After any type of accident, you may sustain minor or severe injuries. Many people think that they can only pursue legal action against a negligent party if they sustain catastrophic injuries. However, that is not the case. You can pursue legal action if you sustain less life-threatening injuries such as soft tissue injuries. Regardless of the severity of your injuries, if your injuries have negatively impacted your life, burdening you with expensive medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress, as a result of someone else’s negligence, you are legally entitled to file a claim to seek monetary compensation for your losses. Continue reading to learn more about how soft tissue injuries happen and how our experienced St. Petersburg, Florida Personal Injury Attorneys can help you pursue legal action against a negligent party.
What are soft tissue injuries?
Soft tissue injuries are trauma to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons throughout the body. Unfortunately, these types of injuries often result in pain, bruising, and swelling. They typically occur from overuse or sudden trauma to the body. Soft tissue injuries are classified into two different categories:
- Acute injuries. These types of injuries are caused by sudden trauma to the body. For instance, if an individual falls in a grocery store or they are in an auto accident, the sudden twist or blow to their body can result in an acute injury. Acute injuries may include sprains, strains, and contusions.
- Overuse injuries. These types of injuries occur gradually over some time. They are most commonly seen when an individual partakes in a repeated activity. They occur because the body lacks time to heal. For instance, if a soccer player damages their Achilles tendon and they repeatedly practices without letting the damage heal, it will result in an overuse injury. Overuse injuries may include tendinitis and bursitis.
The severity of soft tissue injuries is also classified into different degrees:
- Grade 1: These injuries are considered mild. They occur when there is slight stretching to the fibers of the ligament.
- Grade 2: These injuries are considered moderate. They occur when the ligament is partially ripped.
- Grade 3: These injuries are considered severe. They occur when the ligament is completely torn. Grade 3 injuries may require surgery.
Furthermore, soft tissue injuries can be severe and extremely painful. Although they are usually not life-threatening injuries, if you were injured as a result of another person’s negligence you are entitled to compensation for your damages. However, it is important to understand Florida’s new tort reform. Essentially, if you are found to be more than 50% liable for the accident that caused your injuries, you may not recover monetary compensation from another party.
In the unfortunate event that you or a loved one has suffered a soft tissue injury as a result of someone else’s negligence, it is critical to retain the legal services of a determined St. Petersburg, Florida personal injury attorney. Our firm is committed to helping our clients recover reasonable compensation for their losses.
