Average Settlement for Soft Tissue Injuries After an Accident

 

It’s common for accident victims to suffer soft tissue injuries like whiplash, sprains, strains, and contusions. While these injuries may not seem as severe as broken bones or trauma requiring surgery, soft tissue damage can still lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, and other complications that profoundly impact quality of life. 

Still, there is no average settlement for soft tissue injuries after an accident because every accident injury is unique. The effects of soft tissue injuries can vary tremendously based on factors like the location of the injury, its severity, the victim’s age and overall health, and the potential for a full recovery. 

As Atlanta personal injury lawyers, the team at John Foy & Associates understands that when it comes to seeking compensation for soft tissue injuries, each situation requires a personalized valuation based on the unique circumstances involved. 

Soft Tissue Injuries After an Accident Range in Severity

Soft tissue injuries can range from mild to severe. Some clients may make a full recovery in a matter of weeks with minimal treatment, while others could be left with permanent soft tissue damage and lifelong limitations. 

Your potential compensation depends on the extent of your injuries, how much immediate medical intervention costs, and their long-term effect on your life. Take a look at how the following soft tissue accident-related injuries can lead to medical complications:

• Whiplash: Whiplash, a common type of soft tissue injury from auto accidents, often heals within a few weeks or months. In some cases, whiplash can cause chronic neck pain, limited range of motion, and other permanent symptoms if the soft tissues don’t heal properly. 
• Sprains/Strains: Severe sprains or strains that tear tendons, ligaments, or muscles can lead to instability, weakness, and permanent loss of mobility in the affected joint or limb if left untreated.
• Rotator Cuff Tears: These tears in the shoulder’s rotator cuff tendons may fail to heal fully and cause chronic shoulder weakness, limited range of motion, and persistent pain with certain activities.
• Herniated/Bulging Discs: Trauma that causes spinal discs to rupture or bulge can permanently compress nerves if not corrected surgically, leading to chronic radiating pain, numbness, and weakness.
• Tendinitis/Bursitis: When inflammation around tendons or within the fluid-filled bursa sacs doesn’t resolve, tendinitis or bursitis can cause stiffness, pain during movement, and progressive degeneration over time.
• Soft tissue knee injuries: Tears of the meniscus, ACL, MCL, and other knee ligaments and tendons may result in permanent knee instability and increased arthritic degeneration without proper care.

The severity, location, and extent of treatment all play a role in determining whether a soft tissue injury will heal completely or potentially cause permanent lingering symptoms and disability. After any accident in which you’ve sustained soft tissue injuries, it’s crucial to accurately assess your current and anticipated losses. 

Evaluating a Settlement Offer for Soft Tissue Injuries After an Accident

An Atlanta personal injury lawyer can accurately value your current and future damages. When they negotiate with an insurer, they can field settlement offers to make sure that they account for your:

• Costs of medical treatment, including future expenses
• Lost income during time off work to recover
• Future lost earning potential from lingering symptoms
• Temporary or permanent physical disability
• Emotional distress, scarring, or disfigurement
• Decreased quality or enjoyment of life

If an insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement or a policy does not sufficiently cover your losses, our lawyers can file a personal injury lawsuit. Keep in mind that O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33 limits the amount of time you have to take legal action to about two years. 

This does not leave much time to build a case and negotiate with an insurer. The sooner you start your case, the better your chance of obtaining the financial recovery you deserve. 

Seeing a Doctor Can Help You Obtain a Settlement for Soft Tissue Injuries After an Accident

Even if you believe your soft tissue injuries are minor and will heal on their own, don’t take a chance. See a doctor and begin any recommended treatment. This will help your injuries heal and possibly avoid a chronic condition. 

Additionally, an insurer could view any delay or failure to seek medical care as a sign that your injuries do not warrant much compensation or any at all. They may also try to shift blame onto you by stating that you contributed to a chronic condition by refusing treatment. 

Play it safe for your health and your legal case. See a doctor and follow through with their orders. Report any developing symptoms and keep a record of all your medical bills. 

We Can Fight for a Fair Settlement for Soft Tissue Injuries After an Accident

There is no true “average settlement” that applies to every case. Still, our personal injury lawyer can consult your doctors and gather documentation to support your claim.

At John Foy & Associates, we have experience negotiating maximum compensation for soft tissue injuries. We can seek monetary recovery for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other damages. Our Atlanta personal injury lawyers will work to ensure your settlement reflects the true costs of your injuries, not just now but potentially years into the future as well.

If another’s negligence left you suffering soft tissue damage, don’t risk going it alone against the insurance companies. Contact us today for a free consultation to determine the most appropriate path for maximizing your injury settlement.