Our strategic approach and commitment to our clients’ well-being make us a valuable ally in navigating the challenges of injury claims:

What is a soft tissue injury?

A “soft tissue injury” refers to damage to the tissues that connect, support, or surround other structures and organs of the body. This includes muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, nerves, fibrous tissues, fat, blood vessels, and synovial membranes. It’s essential to seek medical attention if one suspects a soft tissue injury, especially if the pain, swelling, or disability is severe or persists. Proper treatment and rehabilitation can help prevent long-term complications.

What are common car accident soft tissue injuries?

Common soft tissue injuries resulting from car accidents include:

Whiplash: This is perhaps the most well-known car accident-related soft tissue injury. It occurs when the neck is suddenly and forcefully jerked back and forth, causing strain to the neck muscles and ligaments. Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, and headaches.
Sprains and Strains: These injuries occur when ligaments (sprains) or muscles/tendons (strains) are overstretched or torn. They can happen in any part of the body but are commonly seen in the back and wrists after a car accident.
Contusions (Bruises): These are caused by blunt force trauma, like hitting the steering wheel or dashboard during an accident. Contusions can result in pain, swelling, and discoloration.
Tendonitis: This is inflammation or irritation of a tendon. It can be caused by sudden injuries, such as the rapid acceleration and deceleration in a car accident.
Bursitis: A car accident’s impact can lead to inflammation of the bursa, small sacs filled with lubricating fluid that reduce rubbing, friction, and irritation between tissues.
Myofascial Pain: This refers to pain in the body’s soft tissues or muscles. Myofascial pain can be either localized or widespread and is often described as a tender knot in a muscle.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS): TOS occurs when blood vessels or nerves in the space between the collarbone and the first rib (thoracic outlet) are compressed. This can cause pain in the shoulders and neck and numbness in the fingers, and it can be a result of trauma from a car accident.

It’s crucial to consult with a medical professional after a car accident, even if you initially feel fine. Some soft tissue injuries may not show symptoms immediately but can lead to long-term pain and complications if not addressed.

How will my personal injury lawyer assess my soft tissue car accident injury?

Assessing soft tissue damage resulting from an auto accident is a meticulous process. A personal injury lawyer will typically use a combination of medical evidence, expert opinions, legal precedents, and the specifics of your situation to determine the extent and implications of your injuries:

Medical documentation: The most crucial evidence is your medical records. Your lawyer will collect all relevant medical documentation, including initial emergency room reports, doctor’s notes, MRI/CT scans, X-rays, physiotherapy records, and any other relevant tests or treatments.
Duration and intensity of treatment: The length and type of treatment you’ve received or will need can be a key factor. Long-term physical therapy or the need for surgery, for instance, will generally result in a higher claim value than short-term treatment.
Expert medical opinion: Your lawyer might consult with medical experts who can provide a more detailed assessment of your injuries, future implications, any potential complications, and projected recovery time.
Pain and suffering: This refers to the physical and emotional stress caused by an injury. While it’s more subjective than other types of damages, it’s an essential component of personal injury claims. Journals detailing daily pain or emotional struggles can be beneficial.
Lost wages: If your injury has caused you to miss work or will impact your future earning capacity, your lawyer will calculate these lost wages to include in the claim.
Out-of-pocket expenses: This includes any costs you’ve had to cover yourself due to the injury, from prescription medications to mobility aids or modifications to your home.
Future medical costs: If your injury is expected to require ongoing treatment or has led to chronic issues, your lawyer will estimate future medical expenses.
Impact on daily life: Any lasting impacts on your ability to perform daily tasks, hobbies, or enjoy life will be considered. For instance, if you were an avid runner before the accident and can no longer run due to the injury, this can factor into the claim.
Legal precedents: Your lawyer will be familiar with past cases that had similar injuries.

What are the compensation differences for different varying soft tissue damage?

The average settlement for a soft tissue injury from a car accident can vary significantly depending on various factors like the severity of the injury, the circumstances of the accident, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering:

The intensity and nature of the injury: For instance, a minor sprain or strain might not command as substantial a settlement as a severe tendon or ligament tear that requires prolonged medical intervention.
The specific details and context of the accident: Consider two scenarios: a person injured due to a minor fender bender caused by a distracted driver versus someone harmed in a high-speed collision where the at-fault driver was under the influence. The latter case might see a higher settlement due to the recklessness involved.
Medical expenses are a pivotal factor: The cost of treatment, from initial emergency care to ongoing therapy or surgeries, can amass quickly, and these costs are typically factored into the settlement value. For instance, an injury requiring long-term physiotherapy or multiple surgical procedures will generally result in a more substantial claim than one that heals with minimal intervention.
The economic impact of the injury: If someone is forced to take time off work due to their injury, the lost wages—both current and potential future earnings—become a central component of the claim’s value.
The pain and suffering: This is a somewhat subjective domain, aiming to monetarily compensate for the physical discomfort and emotional distress the injured party has endured. It’s not just about the immediate pain from the injury, but the broader psychological and emotional toll: the anxiety of recovery, the stress of medical bills, or the strain on personal relationships.

When combined, all these elements illustrate why the average settlement for soft tissue injuries from car accidents can be so varied, necessitating a nuanced approach to each individual case.

Minor soft tissue injuries and average settlements

-Average Settlement Range: $500 to $10,000

These involve minimal medical treatment, like a few chiropractic sessions or physical therapy. They typically heal on their own and recover fully within weeks to a few months:

Minor sprains: Overstretching of ligaments without significant tearing. An example could be a slight ankle sprain from an awkward step.
Minor strains: Overstretching of muscles or tendons without significant tearing. This might occur from lifting something improperly or sudden movements.
Contusions (bruises): These are caused by a direct blow that doesn’t break the skin but damages the underlying soft tissue. A minor bruise might result from bumping into a hard object.
Muscle soreness: General discomfort or soreness in the muscles after a strenuous activity or minor trauma.
Minor whiplash: A mild form of neck strain caused by sudden jolting movements, like during a low-speed car collision. Symptoms are typically mild and might include slight stiffness or discomfort.
Small abrasions: Also known as scrapes, these occur when the skin is rubbed away by friction against another surface.
First-degree burns: These are superficial burns that only affect the outer layer of the skin. They might result in redness and minor pain but don’t cause blisters.

It’s worth noting that while these injuries are generally considered minor, it’s essential to monitor any injury. Symptoms that worsen or don’t improve over time, or complications that arise, should be evaluated by a medical professional.

Moderate soft tissue injuries and average settlements

– Average Settlement Range: $10,000 to $50,000

These injuries might require more extensive physical therapy, pain medication, or other treatments. They can cause discomfort or pain for several months. They might not necessarily lead to permanent disability, but they can cause significant discomfort or pain for an extended period:

Moderate sprains: These involve partial tearing of ligaments. Recovery can take several weeks, and the injured area might need to be immobilized with a brace or splint.
Moderate strains: These are partial tears in muscles or tendons. They can result from overexertion or a sudden injury and might require physical therapy for full recovery.
Deep contusions: More severe bruises that affect deeper tissues. These might cause significant pain and swelling and take longer to heal.
Severe whiplash: This is a more significant injury to the neck muscles and ligaments, often resulting from a car accident. Symptoms can include severe neck pain, headaches, and limited neck mobility.
Tendonitis: Inflammation or irritation of a tendon that persists and disrupts daily activities. It might result from repetitive stress or a direct injury.
Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa, which can cause joint pain and swelling. It can result from repetitive motions or direct trauma.
Partial tendon or ligament tears: Not complete tears but significant enough to cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility.

Severe soft tissue injuries and average settlements

– Average Settlement Range: $50,000 to $100,000

These injuries can involve partial tears, require surgery, or lead to chronic pain. Recovery can take months to years, and there might be permanent limitations.

Severe soft tissue injuries are those that involve significant damage, might require surgical intervention, or lead to long-term or permanent complications. They often have prolonged recovery times and can result in chronic pain or permanent limitations in mobility or function. Here are some examples of severe soft tissue injuries:

Complete ligament tears: These involve a full rupture of the ligament, often requiring surgical repair. An example is an ACL tear, commonly seen in athletes but can also result from traumatic incidents.
Severe muscle tears: Complete or near-complete tearing of a muscle, which might necessitate surgical intervention and extensive physical therapy.
Ruptured tendon: A complete tear of a tendon from its attachment point, often requiring surgery to reattach. Examples include Achilles tendon ruptures.
Complicated whiplash: A significant injury to the neck muscles and ligaments that might lead to chronic pain, mobility issues, or other neurological symptoms.
Chronic tendonitis or bursitis: Inflammation that is persistent and severely impacts daily activities, potentially requiring surgical intervention or other advanced treatments.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): A chronic pain condition that can develop after an injury and affects an arm or leg. CRPS symptoms can be severe and persistent.
Severe contusions or hematomas: Deep bruises or blood clots that might require surgical drainage or lead to complications.
Soft tissue injuries leading to permanent Disability: In rare cases, soft tissue damage can be so extensive that it results in permanent disability or long-term impairment.

Soft tissue injuries with complications and average settlements

– Average Settlement Range: $100,000 to $200,000.

While soft tissue injuries with complications initially may not seem severe, they lead to secondary issues or conditions that significantly affect a person’s health, wellbeing, or quality of life. These complications can exacerbate the injury’s impact, prolong recovery, and increase medical expenses:

Post-Traumatic Arthritis: After a soft tissue injury, especially one near or around a joint, the affected area might develop arthritis, leading to chronic pain and limited mobility.
Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): A severe and chronic pain condition that can arise following an injury. Its exact cause is unknown, but it can lead to severe pain, swelling, and skin color changes.
Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A chronic pain disorder where pressure on sensitive points in muscles (trigger points) causes pain in unrelated parts of the body.
Fibromyalgia: A disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in localized areas, sometimes triggered by physical traumas.
Infections: Open soft tissue injuries can become infected, leading to more severe complications if not treated promptly.
Adhesions: Scar tissue can form after an injury, leading to tissues and organs sticking together, causing pain and limiting mobility.
Nerve Damage: Injuries might lead to complications where nerves are compressed or damaged, causing pain, numbness, or muscle weakness.
Herniated or bulging discs: A trauma, like a car accident, can lead to issues with the spinal discs, which can cause chronic pain and neurological symptoms.

Soft tissue injuries with permanent damage and average settlements

– Average Settlement Range: $200,000 to $500,000

In rare cases, soft tissue injuries can result in permanent disabilities, ongoing pain, and severe limitations. These injuries don’t just heal over time; instead, they lead to chronic pain, permanent limitations, or lifelong disabilities. Such injuries can have a profound impact on a person’s quality of life, ability to work, and overall wellbeing.

Permanent chronic pain: Some soft tissue injuries can result in chronic pain that persists for a lifetime and doesn’t respond well to medical interventions.
Loss of range of motion: Injuries, especially around joints, can lead to permanent stiffness or limitation in movement.
Severe scarring: While scars themselves are primarily cosmetic issues, severe or extensive scarring, especially in areas like joints, can limit mobility or function.
Permanent nerve damage: Injuries can sometimes lead to permanent nerve damage, resulting in chronic pain, numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness.
Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
Muscle atrophy: Permanent damage can lead to muscles wasting away due to lack of use or nerve damage.
Permanent tendon or ligament laxity: Some injuries can lead to tendons or ligaments becoming permanently stretched or lax, affecting joint stability.

Soft tissue injuries resulting in death and average settlements

-Average Settlement Range: Varies significantly but can exceed $1,000,000 in cases of wrongful death, especially when considering the loss of future earnings, pain and suffering, and other factors.

While soft tissue injuries are typically not directly lethal, in rare cases, complications from such injuries can result in death. The death might be a direct result of the injury or arise from secondary complications.

Sepsis: An infection from an open soft tissue wound can, if not treated promptly or effectively, lead to sepsis, a severe and potentially fatal reaction to infection that can cause organ failure.
Blood Clots: Deep contusions or hematomas can sometimes lead to the formation of blood clots. If a clot dislodges and travels to the lungs, heart, or brain, it can cause a pulmonary embolism, heart attack, or stroke, respectively, which can be fatal.
Compartment Syndrome: This is a condition that can arise after an injury, where swelling and pressure within a muscle compartment can compromise blood flow. If not treated promptly (often requiring surgery), it can lead to muscle and nerve damage and, in severe cases, gangrene or death.
Anaphylactic shock: In rare instances, if a person is given medication for pain management or treatment related to a soft tissue injury and they have an undiagnosed allergy, they can go into anaphylactic shock, which can be lethal without immediate intervention.

Seeking medical attention promptly after an accident is crucial to identify and address any potential injuries. If you’ve sustained soft tissue injuries from an accident, consider consulting an attorney to explore compensation options.

With over a century of collective experience, the personal injury attorneys at Regan Zambri Long PLLC are seasoned experts in representing victims of soft tissue injuries. We’re dedicated to illustrating the profound effects of your injuries, from economic challenges to diminished life enjoyment. Reach out for a no-obligation consultation today. We pride ourselves on our successes and finding the resolve for our clients by getting them the compensation that they deserve.

What is the average settlement for a soft tissue injury car accident?