Soft-Tissue Injury Claims vs. Catastrophic Injury Cases

 Posted on September 29, 2025 in Personal Injury

After an accident, injuries can range from relatively minor to life-altering. Some clients suffer soft-tissue injuries such as sprains, strains, or whiplash. Others face catastrophic harm like spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, or amputations. Both types of injuries deserve careful legal attention, but the way they are handled in a personal injury claim can be very different.

Our Upper Marlboro personal injury lawyer is available 24/7 to answer your questions. We are client-focused, results-driven, and will make sure you get strong legal representation. 

What Are Soft-Tissue Injuries?

Soft-tissue injuries involve damage to muscles, ligaments, or tendons. They are common in car crashes, slip-and-fall accidents, and workplace incidents. Injuries like whiplash, sprains, deep bruising, and muscle strains may not appear as clearly on imaging tests as broken bones. This often leads insurance companies to downplay their seriousness. Unfortunately, these injuries can cause significant pain and require weeks or even months of recovery.

Insurers often argue that soft-tissue injuries are exaggerated, and it is not so easy to prove the impact they have. An experienced personal injury lawyer can build a strong case by collecting detailed medical records and working with doctors to show how the injuries affect your life.

What Counts as a Catastrophic Injury?

A catastrophic injury is one that permanently changes your life and requires ongoing medical care. These cases may involve paralysis from a spinal cord injury or long-term damage from a brain injury. Lasting disability from burns, amputations, or multiple fractures is also common. Catastrophic injuries typically carry enormous medical and rehabilitation costs, including in-home assistance.

Because the financial stakes are so high, insurance companies fight these claims with everything they have. A good attorney is crucial for making sure victims get the compensation that truly reflects the impact of the injury.

How Soft Tissue and Catastrophic Injury Claims Differ

The legal process for soft-tissue versus catastrophic injuries looks very different. Soft-tissue claims often require extra effort to prove because they do not always show up on scans. Catastrophic injuries are usually easier to demonstrate medically. The challenge lies in proving the full scope of their financial and personal impact.

Injury claims also differ in their potential damages. Soft-tissue cases usually center on medical bills, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering. Catastrophic cases go further. Claims include the cost of future care, home or vehicle modifications, and sometimes lifelong income loss. Soft-tissue cases may settle more quickly, while catastrophic injury cases often take longer, involve expert testimony, and sometimes go to trial.

Contact a Hyattsville, MD Personal Injury Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured and it was not your fault, you should know your options. An Upper Marlboro, MD personal injury attorney at Kisner Law can explain your options. We will fight to protect your rights and connect you with the medical care you need.

When you work with us, you can expect an honest look at your claim and tough representation against insurance companies. Whether your injury is a painful but temporary setback or a catastrophic change to your life, we provide the same level of focus and attention. Call us anytime, day or night, at 240-459-0097 to schedule a free consultation.