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Sometimes people involved in vehicle accidents or slip and fall accidents sustain soft-tissue injuries. These injuries can be dangerous. According to WoundSource.com, soft-tissue injures may seem mild and less concerning than more visible wounds, but if they are left untreated, they can be equally dangerous.

Experts define soft-tissue injuries as any type of physical damage that does not involve the bones. This can include any damage to ligaments, muscles or tendons.

Johns Hopkins says the result of soft-tissue damage of muscles, ligaments and tendons can be pain, swelling, and bruising. It classifies contusions (bruises), sprains, stress injuries, and strains as some of the soft-tissue injuries.

What is a contusion?

A contusion (bruise) is an injury to the soft-tissue often produced by blunt force, such as a kick, fall, or blow. The result will be pain, swelling, and discoloration because of bleeding into the tissue. Treatment for contusions includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E.). More serious contusions may need further physician care.

What is a sprain?

A sprain is a partial tear to a ligament and is often caused by a wrench or twist. Sprains often affect the ankles, knees, or wrists. The treatment for a sprain includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E.). If the ligament is completely torn, surgical repair may be necessary.

What is a stress fracture?

A stress fracture is a small crack in a bone, commonly occurring in the weight-bearing bones of the lower extremities, including legs, hips, and feet. Stress fractures are most often caused by overuse and increase in physical activity. Initial treatment includes stopping the activity that caused the fracture, elevation, ice, and anti-inflammatory medicine. Continued treatment includes rest, decreasing weight-bearing on the affected area, shoe inserts or braces, and possibly cast immobilization. If the crack in the bone progresses further to a complete break, surgery may be required.

What is a strain?

A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon, and is often caused by overuse, force, or stretching. The treatment for a strain is rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E). If a tear in the muscle occurs, surgical repair may be needed.

“We encourage all accident victims to seek immediate medical attention, even if they do not experience pain or show evidence of any external injuries. Many victims may feel no immediate pain after an accident because adrenaline may mask the sensation of pain,” said Fort Myers Accident Attorney Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.

Injuries such as soft-tissue injuries can best be diagnosed by a physician. Florida law regarding vehicle accidents is very specific when it comes to when an accident victim must seek medical treatment. In 2013, Florida’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) law was amended to include a new 14-day provision. This provision states that motorists have 14 days from the date of an accident to seek medical treatment from a hospital facility, emergency transport, medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, chiropractor, or a dentist.  

Should medical treatment not be sought within the 14 days, the injured party may forfeit his or her PIP coverage. What this means is that if certain symptoms do not surface within the two-week period, they may not be covered.

“We are available 24/7 to assist you if you or a loved one has been injured in an accident,” said Attorney Spivey.

Fort Myers Car Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.