Soft-tissue injuries are common and soft tissue injury compensation amounts can vary in accidents throughout Texas. Soft-tissue injuries are not as obvious or easy to prove as hard injuries, such as broken bones. Proving your soft-tissue injury and obtaining a fair payout may take assistance from a personal injury lawyer in Dallas to improve your chances of a soft tissue injury settlement.
What Are Soft-Tissue Injuries?
The soft tissues lie within the body’s muscular system. Soft tissues include the muscles, tendons and ligaments. A soft-tissue injury describes any damage, tears, inflammation or irritation of the soft tissues. Soft-tissue injuries can stem from trauma, stress or repetitive use. They can cause pain, swelling, discomfort and immobility.
Common examples of soft-tissue injuries are:
- Bursitis
- Contusions (bruising)
- Ligament injuries
- Muscle sprains or strains
- Pulled muscles
- Stress or repetitive motion injuries
- Tendon injuries
- Tendonitis
- Tennis elbow
- Whiplash
Soft-tissue injuries are especially common in the back, wrist, ankle, hamstring, calf and elbow. They can stem from sports, exercise, overexertion at work, car accidents, falls and other incidents. The severity of the soft-tissue injury, as well as treatment options, depend on the exact injury. Most soft-tissue injuries heal completely in a matter of weeks or months. Treatment options include rest, ice, physical therapy, rehabilitation and pain medications. The average settlement for a soft tissue injury car accident can vary but we will get into that.
What is the Average Settlement for Soft Tissue Injury Car Accident?
What is the average settlement for a soft tissue injury car accident? This is difficult because there is no average payout for a soft-tissue injury but let us explain. You cannot gauge how much you might receive for a soft-tissue injury by looking at other victims’ injury claims. Every case is unique. The value of your claim will depend on factors that are unique only to you, such as your exact injury diagnosis, your prognosis for recovery, how long it will take you to heal, your amount of pain and suffering, your age and overall health, and more.
In general, your soft-tissue injury claim will be worth more if it is classified as a moderate to severe injury rather than a minor injury. If you have a Grade 3 soft-tissue injury with a complete tear, for example, you will have a significantly longer recovery time than a Grade 1 soft-tissue injury. This will consequently result in an injury claim that is worth more money, as you will have greater losses in medical care, rehabilitation and lost wages. Severe soft-tissue injuries also come with a higher degree of pain and suffering.
You may be able to increase the value of your soft-tissue injury claim by mitigating your damages. Seek medical attention immediately after your accident and request copies of all hospital statements. Gathering as much medical evidence as possible can help you build a stronger claim. Follow your doctor's advice to avoid allegations that you worsened your injuries, which could reduce your financial award. Finally, take time off of work to heal rather than pushing through the pain to return too early.
How Can You Prove Soft-Tissue Injuries?
If you wish to file a lawsuit for a soft-tissue injury in Texas, you must prove that your injury exists. Proving a soft-tissue injury is a challenge, as these injuries are not outwardly obvious. Unlike a hard injury, there is no x-ray or CT scan that can prove a soft-tissue injury. In addition, insurance companies often examine soft-tissue injury claims more closely due to a higher likelihood of insurance fraud.
You may need an attorney to help you prove your soft-tissue injury. An attorney can help you gather evidence and documentation, including medical records, testimony from medical experts and a letter from your physician. Your attorney may also recommend you keep an injury journal to document exactly how you feel in the aftermath of an accident. Your ability to prove a soft-tissue injury can determine whether you receive insurance coverage.
For more information about how to prove a soft-tissue injury claim and tips on maximizing your financial recovery, contact an attorney at The Law Firm of Aaron A. Herbert, P.C. today.