If you have been hurt in an accident and are dealing with pain, stiffness, or swelling, you may have a soft tissue injury. These injuries don’t always appear on X-rays, but they can cause severe discomfort and limit your ability to work or enjoy life. At Willcox, Buyck & Williams, PA, we help injury victims in Florence and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, get the compensation they deserve.
What Is a Soft Tissue Injury?
Soft tissue injuries happen when muscles, ligaments, or tendons get stretched or torn. These injuries can take several weeks or even months to heal, and in some cases, they lead to long-term pain or reduced movement. Some of the most common soft tissue injuries include:
- Sprains – Stretching or tearing of ligaments in the ankles, wrists, or knees
- Strains – Muscle or tendon injuries caused by overstretching or sudden force
- Whiplash – A neck injury often caused by rear-end car accidents, leading to pain, stiffness, and headaches
- Bruises (Contusions) – Caused by direct impact, resulting in swelling and discoloration
- Tendonitis – Inflammation of tendons, often from repetitive movement or trauma
Even though these injuries might not be visible, they can disrupt daily life and make simple activities painful.
Common Causes of Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries can happen in many ways, but some of the most common causes include:
Car Accidents
Even at low speeds, collisions can jolt the body and stretch muscles and ligaments beyond their limits. Rear-end accidents often lead to whiplash, while side-impact crashes can cause shoulder or lower back injuries.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slipping on a wet floor or tripping over uneven pavement can twist joints and cause painful sprains or strains. Falls put sudden stress on the body, often leading to soft tissue injuries in the ankles, knees, wrists, or back.
Workplace Accidents
Lifting heavy objects, repetitive motions, or sudden falls at work can result in soft tissue injuries. Many workers suffer strains and sprains from overuse or improper lifting techniques.
Sports and Recreational Accidents
Sudden movements, falls, or collisions in sports can stretch or tear muscles and ligaments. Even minor injuries can take a long time to heal, limiting movement and causing discomfort.
Signs You May Have a Soft Tissue Injury
Not all injuries show up right away. Sometimes, symptoms take hours or even days to appear after an accident. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to any changes in your body.
You might notice swelling, which is your body’s natural response to an injury and can make movement uncomfortable. Pain or tenderness could be a sign of muscle or ligament damage, and it may get worse when you move. Bruising often takes time to show up since it happens when blood vessels under the skin break. If you have stiffness or trouble moving, it could mean a soft tissue injury is affecting your muscles or joints. Headaches or dizziness are also common, especially with whiplash or other neck injuries.
If you have any of these symptoms after an accident, don’t ignore them. Some injuries can worsen if they aren’t treated, so it’s best to see a doctor as soon as possible.
How Soft Tissue Injuries Are Treated
Doctors often recommend rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) to manage soft tissue injuries. In more severe cases, treatments may include:
- Physical Therapy – Exercises and stretches to restore movement and strength
- Pain Management – Over-the-counter or prescription medication to reduce inflammation
- Chiropractic Care or Massage Therapy – Used to relieve tension and improve healing
- Surgery – In rare cases, torn ligaments or tendons may require surgery to heal properly
Even with treatment, some injuries take months to heal, making it difficult to work or carry out daily tasks.
Can You Get Compensation for a Soft Tissue Injury?
If someone else’s carelessness caused your injury, you may have the right to seek compensation. A successful claim can help cover:
- Medical costs for your immediate and long-term care need for your soft tissue injury
- Lost wages if your soft tissue injury stops you from working temporarily or permanently
- Rehabilitation expenses for physical therapy or other treatments needed for recovery
- Out-of-pocket costs for medications, medical devices, or transportation to doctor appointments
Insurance companies may try to downplay soft tissue injuries, arguing that they aren’t serious. That’s why having the right legal team on your side makes a difference.
How Our Law Firm Can Help
At Willcox, Buyck & Williams, PA, we know how frustrating it is to be in pain while trying to deal with insurance companies. Our lawyers handle the legal process so you can focus on healing. Here’s how we help:
Investigating the Accident
We gather evidence, review medical records, and consult with experts to build a strong case. This includes talking to witnesses, checking accident reports, and making sure no important details are overlooked.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
We push back against lowball offers and fight for fair compensation. Insurance companies often try to pay as little as possible, but we know their tactics and won’t let them take advantage of you.
Filing a Lawsuit
If a fair settlement isn’t offered, we’re ready to take the case to court. Sometimes, the only way to get justice is by letting a judge and jury decide. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, so we’re always ready to fight for you.
Keeping You Informed
We explain every step so you always know what’s happening with your case. Legal processes can be confusing, but we help you understand your rights and options. You’ll never be left in the dark about what’s happening or what comes next.
Why Choose Willcox, Buyck & Williams, PA?
Our firm has been helping injury victims in Florence and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, for decades. We understand the challenges that come with soft tissue injuries, and we are here to fight for the compensation you need. When you work with us, you get:
- A team that listens and understands what you’re going through
- A history of fighting for injury victims and securing fair settlements
- A law firm that treats you like a person, not just a case number
Contact Us Today
If you are dealing with pain and suffering from a soft tissue injury following an accident, slip and fall, or workplace incident, don’t wait to get help. Willcox, Buyck & Williams, PA is here to stand up for your rights and demand full and timely compensation. Call us today to get started with a free consultation. Let’s talk about your case and how we can help you move forward.