Victims of auto accidents may not immediately feel injury symptoms. Though victims may visit an emergency room shortly after the accident it is possible that the emergency room physician will only check for serious or life-threatening injuries such as broken bones, a punctured lung or some kind of internal bleeding. Pain medication may be prescribed to alleviate the discomfort but it may only mask the pain and delay a soft tissue injury diagnosis.
An experienced Clayton County personal injury attorney can help victims through the personal injury claims process. The Law Office of Shane Smith will make sure that documentation from a victim's medical examinations is included in the claim.
Soft tissues include muscles, tendons, nerves, ligaments and blood vessels. These need oxygen and they must operate properly. Frequently in our everyday lives we do not use all of our muscles, especially if we have sedentary jobs. Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications can cause scar tissue or adhesions to form, thus limiting proper soft tissue motion that is necessary for healthy blood flow. Scar tissue can then cause its own pain and symptoms. Yet soft tissue injuries may not appear on x-rays immediately after an auto accident.
Frequently, the lack of immediate soft tissue pain after an auto accident prevents a physician from properly diagnosing soft tissue injuries. The physician likely will rely on standard tests such as reading vital signs and x-rays and a victim's reported pain. As a precaution the physician may prescribe a treatment of pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medication so a victim will not feel any of the accident's effects. This treatment allows the victim to believe there are no injuries because there is no pain. But in reality the injuries are not being treated; the pain sensation is muted but the injury still exists.
Contacting a Clayton County Personal Injury Attorney
An experienced Clayton County personal injury attorney will recommend a thorough medical examination to ensure that an auto accident victim has not suffered soft tissue injuries. Call Shane Smith Law at (980) 246-2656 to schedule a free legal consultation.