For many South Carolina victims of car accidents, visible injuries like lacerations and broken bones aren’t the only health concern. Many drivers also experienced so-called soft tissue injuries that are more difficult to diagnose.
Soft tissue refers to muscles, tendons and ligaments. During a the sudden impact of a collision, these tissues could tear, sprain or strain. These stretches and tears can cause lingering pain, swelling, redness and loss of motor function.
While soft tissue injuries are common, they’re not easily detectable. Unlike with bone damage, an X-ray will not reveal the existence of soft tissue damage. Because of this, it can be very difficult to diagnose soft tissue damage. The difficulty of diagnosis is complicated by the fact that symptoms of soft tissue injuries aren’t always immediately present. For some people, it can be hours or days before they begin to feel pain in their muscles or tendons.
Soft tissue injuries can be debilitating. Victims may suffer long-term pain and have their quality of life significantly reduced due to the loss of function in their body. An individual who has suffered soft-tissue injuries in a vehicle accident may be entitled to damages, including medical costs, lost wages and pain and suffering. It may be in the best interests for those injured in an accident to contact an attorney immediately. A lawyer with experience in personal injury law could help a client negotiate a settlement with the responsible party or their insurance company. If a settlement isn’t possible, legal counsel may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue those damages through the court system.