Building a Case for Compensation for a Soft-Tissue Injury

Car accidents can lead to a variety of injuries, from broken bones and internal bleeding to traumatic brain injuries. Victims can also suffer soft tissue injuries, such as whiplash or torn rotator cuffs. These injuries are often considered to be less serious than other medical problems caused by car crashes, particularly by insurance companies.

If you suffered a soft tissue injury, building a case and obtaining compensation can be very difficult. Below, learn more about how to build a strong case for compensation for a soft-tissue injury. The experienced car accident attorneys in Milwaukee at PKSD can discuss your options during a free consultation.

Common Soft-Tissue Injuries from Car Crashes

Soft tissue includes muscles, tendons and ligaments, which are located in nearly every part of the body. This means these types of injuries can occur almost anywhere on the body. Some common soft-tissue injuries include:

• Whiplash – This is an injury to the neck that results from the sudden back and forth movement common during a collision. If you have whiplash, you may experience pain or stiffness in your neck and reduced range of motion.
• Sprains and strains – These are stretches or tears in a ligament and are often caused by the overextension of a joint.
• Contusions – These are bruises that can form on any part of your body. They could be caused by your body hitting the airbag or objects in the car, such as the steering wheel or car door.
• Hernia – A hernia is a displaced organ that protrudes through the cavity wall that encases it.
• Pinched or compressed nerves – Strained tendons or muscles can cause a pinched or compressed nerve.
• Rotator cuff tear – This is a tear of the muscles or tendons in the ball-and-socket joint in your shoulder.
• Anterior cruciate ligament tear – This is a tear of a ligament in your knee that decreases range of motion and makes it more difficult to walk or put pressure on the affected knee.

Soft-Tissue Injury Symptoms

If you were injured in a car accident, look for the following symptoms that you have suffered a soft-tissue injury:

While some of these symptoms may occur immediately, some patients experience a gradual emergence of these symptoms days after the accident.

Collecting Evidence of the Injury

Soft-tissue injuries are often more difficult to prove than other types of injuries. Some evidence that may help establish these injuries and how they have impacted you include:

• Pictures of the accident scene – Showing how the accident happened can demonstrate how you could have been injured in the accident.
• Imaging test results – Some imaging results may show soft tissue injuries.
• Medical records – Your doctor’s notes regarding your diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care may provide evidence of your injuries.
• Pictures of your injuries – Some soft tissue injuries may have physical manifestations, such as bruising.
• Employment records – Ask your employer for documentation linking days you missed work and your injury.
• Pain journal – Your personal injury attorney may recommend that you keep a journal detailing how you feel after the accident and as you are progressing through treatment.

Importance of Continuing Treatment

If you suffered a soft tissue injury, it is critical that you follow all of your doctor’s orders. If you do not continue treatment, you can hurt your car accident case. The insurance company may believe that your injuries were not as serious as you claim and may deny your claim or substantially reduce the value.

Contact an Experienced Attorney for Assistance with Your Claim

If you suffered a soft-tissue injury because of a car accident, it is important that you take legal action to hold the negligent party accountable. The personal injury attorneys at PKSD are experienced at handling car accident injury claims and helping victims and their families in pursuing compensation for the medical expenses and lost wages they suffered.

We can help investigate your claim and identify all responsible parties. We can also help assemble evidence in your case to establish liability. Because we work on a contingency fee basis, we charge no upfront fees and you do not pay us unless we help you successfully recover compensation for your accident.

Call us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. 414-333-3333.