Injuries in a car accident can range from mild to severe. Even those that appear minor can sometimes turn out to be more serious than believed or the recovery is longer than anticipated. In some cases it may even result in long-term problems. An example is when an individual suffers a connective-tissue injury.
Overview of a Connective-Tissue Injury
Connective tissues are located in various parts of the body. Common connective tissue damaged in a collision are those in the knees, back and neck. It could be the result of direct impact to the area, the body twisting abnormally, bracing oneself and other actions that put strain on the ligaments.
Overview of a Connective-Tissue Injury: Knee Ligament Injuries
The knee is susceptible to damage from traumatic force. Sprains or tears are common types of knee injuries. This type of connective-tissue injury could be minor, in that the ligament is stretched but the knee remains stable.
It could be moderate where there’s a partial tear of the ligament, or severe when it completely tears. In some cases there can be multiple ligaments injured in the same accident. This can cause complications such as nerve damage and cutting off the blood supply.
Overview of a Connective-Tissue Injury: Back Ligament Injuries
Ligaments in the back can also be stretched, resulting in a sprain or strain. As with the knee, they can also be torn. Soft tissue injury is more common in the lower back than other areas of the back. Of course, there is also the risk that the spine has been injured as well.
Signs the spine has been damaged are:
- Severe and constant pain
- Bladder/bowel dysfunction
- Weakness in lower extremities
When the ligaments in the back are damaged, pain can spread into the buttocks. The person might also experience muscle spasms, as a result of the inflammation. This can be a debilitating type of injury to sustain.
Overview of a Connective-Tissue Injury: Neck Ligament Injuries
When the ligaments in the neck have been injured, this is commonly referred to as whiplash. The impact in a car accident can cause someone’s head to be thrust forward and backward suddenly—stretching the neck’s ligaments and muscles.
People are especially prone to this type of injury in a rear-end accident. Although most people eventually recover from whiplash, there are some who suffer chronic pain. Or it can take months before the ligaments heal.
Treatment of a Connective-Tissue Injury
Treatment for a connective-tissue injury depends on the severity.
In mild cases it may only require:
- Rest
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Physical therapy (strengthening exercises)
When a ligament tears, surgery is typically necessary. The prognosis depends on how successful the procedure is, along with the extent of damage.
Seeking Help from an Attorney When a Car Accident Results in a Connective-Tissue Injury
Minor car accidents typically don’t necessitate legal counsel. But the outcome of an injury isn’t always immediately evident.
When injuries are serious and require surgery or recovery is expected to be long-term, it’s best to seek legal advice. An attorney can explain your legal rights and the legal options that may be available including the types of compensation that you can seek in a claim or lawsuit. Contact Hensley Legal Group for legal help. Call (317) 472-3333 to set up a consultation.