What is the difference between a soft tissue injury and a severe injury?

Soft tissue injuries (STI) and severe injuries are two distinct types of personal injury claims. In California, soft tissue injuries involve muscle, tendon, and ligament damage which can result from minor or major trauma. Soft tissue injuries can sometimes be addressed with physical therapy, steroid injections, or NSAIDs. Severe injuries, on the other hand, are much more serious and can be debilitating. These types of injuries often require surgery or lengthy rehabilitation and can involve broken bones, head trauma, spinal cord injuries, or internal organ damage. Another key difference between soft tissue and severe injuries is the amount of compensation sought in legal claims. Because soft tissue injuries are not as life-altering, they typically result in a smaller financial settlement than a severe injury claim. In California, a plaintiff may be able to receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress, but the amount of money awarded in a soft tissue injury claim usually pales in comparison to that of a severe injury claim. In short, soft tissue injuries involve muscle, tendon, and ligament damage and typically require some form of physical therapy or medication. These injuries often lead to smaller financial settlements than severe injuries, which are much more serious and can require surgery or extended rehabilitation.

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