sometimes even leave the house. At Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC, we have helped accident victims obtain compensation for all sorts of injuries. We know that each case is different, so we encourage you to call us to tell your story to an experienced car accident lawyer.
Most Common Soft Tissue Injuries
Car accidents are violent. Motorists can easily slam into the steering wheel, bump into the dash, or even collide with another passenger. These traumatic blows to the body can damage the soft tissue: muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
Some of the most common injuries include:
- Whiplash. This injury affects the neck after a person’s head violently swings or snaps back and forth. The soft tissue in the neck is stretched or torn, leading to stiffness and headaches.
- Contusions. Deep bruises can affect circulation and are painful. A motorist can suffer a contusion on any part of the body. Some of the most serious include heart contusions, where a motorist’s breastbone is pushed back into the heart, causing a bruise.
- Torn pectoral muscle. The pectoral muscle can be torn even if you are wearing a seatbelt during a traumatic crash.
- Rotator cuff injury. This is a common shoulder injury which can destabilize a person’s shoulder joint. They might be unable to lift anything with their affected arm.
- Lower back strain. A violent accident can wrench a motorist’s back, leading to lower back pain. This injury makes it hard to sit up.
- Torn ACL. The anterior cruciate ligament in the knee connects the shin bone and thigh bone. A torn ACL is a common injury with athletes, but we also see it in car accidents, especially where the leg is twisted.
These are only some of the soft tissue injuries we see at our office. You might have suffered other injuries which are just as disabling. Call to speak with a Wisconsin car accident lawyer to discuss how you are recovering and what happened.
Signs You Suffered a Soft Tissue Injuries
The primary sign you have suffered a soft tissue injury is pain in the affected limb, followed by swelling. A traumatic blow can damage tissue, causing blood to pool in the area.
Immediately following the crash, some motorists aren’t even aware they are hurt. Either the adrenaline masks their pain, or they are too focused on the shocking accident they survived to really notice pain signals from their body. Over the ensuing couple of days, however, they slowly begin to realize they are injured when limbs are stiff.
Head to the hospital. Soft tissue injuries are diagnosed with a combination of imaging tests and questions from your doctor.
Are Soft Tissue Injuries Serious?
Yes. There is a misconception that these injuries aren’t disruptive. In our experience, these injuries cause significant pain which makes a return to normal life difficult.
Not every soft tissue injury responds to conservative treatment like ice and compression, either. For example, many people with knee injuries must have arthroscopic surgery. A torn pectoral muscle will need to be reattached to the ribs. Even where surgery is not required, the pain and limitations might require that someone stay at home.
What to Do Following a Soft Tissue Injury
Motorists should take the following steps:
- Receive prompt treatment. Don’t simply rely on an ice bag at home and a couple of aspirin to grit through the pain. Go to the doctor’s office to have a proper diagnosis.
- Document the injury and related expenses. You will need to prove the severity of any injury, as well as how much it cost you in terms of medical care and lost income. Put receipts in a folder or create digital scans.
- Rest. Most soft tissue injuries will get worse if you continue to stress your body, so rest is essential.
- Consult an experienced Wisconsin car accident lawyer. A lawyer can help with the evidence collection for a car accident claim. Remember to schedule a consultation quickly and provide as much detail about the crash as you remember. A lawyer can provide an overview of your rights.
Call Our Office for a Confidential Meeting
Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC, is ready to meet your legal needs and provide top-notch legal assistance in the accident claims process. Contact us to schedule your no risk and free consultation.