Soft tissue injuries are among the most common wounds sustained in incidents ranging from car accidents to dog bites. These wounds affect muscles, tendons, and ligaments, causing pain and stiffness that impact how you move.
Most people assume these are minor issues that can heal quickly, but that’s not always the case. Some of them can be serious and potentially lead to permanent damage. Read on to understand soft tissue injuries, their causes, and your legal options if you’ve suffered one due to another’s negligence.
Common Soft Tissue Injuries
You may experience a few common types of soft tissue injuries after an accident.
Strains and Sprains
A strain occurs when you overstretch or tear a tendon or muscle, while a sprain refers to the complete tear of a ligament. These are common injuries that can result from repetitive motions and trauma.
Tendonitis
Tendonitis is the inflammation of a tendon. This swelling causes tenderness, pain, and stiffness, making motion difficult. Repetitive movements, like jumping, can cause it, but it’s also a frequent issue in slip and fall accidents that cause you to make sharp, twisting movements.
Bursitis
A bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac that works as a cushion between joints. Inflammation of these sacs is called bursitis. It’s most likely to occur in the knee, shoulder, and elbow joints. You can experience pain, a limited range of motion, and swelling in the affected area. Injuries, unmanaged infections, and repetitive movements can cause it.
Contusions
Contusions are bruises that occur when broken blood vessels cause skin discolorations. Bruises can occur anywhere, including within your muscles. Muscle contusions are often the most painful, and some may need medical care.
In the most severe cases, the significant pressure of a blow to a muscle can lead to compartment syndrome, which is an emergency.
The Main Causes of Soft Tissue Injuries
Direct trauma is often the cause of soft tissue injuries. Collisions, falls, and workplace accidents lead to significant numbers of these injuries every year. Sudden, forceful movements, such as rapidly changing direction while in motion, can also cause problems.
Soft tissue injuries can also occur from overuse. If your work requires that you perform repetitive motions for hours at a time, your ligaments, muscles, and tendons can suffer. The problem may start with a bit of stiffness or pain, but it can rapidly progress if you don’t give your body time to heal.
Prolonged exposure to strong vibrations is a cause of these injuries, too. Certain large power tools can put a lot of stress on your muscles and ligaments.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim After a Soft Tissue Injury
If someone else’s carelessness caused your soft tissue injury—such as in a car crash, fall, or sports accident—you may be able to file a personal injury claim. These claims allow you to seek compensation for both financial and emotional losses.
You can recover damages such as:
- Medical bills and rehabilitation costs
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life
To succeed, you must show that another party’s negligence directly caused your injury. Medical documentation and prompt treatment can make your claim stronger.
Workers’ Compensation for Job-Related Soft Tissue Injuries
You may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits if your soft tissue injury happened while working. This program provides medical coverage and partial wage replacement without needing to prove fault. However, it doesn’t cover pain and suffering.
Workers’ compensation can pay for:
- Doctor visits, therapy, and diagnostic testing
- Temporary or permanent disability benefits
- Vocational rehabilitation if you can’t return to your old job
If your employer or their insurer challenges your claim, an attorney can help you appeal and protect your benefits.
When You May Have Multiple Legal Options
In some cases, you may have more than one path to recovery. If a third party—like a subcontractor, manufacturer, or negligent driver—contributed to your injury, you may be able to file both a workers’ compensation claim and a personal injury lawsuit.
This combination can help you recover the full range of damages, including pain and suffering. An experienced personal injury attorney can review your case, identify all liable parties, and ensure you pursue every available source of compensation.
Contact the Stuart Personal Injury Attorneys at Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers for Help Today
Soft tissue injuries can be painful and may limit your range of motion. In severe cases, they may lead to ongoing stiffness that makes daily tasks more difficult. With assistance from a Stuart personal injury lawyer, you can file a claim against the liable parties. You have the chance to receive damages to cover your losses.
At Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, our team of attorneys can guide you through this difficult moment. Contact us at (772) 444-7000 to schedule a free case assessment.
