Compensation for Soft Tissue Injuries in Personal Injury Cases

Car accidents are one of the most frequent causes of personal injury claim across the country, and one of the most frequent types of injury reported from car accidents is soft tissue injuries. Soft tissue injuries, in addition to being common, can be among the most difficult injury to obtain compensation for, due to the nature of the injury and the unpredictability in the timeline of treatment. Many insurance companies are reluctant to provide a settlement for personal injury cases due to soft tissue injuries until they receive proof that not only was the injury suffered, but also information as to the exact diagnosis of the injury and how long treatment is expected to take.

What Types of Injuries Can Be Classified As Soft Tissue Injuries?

Any injury involving ligaments, muscles, or tendons is generally considered a soft tissue injury. These injuries are often the most difficult to deal with and to treat, because they cannot be readily seen or show up on x-rays or MRI negatives. The most common form of soft tissue injury suffered and claimed in personal injury suits is whiplash, which is often a result of a sudden stop from an accelerated speed, causing the head to jerk forward and then back again in a violent motion. This motion causes a strain or tear in the soft tissue of the neck and/or shoulders. Some other types of soft tissue injuries are:

Muscle strains, or overstretching of a muscle group, usually causing a tear
Ligament sprains, or overstretching of ligaments
Tendonitis
Bursitis
Deep muscle bruises or contusions
Joint dislocations can often cause deep bruising of ligaments
Any injury resulting in traumatic nerve damage

How to Get Compensation

Since the extent of soft tissue injuries is difficult to prove and it is hard to make a soft tissue injury claim to an insurance company, it’s very important that you have every aspect of your injury documented by your doctor. Thorough medical records will make or break a case of compensation for a soft tissue injury, so make sure to also explain every symptom you experience as best you can to your doctor to ensure thorough care and record keeping.

Getting Help

If you are in a car accident and suffer a soft tissue injury, you could very well be entitled to have your medical expenses paid for and be compensated for you injury as well. As soon as you can after the accident you should seek professional counsel with an experienced personal injury attorney to begin the process of filing your personal injury claim. Personal injury attorneys know the insurance industry much better than most and can get you a fair amount of compensation for your injuries.

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