Soft Tissue Injuries
One common injury that people suffer after a car accident is an injury to the soft tissue in the body. These injuries affect the ligaments, muscles, or tendons in the body. They can be difficult to identify because, unlike a broken bone, there may not be any evidence of an injury. An MRI is often used to diagnose these injuries, but they are not perfect at detecting injuries. While they may not be easily detected, soft tissue injuries can be extremely serious. A personal injury lawyer can work with a person after a car accident or other injury to ensure that they get the money they deserve.
Perhaps the most common soft tissue injury after a car accident is whiplash. This injury occurs when a person is suddenly jolted forward after being rear-ended. If they do not see the car coming and are unable to brace themselves, their entire body weight is thrown against the seat belt and the head whips forward. This causes a sharp pain in the neck and upper back that can last for weeks or longer in certain extreme cases.
When a person has a soft tissue injury, there is little they can do to fix it other than resting it. Putting ice on an affected body part can help reduce swelling and help a person manage pain. Normally over the counter pain medication or anti-inflammatories are recommended. A person should see their doctor before taking any type of medication, however, in order to prevent further health problems.
With whiplash, this rest can be almost impossible. We are constantly moving our heads, to the point where we don’t even realize we are doing it. It is only when there is pain that we suddenly stop taking this movement for granted. But all it takes is one wrong twist of the neck to re-injure that part of the body and set any improvements back.
If you have a back or neck injury after an accident, it is important to see a doctor right away. Even if you feel the pain is manageable, it is important to document any injuries right as they happen and get a treatment plan from a physician. In some cases, there may be a herniated disc or other injury that will not get better just with rest. A doctor can identify any injuries immediately and begin treating them right away. This gives a person the best chance at recovery and ensures that an injured person does not make a problem worse.
At Johnson Law, we have helped many clients with soft tissue injuries after a car accident. We know that these injuries can be lingering and have a major impact on a person’s life. We aggressively fight to make sure that a person is made as whole as possible after an injury. If you have been injured in a car accident, slip and fall, or suffered any type of injury due to other’s negligence in Portland or across Oregon, contact a personal injury attorney at Johnson Law right away for a free consultation.
