Soft tissue injuries in Kansas City car accidents can cause emotional, physical and financial distress for crash victims. At Kevin McManus Law Injury & Disability Attorneys, we understand that being involved in a vehicle accident can be a traumatic experience. From dealing with property damage to navigating insurance claims, the aftermath of a crash can be overwhelming, especially for those who sustain injuries in the accident.
One of the most common types of injuries our clients face after an accident is soft tissue injuries. In this article, we'll explore what soft tissue injuries are, their common symptoms, and why it's crucial to seek proper legal and medical assistance if you've suffered such an injury.
What Are Soft Tissue Injuries?
Soft tissue injuries refer to damage to the body's connective tissues, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These injuries can occur due to repetitive motion or sudden trauma, commonly seen in vehicle accidents. Besides lacerations, many soft tissue injuries may not be immediately apparent and can worsen over time if left untreated.
Common Soft Tissue Injuries in Vehicle Accidents
Whiplash
Perhaps the most well-known soft tissue injury associated with vehicle accidents is whiplash. This injury occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward and then backward in a rapid motion, stretching and straining the muscles and ligaments in the neck. Symptoms of whiplash may include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and even cognitive difficulties. Whiplash can range from mild to severe, and recovery times vary depending on the extent of the injury. For more information about common neck, back, and spine injuries that can result from accidents, read our past article, What to Do After A Neck, Back or Spine Injury in Kansas City.
Strains and Sprains
Strains and sprains are also common soft tissue injuries in vehicle accidents, often affecting the muscles and ligaments in the back, shoulders, and limbs. A strain occurs when a muscle or tendon is stretched or torn, while a sprain involves damage to a ligament of a joint such as the knee or wrist. Symptoms of strains and sprains may include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the affected area. These injuries can range from mild to severe, with more severe cases requiring extensive rehabilitation and therapy.
Contusions
Contusions, or bruises, are another common soft tissue injury seen in vehicle accidents. These occur when blood vessels are damaged due to blunt force trauma, leading to discoloration and tenderness in the affected area. While contusions are generally minor injuries, they can still cause pain and discomfort, especially if they occur in sensitive areas like the chest or abdomen.
Cerebral Contusions
Cerebral contusions are often caused by blunt force trauma to the head, such as that which can occur in vehicle accidents. The severity of a cerebral contusion can vary depending on factors such as the force of the impact and the location of the injury within the brain.
Symptoms of a cerebral contusion may include headache, confusion, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, loss of consciousness, seizures, weakness or numbness in the limbs, and changes in cognitive function or behavior. In severe cases, cerebral contusions can lead to complications such as intracranial hemorrhage (bleeding within the skull), cerebral edema (brain swelling), and increased intracranial pressure, which can be life-threatening if not promptly treated.
Lacerations
Lacerations, often referred to as cuts or open wounds, are a prevalent type of soft tissue injury commonly seen in vehicle accidents. These injuries occur when the skin is torn or punctured by sharp objects, such as broken glass or metal debris, during a collision. The force and impact of the accident can cause occupants to come into contact with various objects within the vehicle, leading to lacerations on exposed areas of the body, such as the face, arms, or legs. Depending on their severity, lacerations may range from superficial cuts that require minimal treatment to deep wounds that necessitate stitches or surgical intervention.
In addition to causing pain and discomfort, lacerations can increase the risk of infection and scarring if not properly cleaned and cared for. Therefore, seeking prompt medical attention following a vehicle accident is crucial to assess and treat any lacerations effectively, ensuring optimal recovery and minimizing potential complications.
Common Symptoms of Soft Tissue Injuries
Identifying soft tissue injuries can be challenging, as many symptoms may not manifest immediately following an accident. Some common signs to watch out for include:
1. Pain and stiffness: Individuals may experience soreness, stiffness, or discomfort in the affected area, which can worsen with movement.
2. Swelling: Soft tissue injuries often result in swelling around the injured area as the body's natural response to trauma.
3. Limited range of motion: Injured individuals may find it difficult to move the affected body part fully.
4. Bruising: Bruises or discoloration may develop around the injured area due to damaged blood vessels.
5. Tenderness: The injured area may feel tender to the touch, indicating inflammation and tissue damage.
Get Immediate Medical Treatment
Seeking medical treatment after a vehicle accident is imperative, even if you feel uninjured at the time of the incident. Many soft tissue injuries, such as whiplash or strains, may not present immediate symptoms but can manifest gradually over time. By undergoing a thorough medical evaluation following an accident, healthcare professionals can identify any underlying injuries or concerns that may not be immediately apparent.
Early detection and treatment of soft tissue injuries can prevent complications and promote a faster and more complete recovery. Obtaining documentation of your injuries through medical records can be crucial for pursuing compensation through insurance claims or legal action if necessary. Therefore, it's essential not to underestimate the importance of seeking medical attention promptly after a vehicle accident, regardless of whether you initially feel injured.
Soft Tissue Injury Claims
Filing a personal injury claim for your soft tissue injuries resulting from a vehicle accident can be complex. To prevail in your case requires expert understanding of the law, legal process and the types of damages that can be compensated. Soft tissue injuries can lead to various damages, including medical expenses for treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. Additionally, individuals may seek compensation for lost wages due to time off work during recovery and diminished earning capacity if the injury affects their ability to work in the long term.
Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life are also considered compensable damages, reflecting the physical and emotional toll of the injury. In Missouri and Kansas, the comparative fault system allows injured parties to pursue compensation even if they were partially at fault for the accident, although their awarded damages may be reduced based on their percentage of fault. To navigate the complexities of soft tissue injury claims effectively, consulting with our experienced personal injury attorney is crucial. Call us any time for a free consultation, we’re here for you.
We Can Help.
If you've been injured in a vehicle accident in the Kansas City metro area, don't hesitate to reach out to Kevin McManus Law for expert guidance and support. We specialize in representing victims injured in vehicle accidents in and around Kansas City and have an extensive record of success for our clients. We're here to help you navigate the complexities of personal injury claims and work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.
Call us today at 816-203-0143 or fill out our online contact form on our website to schedule your free consultation. You can also download our free book Crash Course: 9 Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Injury Claim. We’re here to help, and on your side.