According to the National Institutes of Health, whiplash is the most common injury for car accident victims – and almost 85% of patients experience it after a crash. However, whiplash is just one of many soft tissue injuries, and many others may drastically affect the lives of crash survivors. Soft tissue injuries from car accidents can cause economic losses, pain, and discomfort – and it may be possible to pursue compensation for these issues alongside an experienced car accident attorney in Mississippi. To discuss legal options in more detail, consider calling Lott Law at (228) 215-2787.
Whiplash
Whiplash is the most obvious example of a soft tissue injury after a car accident. These injuries are associated with rear impacts that jolt vehicle occupants forward. After this initial forward movement, the neck snaps backward – just like the cracking of a whip. While whiplash does not usually involve any damage to the spine, it affects the soft tissues surrounding the cervical spine – causing stiffness, reduced motion, and significant discomfort.
The severity of whiplash varies, and doctors “grade” this injury on a scale from one to four. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the lowest grade involves stiffness and tenderness, while the highest grade may involve vision problems, headaches, numbness, muscle weakness, pain, and even fractured vertebrae. Victims with serious cases of whiplash face months of recovery, rehab, and specialist appointments – leading to high medical bills and significant missed paychecks. The rear impacts associated with whiplash are often indicative of negligence in Mississippi crashes. Drivers must maintain a safe following distance, and “rear-enders” are often caused by distractions, speeding, and other forms of recklessness. Consider speaking to Lott Law to determine whether a personal injury lawsuit may be possible after a rear-ender in Mississippi.
Shoulder Injuries
Car accident victims may also suffer various shoulder injuries after crashes, and many of these injuries involve soft tissue. One of the most common examples is “shoulder impingement,” which often prevents patients from lifting their arms above their heads. A car accident can subject the shoulder joint to serious forces and impacts, and this may inflame or completely tear important ligaments. A common situation involves an inflating airbag striking the shoulder and tearing the rotator cuff. Serious rotator cuff tears may require surgical repair.
Knee Injuries
Soft tissue injuries to the knee are also relatively common after car accidents. The knee is a delicate joint, and it is vulnerable to the impacts and unnatural twisting of a car accident. Soft tissue knee injuries are particularly common in rollover accidents. Impacts to the knees are also more likely when drivers are thrown forward, causing their knees to strike the hard surface underneath the ignition. In some cases, this impact can shatter the patella (kneecap).
Although kneecap fractures can be serious, some ligament tears can take even longer to heal – and many cause permanent impairment. One example is a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Located in the middle of the knee, this ligament often tears with an audible “pop” or “snap” – followed by significant swelling. Depending on the severity of the tear, it may take up to a year to recover from a torn ACL – especially if reconstructive surgery is necessary. Another important part of the knee is the medial collateral ligament, which is also vulnerable to the twists and impacts of a car accident. A low-grade MCL tear can heal within a few weeks, but more serious cases could require reconstructive surgery.
Are Soft Tissue Injuries From Car Accidents Serious?
Soft tissue injuries from car accidents have the potential to affect lives in unexpected ways. In the initial aftermath of a car crash, the long-term prognosis may not be clear – and prompt medical treatment is essential. Only trained medical professionals can examine soft tissue injuries and determine their severity. In addition, failing to seek treatment could lead to insufficient documentation of the injuries – making it virtually impossible to pursue compensation. If victims lack sufficient medical records of their soft tissue injuries, they may struggle to prove that these injuries are real. Remember, soft tissue injuries are often “invisible” to the casual observer – unlike fractures or disfiguring scars.
Non-Economic Damages Associated With Soft Tissue Injuries
Although soft tissue injuries should heal within a few months, some effects could be permanent. Those who suffer serious ligament tears may find it impossible to enjoy previous hobbies and pastimes. For example, a serious ACL tear could prevent an athlete from playing their favorite sport ever again. This could represent “loss of enjoyment of life” and a non-economic damage in a personal injury claim. Victims may recover compensation for the psychological losses associated with non-economic damages.
Another common non-economic damage after soft tissue injuries is “emotional distress” or “pain & suffering.” These broad terms encompass all of the various hardships victims must endure after crashes, including stress, pain, and discomfort. After suffering soft tissue injuries from car accidents, victims may be able to claim compensation for emotional distress.
Economic Damages Associated With Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries may also lead to lost income and medical expenses – both examples of economic damages. Even if a worker misses two weeks of income due to a mild case of whiplash, this may represent thousands of dollars in losses. In addition, soft tissue injuries can lead to expensive medical bills – including surgery, rehabilitation, and appointments with specialists.
Contact Lott Law To Learn More About Your Legal and Financial Rights After a Car Accident
Victims suffering from soft tissue injuries from car accidents should immediately seek medical treatment. Although healthcare should be the top priority after a crash, victims may wish to assess their legal options alongside experienced car accident lawyers in Mississippi after their conditions stabilize. During these discussions, victims can learn more about potential compensation for their soft tissue injuries. If someone else causes an accident, they should be liable for the resulting soft tissue injuries – even if these injuries seem relatively light. Even a mild case of whiplash can lead to tens of thousands of dollars in lost wages and medical bills – and victims may not have to pay these costs out of their own pockets. To learn more about your legal options, consider calling Lott Law at (228) 215-2787.