SOFT TISSUE INJURY
We have all seen comedy skits or sitcom episodes in which someone fakes a soft tissue injury by putting on a neck brace. But anyone who has truly had a back or neck injury knows it is no laughing matter. Nevertheless, if you have such an injury, friends, family, the insurance company adjuster, and perhaps even your own doctor may doubt the severity of your symptoms.
A person with soft tissue injuries may appear to be absolutely normal. There is no visible injury. Still, if we spend time with a person who has had such an injury, we know they are hurt. Their range of motion is limited. They cannot perform job duties. They cannot perform normal household tasks. They have to rest more often. They cannot sit in the same position for extended periods. These injuries are no joke.
Whiplash
Whiplash is one form of soft tissue injury. Whiplash is a hyperextension and hyperflexion injury that may cause stretching and tearing of the soft tissues in the neck and upper back. The forces involved in a car accident may cause the head and neck to suddenly and rapidly move forward, backward, and sideways. Muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the spine may become stretched beyond normal limits or actually torn. Nerves may be compressed. Symptoms may include pain and stiffness in the neck, headache, nausea, numbness running into the arms, and dizziness. Whiplash injury symptoms may appear immediately following an accident or not show up for several hours or even days after an accident.
Medical Care
It is important to seek medical advice as soon as possible following a whiplash injury. Sometimes people get no medical treatment following injury, hoping that their symptoms are only temporary and will go away on their own. The medical record of the whiplash injury is thoroughly considered when assessing the value of the claim. If there is a large gap in time between the accident and the first treatment, it becomes more difficult for the doctors to determine if the accident caused the injury.
Compensation
If you are suffering from soft tissue injuries because of the negligence of another, you may be entitled to compensation for your injury and losses. Damages may include medical costs, lost income, future lost earnings, pain and suffering, and disability. The amount of compensation awarded for pain and suffering following a soft tissue injury depends on various factors and no two claims are the same. Consideration is given to severity of symptoms, the recovery period, whether there are any permanent symptoms, and the extent to which the injured person’s life has been affected.
It is a common misconception that soft tissue injury victims do not need lawyers. Until the injured person retains an attorney, the insurance company knows that they are dealing with a person who is unfamiliar with the legal process. Insurance companies may even suggest that they are “on your side” or “working for you”. In reality, insurance companies are in business to make money and the less they pay out in claims, the more profitable the company.
An experienced attorney can help level the playing field by providing accident victims with information regarding the practical and legal aspects of personal injury law. The personal injury lawyers at Herrick & Hart understand how a soft tissue injury affects your life. We also understand how to win soft tissue injury cases. We will not allow the insurance company to take your injury lightly or take advantage of you.
Please Contact Us or use the Personal Injury Intake Form to submit your case for review.
