What are Soft Tissue Injuries?

• February 20, 2017
• Injuries

Soft tissue injuries are one of the more common types of injuries suffered in motor vehicle accidents. They can also be one of the hardest types of injuries to prove, too.

What are soft tissue injuries vs. hard tissue injuries?

Soft tissue injuries are when the muscles, ligaments and tendons suffer bruising, stretching or tearing. Your ligaments connect bones to bones and tendons connect muscles to bones.

A hard tissue injury refers to a broken bone or damage to a hard area of the body.

Unfortunately, soft tissue injuries are not easily seen on a CT scan or x-ray.

Why can’t you see soft tissue damage on an x-ray?

X-rays just show bones. They don’t show the tendons, ligaments, muscles or cartilage. However, your doctor may order x-rays after an accident if you have back or neck pain to determine if there are other injuries such as a spinal fracture that are causing your pain.

What is the most common type of soft tissue injury?

Whiplash typically occurs in rear-end collisions and is the most common soft tissue injury. It occurs when the impact from a rear-end collision forces your head and neck to move back and forth violently.

Symptoms to look for with a soft tissue injury include:

• Muscle aches and pain
• Joint pain
• Limited flexibility and range of motion in the injured part of the body

More questions? Our knowledgeable staff is available at (877) 284-6600.

How long does it take for a soft tissue injury to heal?

This really depends on what the injury is, your general health, your age and more.

While not visible, this type of injury can last a long time, cause much discomfort and make everyday tasks difficult to do. Soft tissue injuries can even affect your quality of life — your ability to engage in physical exercise, to play with your children, to cook a meal and more.

How can you prove you have suffered soft tissue injuries?

The best way to prove these kinds of injuries is through your medical records — showing that you sought treatment and received a diagnosis — along with testimony from medical experts.

Other ways to prove this type of injury include:

• Witnesses to the accident can testify as to the severity of your injuries as observed at the scene of the accident.
• People who know you may bear witness as to how your mobility has been affected since the accident.
• Testimony from accident reconstruction experts.

Our experience with all types of motor vehicle accidents means we know what to look for and how to build a case that addresses your full range of injuries.

Questions? Contact us for a Free Case Evaluation.

Have you or someone you know been seriously injured in a car accident? The best advice is to speak with an attorney who understands the pain and suffering associated with soft tissue injuries, one who can help you understand your legal options. Contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Nash & Franciskato for a free, no-obligation review of your case.

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