Soft tissue damage after an accident can be permanent, depending on the severity of the injury, its location, and the effectiveness of the medical care. A soft tissue injury affects muscles, tendons, and ligaments that connect different parts of the body.
Long-Term Impacts of Soft Tissue Damage
According to a recent analysis of 204 countries in the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, approximately 2.41 billion people worldwide have conditions that could benefit from rehabilitation, causing around 310 million years lived with disability (YLDs). The biggest contributing disease area was musculoskeletal disorders, affecting around 1.71 billion people.
Low back pain was the most common condition in most countries, with at least 31% of car crash victims experiencing low back pain a year later. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that strains, sprains, and tears are a leading contributing factor for work injuries causing days away from work, with 568,150 cases in 2023-2024.
Complications and Permanent Damage
Severe soft tissue injuries can cause chronic pain, limited mobility, and loss of strength. If the symptoms persist, it could signify a complication or permanent soft tissue damage. The World Health Organization (WHO) has made efforts to address musculoskeletal health, highlighting how musculoskeletal conditions can significantly affect a person’s well-being by limiting mobility and reducing their ability to work and be part of society.
Some soft tissue injuries can be permanent, especially if they don’t heal properly. For example, tearing the soft tissues in the knee during a slip-and-fall accident could cause permanent joint instability. Not using a tendon or ligament for too long after an injury can also cause it to contract and become permanently tighter.
Soft tissue damage can be categorized into three levels, depending on its severity. Several factors can impact whether a soft tissue injury is permanent, such as the severity of the injury, its location, and the effectiveness of the medical care.
Personal Injury Claims
A person who suffers a soft tissue injury in an accident, such as a car crash or a slip-and-fall, may be able to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault party. Depending on the circumstances, they may be entitled to compensation for their current and future losses related to the injury, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
