What accidents can cause a soft tissue injury?
Soft tissue injuries can result from various types of accidents and activities. Some common causes of soft tissue injuries include:
- Falls: Falling from heights, slipping on a wet surface, or tripping over obstacles can lead to strains, sprains, and contusions.
- Sports injuries: Participation in sports activities, especially those involving sudden stops, twists, or impacts, can cause soft tissue injuries such as strains, sprains, and contusions.
- Road traffic accidents: The sudden impact of a car accident can cause road users soft tissue injuries throughout the body, including whiplash (a type of neck strain) and contusions from hitting objects inside the vehicle.
- Workplace incidents: Lifting heavy objects, repetitive motions, slips, trips, and falls at the workplace can result in strains, sprains, and other soft tissue injuries.
- Employers have a legal duty of care to ensure their employees are working in a safe environment.
- Accidental impacts: Accidentally bumping into objects or being struck by falling objects can result in soft tissue injuries like contusions or strains.
Soft tissue injury compensation and claim value
There are no set compensation amounts for soft tissue injuries. Instead, our Northwest personal injury solicitors will look at general damages (how serious your injury is) and special damages (any money you’ve lost as a result).
The Judicial College sets guideline compensation amounts based on previous cases. These cover general damages only but can serve as a helpful guideline.
Compensation amounts for minor soft tissue injuries (Up to £9,500)
These typically involve sprains, strains, or minor muscle tears that are expected to heal fully within a few weeks or months. The compensation amount may consider factors like pain and suffering during the healing period, any temporary limitations on your daily activities, and out-of-pocket expenses for medications or physical therapy. The recent Whiplash Reform Programme particularly affects claims in this category, with injuries valued at £5,000 or less following a set tariff designed to streamline the process for these less severe cases.
Compensation amounts for moderate soft tissue injuries (£9,500 – £27,760)
These injuries involve more extensive muscle or ligament damage that takes longer to heal and may cause some lingering pain or discomfort. They might also limit your mobility or ability to perform certain activities for a more extended period. Compensation in this range would likely account for these factors, along with potential lost income if you were unable to work while recovering. Private medical bills and any ongoing treatment costs would also be factored in.
Compensation amounts for severe soft tissue injuries (Over £38,780)
These are the most serious soft tissue injuries and can have a long-lasting impact on your life. They may involve permanent nerve damage, ligament ruptures requiring surgery, or chronic pain syndromes that significantly restrict your daily activities. In these cases, compensation can be much higher, potentially exceeding £100,000, to reflect the long-term consequences of the injury on your physical and mental well-being. Loss of earning capacity due to permanent disability might also be a significant factor influencing the payout.
The whiplash reform programme – for claims valued at less than £5,000
The whiplash reform programme refers to government changes made in May 2021, which impact whiplash claims from road traffic accidents. For less severe cases, you can make claims through this system without legal support, up to the value of £5,000.
This may be a simpler option for you if your injuries don’t have any long-term impact on your life. However, our no win no fee whiplash solicitors can also help you claim compensation for special damages, such as costs incurred. We’ll talk you through your options when you call us.
