When you are injured in an auto collision, it is easy to ignore signs of bruising and muscle stiffness as you deal with your sudden trauma. While injured individuals typically associate injuries like broken bones, blood loss, or traumatic brain injuries with collisions, connective tissue injuries are also serious injuries. If you suffered a serious muscle strain or torn ligament due to no fault of your own, you should discuss your case with a lawyer.

THE MOST COMMON TYPES OF CONNECTIVE TISSUE INJURIES. The tissues that help with the body’s movement are easily injured when impacted by a serious car crash. A connective tissue injury involves trauma to one or more of the following:

* Skin

* Muscles

* Tendons

* Ligaments

There are two categories for connective tissue injuries:

(1) Acute trauma – The result of an external force impacting the body

(2) Overuse injury – Caused by repetitive use of connective tissues

Auto collisions are the most common cause of acute trauma injuries. The severity of the injury depends upon the type of collision and the force of the impact. Whiplash is one form of an acute traumatic injury involving connective tissue, and it can range from minor to severe. Sometimes called a neck sprain or strain, whiplash involves the rapid back-and-forth motion of the neck. While common in car crashes, whiplash can also occur due to a fall or an assault, as well. Severe cases of whiplash can result in headaches and pain that spreads to the arms. Some patients experience pain from whiplash for months, and even years, after an incident.

Other examples of connective tissue injuries that fall under the category of acute trauma include the following:

* Sprains – A sprain is a partial tear to a ligament. If the ligament is completely torn, it may require surgical repair. The most common areas to experience a sprain are the ankles, knees, and wrists.

* Strains – A strain is different from a sprain. A strain injury involves damage to a muscle or tendon.

* Contusions (bruises) – Most any type of trauma can leave you with some form of contusion. A contusion is often the result of a blunt force impact. A contusion results in pain, swelling, and discoloration due to blood entering the tissue.

* Lacerations – Open wounds that result from acute trauma show signs of damaged skin that expose the layers of connective tissue under the skin.

* Abrasions – While abrasions only affect the layers of skin, they are quite painful and similar to a burn. A first-degree abrasion affects the top layer of skin, a second-degree burn affects the second layer, and a third-degree abrasion affects all three layers of skin. Abrasions are also referred to as friction burns because of the type of injury.

* Stress fracture – Described as a small crack in a bone, stress fractures are often the result of repetitive motion. In some cases, a stress fracture can progress into a broken bone and possibly require surgery.

* Tendonitis – This type of connective tissue injury involves inflammation of a tendon. Tendonitis, like a stress fracture, is often due to overuse of such body parts as the hand, wrist, knees, or ankles.

* Bursitis – A patient develops bursitis when the fluid-filled sac that serves as a cushion between the bones and muscles becomes inflamed. Bursitis can result from either repetitive use or from acute trauma.

If you experienced one or more of these types of connective tissue injuries due to no fault of your own, you deserve justice. Injuries involving your muscles, tendons, and ligaments are painful and often slow to heal. We can help you with your case. Let us deal with insurance companies so that you can concentrate on your healing and recovery.

CARE AND TREATMENT NECESSARY FOR CONNECTIVE TISSUE INJURIES. What may seem like “just a bruise” or stiffness after a collision may, in fact, be something much more serious. Connective tissue injuries are why it is imperative to always accept medical transport to a hospital immediately. Diagnosing your connective tissue injury and deciding upon the best course of treatment requires a medical professional and diagnostic testing like that of an MRI.

Soft tissue injuries are classified in terms of seriousness by grades:

* Grade 1 (mild): Sprain or tear comprising up to 5% of a ligament or a joint.

* Grade 2 (moderate): Sprain or tear of up to 50% of a ligament or joint.

* Grade 3 (severe): 100% sprain or tear of a ligament or joint.

* Connective tissue injuries can escalate to a grade 4—the highest and most dangerous level of connective tissue injuries. A grade 4 injury means there is avulsion, defined as a sprain or tear of a ligament or joint that results in complete tear from a bone.

Signs of a possible connective tissue injury include:

* Hearing a “popping” or “snapping” sound during or immediately after the incident.

* Experiencing a limited range of motion with your limbs.

* There are symptoms of pain, swelling, and bruising.

* You are unable to put any weight on the injured area.

Most mild cases of connective tissue injuries are treatable at home with ice, rest, and elevation of inflamed limbs. Doctors may use a splint, brace, or sling to stabilize the injured area. Moderate to severe cases of connective tissue injuries may require surgery and extensive physical and occupational therapy.

Connective tissue injuries of any level limit your mobility and disrupt your life. The painful tear of a ligament can make you dependent upon others for assistance with your daily needs, such as bathing and dressing. When this type of injury is inflicted by another person due to their careless actions, it isn’t fair. A connective tissue injury can take weeks—even months—to heal. In serious cases, a patient may never recover full use of the injured area. Dealing with the resulting scar tissue, medications, and continuous appointments with doctors is downright frustrating.

If you experienced a serious connective tissue injury due to the negligence of another person, you owe it to yourself to discuss your case with a lawyer. Most personal injury lawyers offer free case evaluations, meaning you have nothing to lose by contacting one today.

WHY YOU NEED TO A LAWYER. A connective tissue injury is no small matter when it comes to your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Insurance companies will try to diminish the seriousness of your injury or offer you as little money as possible. Retaining an experienced attorney can help protect your rights and maximize your compensation.

The muscles, tendons, and ligaments in our body help us more than we know. It is only when they become seriously injured that we realize how they help us function on a daily basis. When you experience a serious connective tissue injury due to no fault of your own, you may be entitled to compensation. Don’t let insurance company representatives bully you into signing anything without legal representation. Insurance companies want to settle cases quickly. Their initial settlement offers may seem like a lot of money to you, but chances are that it’s not enough for your future medical care. Your severe injury may require more than one surgery, countless medications, and months of therapies.

The majority of personal injury cases are settled out of court. An experienced lawyer is well aware of the tactics that insurance companies use to deny or delay compensation. If an insurance company is uncooperative when it comes to negotiations, the right lawyer is ready and willing to go to trial. Trying to handle your case on your own is risky. This period of great pain and stress is no time to test your negotiation skills. Insurance companies are too experienced and too clever for injured individuals to deal with on their own. Your future medical and personal care needs are too important to leave to chance.

Placing your case in your lawyer's hands affords you the peace of mind you need during this difficult time. While each case is different, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries, depending on the specific circumstances of your case.

CONNECTIVE TISSUE INJURIES ARE SERIOUS. It’s easy to dismiss a sore neck or a stiff muscle that develops after a car crash as no big deal. However, it’s sometimes the smallest injury that can result in the largest problem for your health. Never shake off any type of injury after a collision, and always seek immediate medical attention. Your medical report can serve as valuable documentation should you pursue a personal injury claim.

The muscles, tendons, and ligaments that connect to make our body’s movements are tough yet tender when it comes to sudden trauma. An auto collision can result in a hard impact on your body. The moment of impact is the moment your life changes forever due to the carelessness of someone else. Connective tissue injuries can make your favorite hobbies impossible and can even lead to the end of your career. Your quick trip to the store or to a restaurant for dinner with friends can turn tragic in a second. Any possible surgeries can delay your healing and leave you without a steady income. If you experienced connective tissue injuries, you deserve quality care. Reach out to us to discuss the specifics of your case. No one should pay out-of-pocket for injuries experienced due to the reckless actions of someone else.

Insurance companies are only looking out for themselves and not for you. Having someone on your side during this stressful time is important for protecting your interests. We have the experience that you need for your case and the compassion that you and your family deserve.

Time is of the essence due to the statute of limitations for filing your claim. The clock starts ticking the moment you get injured. By scheduling an appointment with us, you take the first step toward possible justice. If you decide that you want us to review your case for free, don’t delay. Gather your evidence, such as police reports and contact information for witnesses, and bring it with you to your appointment. If your injuries are such that you are unable to travel, ask if we can visit you.

Connective tissue injuries are painful, serious, and expensive. Securing legal representation is a smart idea when you face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Don’t listen to insurance companies who try to diminish your injuries. Listen to your gut instinct and ask us if you have grounds for litigation.

A drunk or distracted driver or any other type of negligent person has no right to disrupt your life in such a violent and painful way. No matter how defensively you drive or how carefully you walk, it only takes the negligence of one person to cause you to experience serious injury. Bringing a personal injury claim is something worth considering as you contemplate your future medical needs. A proactive approach may seem overwhelming as you deal with your injuries. That’s why it makes good sense to talk with an attorney. We can review your case and provide you with the best option for moving forward. You have nothing to lose by scheduling a free consultation. There is no commitment required with a free case evaluation; how you proceed following the evaluation is entirely up to you.

Connective tissue injuries affect your daily life. You can go from completely mobile to completely immobile in an instant, thanks to a negligent person. If this has happened to you, you should call us sooner rather than later. Knowing your options for pursuing justice may just help you feel a little better and make your future seem a little brighter.

Give us a call at 253.858.5434 to set up an appointment today. We are available to meet in person, by phone, or via video conference.