Pursuing compensation following a personal injury can be a confusing process. Many people worry that sprains, strains, and other soft tissue injuries are not severe enough to merit compensation. An insurance company may even downplay the significance of soft tissue injuries to convince you to accept less than the fair value of your claim.
Before you accept anything from an insurer or a third party, take the time to understand your rights and learn more about when you can claim personal injury compensation for a soft tissue injury.
What Is a Soft Tissue Injury?
Soft tissue injuries, which affect the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, are among the most common injuries individuals suffer following injury accidents like car crashes and slip-and-fall accidents. The soft tissues surround and support your bones, aiding movement, mobility, flexibility, and strength. Injuries categorized as soft tissue injuries include:
- Contusions – Contusions, also called bruises, are caused by blunt force trauma. They occur when blood leaks into surrounding tissues, resulting in discoloration, swelling, and pain.
- Sprains – Sprains are tears in ligaments caused by blunt force or twisting. Ligaments are fibrous bands of elastic tissue that connect to bones, helping to stabilize them. The ankles, knees, and wrists are most prone to sprains.
- Strains – Strains are injuries that affect muscles or tendons. They are typically the result of overuse, blunt force, or excessive pulling or stretching.
- Tendonitis – Inflammation of tendons causes tendonitis. Tendons are flexible bands of tissue that help connect muscles to bones. Overuse is the most common cause of tendonitis, which affects elbows, wrists, shoulders, hips, ankles, and the feet or hands.
- Bursitis – Bursitis is also caused by inflammation. Bursa are tiny, fluid-filled sacs that help cushion the spaces between bones, muscles, or tendons. Overuse and trauma are the most common causes of bursitis, which can impact shoulders, elbows, knees, hips, and ankles.
- Stress Injuries – Stress injuries, or stress fractures, are tiny hairline breaks in bones. They are most common in the weight-bearing bones of the legs and feet.
Can You Claim Personal Injury Compensation for a Soft Tissue Injury in Iowa?
Yes, you can seek compensation for soft tissue injuries following an accident caused by a careless individual. Victims of personal injury accidents have legal rights, meaning in most cases, they can pursue compensation for their injuries from an at-fault party or their insurance company. Although every situation is unique and specific factors like the cause of the accident and the severity of your injuries play a role in the value of your case, you can seek compensation for soft tissue injuries such as:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
Soft tissue injury claims may be challenging because insurance companies may attempt to downplay the severity of your wounds so they can submit to you a lowball offer. This tactic benefits the insurer because, in your vulnerable condition, you may feel pressured to accept the initial offer and sign away your legal rights, saving the insurer time and money.
It is always in your best interest to seek advice from an experienced Iowa personal injury lawyer who can help you understand your legal rights, calculate the value of your claim, and negotiate for maximum compensation.
How Do You Prove You Deserve Compensation for a Soft Tissue Injury?
Proving your case comes down to evidence. You must establish that the other party caused the accident and that you suffered injuries and other losses due to their careless behavior. While you may not think a soft tissue injury is serious, seeking immediate medical treatment following an accident and sticking to your doctor’s treatment plan is essential. Medical records and documentation of your injuries are some of the most crucial pieces of evidence that help support your claim. Other evidence that can help build a solid compensation claim can include:
- Police or accident report
- Photographs or videos from the scene
- Surveillance videos
- Witness statements
- Expert witness testimony
Collecting and preserving evidence can be tricky when you get hurt and are in pain after an accident. Working with an attorney is the best way to get the help you need when gathering evidence before it can be lost, damaged, or destroyed.
Contact an Iowa Personal Injury Lawyer Today
At Loney & Schueller, LLC, our personal injury attorneys have over 50 years of combined legal experience advocating for the rights of those injured in accidents caused by careless individuals. We know that results matter, so we always strive to deliver results and high-quality legal representation to injured Iowa accident victims. We take the time to review your situation and soft tissue injuries so we can outline all your legal options for recovering maximum compensation. Contact our office today and arrange a free consultation.
