Recovering Damages for Soft Tissue Injuries in a Car Crash

Soft tissue injuries often result from the blunt force trauma that occurs during an automobile collision. These injuries involve damage to muscles, ligaments and tendons. They can vary in severity and have a range of symptoms and long-term effects. Some of the most frequently encountered soft tissue injuries in car accidents include whiplash, contusions, tendonitis, bursitis and muscle tears.

Whiplash is perhaps the most well-known soft tissue injury associated with car accidents. It occurs when the head is violently jerked back and forth, causing strain or sprain in the neck muscles and ligaments. This sudden movement can lead to symptoms such as neck pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness and restricted range of motion. In severe cases, whiplash can also cause damage to the spinal discs or nerves, resulting in chronic pain and even disability.

Contusions, commonly known as bruises, occur when the blunt force of a collision causes blood vessels under the skin to rupture. While bruises may appear minor, they can be quite painful and may indicate underlying damage to the muscles or bones. Swelling, tenderness, and discoloration are typical symptoms of contusions.

Tendonitis and bursitis also can result. Tendonitis is inflammation of tendons, the fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones. It typically causes pain, stiffness and tenderness, particularly when moving the affected area. Bursitis, on the other hand, is inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, tendons and muscles near joints. Symptoms of bursitis include joint pain, swelling and limited range of motion.

Muscle tears are also common, particularly in cases of severe impact. These injuries occur when the force of the collision causes a muscle to overstretch or tear, leading to significant pain, swelling and muscle weakness. Depending on the severity of the tear, the recovery can take weeks or even months. In some cases, surgery may be required.

The initial symptoms of soft tissue injuries can include swelling, tenderness, pain, restricted range of motion and instability of the joints. These symptoms may not always be immediately apparent, as soft tissue injuries can sometimes take days or even weeks to fully manifest. Unfortunately, these injuries often linger, causing chronic and recurrent pain, and sometimes leading to long-term disability.

Recovering damages for soft tissue injuries requires thorough medical evidence to support your claim. This includes a detailed diagnosis from a healthcare provider, which may involve medical imaging tests such as X-rays, an MRI, a CT scan and/or an ultrasound to detect internal damage. The documentation should clearly outline the extent of your injuries, the treatment required and the potential long-term effects.

Damages that may be recovered for soft tissue injuries include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and compensation for any permanent disability or disfigurement. A soft tissue injuries attorney can be invaluable in assessing the value of your claim and in negotiating with insurance companies for fair compensation.

Feinberg & Alban PC in Boston represents Massachusetts clients in cases involving injuries and other types of negligent harm. Please call 617-232-5950 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation.