One of the most common injuries following an accident is soft tissue damage. While most people are aware of the consequences of broken bones, many are unfamiliar with the impact soft tissue injuries can have on a person’s quality of life. The Las Vegas soft tissue injury lawyers at ER Injury Attorneys explain just how serious soft tissue injuries can be.
What Is Soft Tissue?
Soft tissue is a broad classification of body parts that can refer to cartilage, muscles, tendons, or ligaments in the human body. When a person suffers soft tissue damage, which is common in cases like car accidents and bicycle accidents, it can have serious effects in the area of the body the damage took place and lead to further complications in other parts of the body.
Here are four reasons why soft tissue damage can be more serious than people think.
Soft Tissue Injuries Can Be Difficult to Diagnose
Bone fractures are usually felt seconds after an accident takes place and can be quickly confirmed by a simple x-ray. In comparison, you may have a ligament injury and not feel it for weeks or months. Furthermore, diagnosing a ligament tear requires a more extensive scan, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
If you have a soft tissue injury and it is not immediately diagnosed, then you may have additional health problems in the future. For example, if you damage tissue in your right knee, then you may unconsciously compensate for it with the left side of your body. This can cause damage to your left hip.
Not All Soft Tissue Regenerates
Unlike bones, which heal over time, some soft tissue cannot fully regenerate. For example, one of the most common knee injuries is a meniscus tear. The meniscus is a piece of cartilage that provides cushioning, shock absorption, and stability to the knee. While a slight meniscus tear can be inconsequential, more serious damage can affect the rest of a person’s life because meniscus tissue removed in surgery does not regenerate.
Doctors and scientists have been experimenting with stem cells in an effort to help people regenerate meniscus tissue. However, these treatments have not yet proven to be successful. For now, if you damage soft tissue that does not regenerate, then you will have to compensate with other parts of your body.
Soft Tissue Damage Can Lead to Lifelong Chronic Pain and Instability
Another unfortunate aspect of some soft tissue injuries is that they can lead to chronic pain and instability. This can lower a person’s quality of life for decades. As mentioned above, not all soft tissue can fully heal, so an injury victim may have to rely on physical therapy to build strength and medication for pain management for the rest of their lives.
In cases where a person suffers severe soft tissue damage, they may have to use canes or walkers for basic mobility.
Soft Tissue Injuries Can Be Catastrophic
Although it’s rare, soft tissue damage can lead to compartment syndrome. This is a disease that increases pressure in the affected area of the body. This can cause muscles to swell, making it difficult for that area of the body to receive blood, oxygen, and nutrients.
In some cases, compartment syndrome can lead to catastrophic injuries, such as paralysis. In extreme cases, the disease can lead to wrongful death.
Contact a Las Vegas Personal Injury Attorney
The Las Vegas injury lawyers at ER Injury Attorneys hopes that you have a better understanding of how serious soft tissue injuries can be. If you’ve suffered soft tissue damage in an accident caused by another party, then contact for immediate assistance. Our team of experienced legal professionals can connect you with top medical professionals to make sure that your injury is properly diagnosed and start building a case in order to win you the highest compensation allowable by law.
You can reach ER Injury Attorneys 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our team is available by phone at 702-878-7878 and online through LiveChat or secure contact form. ER Injury Attorneys represents accident victims throughout Las Vegas Valley, including Henderson, Summerlin, Pahrump, Boulder City, Laughlin, and other parts of Southern Nevada. Reach out to ER Injury Attorneys today to get the compensation that you deserve.