Back Pain and Injury after a Car Accident in Mississippi

Soft Tissue Injuries in Mississippi

Skilled legal representation after you suffer a soft tissue injury in Mississippi

A car accident, fall, or workplace incident can leave you with injuries that aren’t always visible to the eye but can cause significant pain and long-term problems. These are known as soft tissue injuries; damage to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons that support your body’s movement. In Mississippi, accident victims with soft tissue injuries often face challenges proving the seriousness of their condition, especially when insurance companies try to downplay them.

At Merkel & Cocke, P.A., we’ve been representing injury victims across Mississippi for decades. We understand that soft tissue injuries can be just as life-altering as broken bones or more obvious injuries. Our goal is to ensure you get the medical care and financial compensation you need to recover and move forward.

How can we help?

Whiplash: A common soft tissue injury

One of the most well-known soft tissue injuries is whiplash, which is a neck injury caused by a rapid back-and-forth motion, similar to the cracking of a whip. It’s most often linked to rear-end car accidents, but can also result from sports impacts or falls.

Whiplash affects the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck and upper back. Its symptoms can include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and tingling in the arms. Some people recover within weeks, while others may deal with ongoing discomfort for months or years.

Because whiplash doesn’t always appear on X-rays or scans, insurance companies may try to dismiss it as a “minor” injury. That’s why having a Mississippi car accident lawyer on your side who knows how to document and prove whiplash injuries is so important.

What are common causes of soft tissue injuries?

Soft tissue injuries can happen in almost any type of accident. Here in Mississippi, the most common causes include:

  • Car and truck accidents. The sudden force from a collision can stretch or tear soft tissues.
  • Slip-and-fall incidents often occur on wet floors, uneven sidewalks, or poorly lit areas.
  • Workplace accidents, especially in construction, manufacturing, or warehouse settings.
  • Sports injuries from repetitive motion or sudden impact.

Strains and sprains

Strains happen when muscles or tendons are stretched or torn. They often occur in the lower back, hamstrings, or shoulders.

Sprains involve the ligaments, the tissues that connect bones to one another. Ankle and wrist sprains are especially common.

Both can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility. While mild strains and sprains may heal in a few weeks, severe ones can take months and may require physical therapy.

Contusions and bruises

A contusion is a deep bruise caused by a direct blow or impact, which damages muscle fibers and small blood vessels. Car accidents, falls, and sports collisions can all cause contusions. Severe contusions may involve significant swelling and require medical evaluation to rule out underlying muscle damage.

Tendonitis and bursitis

Tendonitis is inflammation of a tendon, often caused by repetitive motion or overuse.

Bursitis occurs when the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion joints become inflamed.

Both conditions can cause persistent pain and reduced range of motion. While they’re often linked to workplace or sports activities, they can also result from sudden trauma.

What is the long-term impact of a soft tissue injury?

Soft tissue injuries are often dismissed as “minor,” but the truth is they can have serious, lasting effects. Chronic pain, stiffness, and weakness can limit your ability to work, drive, care for your family, or enjoy your usual hobbies.

Some victims develop chronic soft tissue damage, leading to recurring flare-ups of pain that require ongoing treatment. Others may experience compensatory injuries, which occur when you adjust your movements to protect the injured area, causing strain in other parts of your body.

In Mississippi, where many jobs involve physical labor, long-term soft tissue problems can mean lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and a need for career changes.

What factors can affect my compensation for a soft tissue injury?

A variety of factors can impact how much compensation you receive for a soft tissue injury in Mississippi:

  • More serious injuries typically result in higher medical bills and greater compensation.
  • Longer recoveries often lead to more lost income and higher damages.
  • If you can’t return to your job or perform household tasks, your claim may be worth more.
  • Mississippi’s pure comparative negligence rule means your award is reduced by your percentage of fault for the accident.
  • Detailed medical records can strengthen your claim and help counter insurance company disputes.

What are some tips for maximizing my claim?

If you’ve suffered a soft tissue injury, the following are some steps you can take to protect your claim:

  • Seek immediate medical care. Even if the pain seems mild at first, getting an early diagnosis is key.
  • Follow your treatment plan. Skipping appointments or ignoring medical advice can hurt your case.
  • Document everything. Keep records of medical visits, bills, prescriptions, and time missed from work.
  • Take photos. Document visible swelling, bruising, or other signs of injury.
  • Avoid downplaying your symptoms. Be honest with your doctor and attorney about your pain and limitations.

Finally, consult our experienced lawyers as early as possible in the process. The sooner you have legal representation, the better your chances of building a strong case.

Frequently asked questions

Are soft tissue injuries serious?

Yes. While they may not involve broken bones, soft tissue injuries can cause significant pain, limit mobility, and require lengthy rehabilitation.

How long do soft tissue injuries take to heal?

Mild injuries may heal in a few weeks, but severe or chronic conditions can take months or even become permanent.

Can I sue for a soft tissue injury in Mississippi?

Yes, if your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you can pursue a personal injury claim. Mississippi’s statute of limitations is generally three years from the date of the accident.

How much is my soft tissue injury claim worth?

It depends on your medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and the impact on your daily life. Our experienced Mississippi injury lawyers can give you a better estimate after reviewing your case.

What if the insurance company says my injury is “minor”?

This is common with soft tissue claims. Our lawyers can gather medical evidence, expert opinions, and witness statements to prove the seriousness of your injuries.

Do you have a Mississippi soft tissue injury lawyer near me?

Yes. We meet personal injury victims at the following Mississippi locations:

  • Jackson Office (Hinds County): 2630 Ridgewood Road, Suite D. Jackson, MS 39216
  • Clarksdale Office (Coahoma County): 30 Delta Avenue, Clarksdale, MS 38614
  • Greenville Office (Washington County): 540 Main Street, ICON Building, Suite 302. Greenville, MS 38701
  • Oxford Office (Lafayette County): 2084 Old Taylor Road, Suite 110. Oxford, MS 38655
  • Meridian Office (Lauderdale County): 2121 5th Street, Suite 205, Meridian, MS 39301

We meet clients who cannot physically travel to us in their homes or other locations when necessary. Our lawyers consult with clients by phone and through online video platforms, such as Zoom and FaceTime.

Talk to an experienced Mississippi soft tissue injury attorney today

At Merkel & Cocke, P.A., we know that soft tissue injuries can be life-changing. We’ve represented clients across Mississippi, from Jackson to Tupelo to the Gulf Coast, helping them recover the financial resources they need to heal and move forward. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us unless we recover compensation for you. Contact us by phone or complete our contact form to schedule a complimentary consultation. We represent clients throughout Mississippi and the Gulf Coast.