How Does an Expert Witness Evaluate Ligament Injuries in Car Accidents?

There are many factors to consider such as the harm sustained, how much treatment and medical costs incur, the damage to property and how much down time the victim must suffer from a lack of work while recovering. The lawyer may determine that an expert witness for ligament injuries is needed to detail to the judge or jury just how severely these issues impact the person affected by the car accident.

While the amount of damage caused is important, the place the injury occurred in may be more important. If the ligament wound occurred where the person uses most for his or her work such as hands to repair or put objects together, he or she may receive more compensation. This is often due to a change of employment necessary if recovery is not fully possible and the location of the injury causes stress or pain when used. However, if the issue occurs in a part

of the body that causes constant pain or discomfort, the person may be classified as disabled due to not being able to work at all.

Ligament Explained

Ligaments are considered soft tissue. They connect bones, muscles or cartilage. They also provide support and strengthen joints. They have a primary role of connecting movable joints at bones. Without these pieces of the body, the skeleton would not be able to move and sustain the rest of the body. Because they have poor blood supplies, they are not good at regenerating. This means they need assistance once damage has occurred. They may be dense and tough, but they are flexible and don’t lengthen much. This all proves that they are delicate once they’ve been injured. It is also often difficult to prove a ligament has been harmed enough to cause severe issues until extensive testing has occurred. Car accident trauma tends to permanently stretch these zones. This makes them unstable and this leads to pain and pressure on the surrounding areas.

When the joints are overextended during an injury, the ligament often moves in a direction it was not intended to, and this causes harm to the tissue. Any area where these soft tissues hold bones, cartilage and other body parts together could be torn, twisted and damaged through various types of accidents. While these are often more severe than other wounds, sprains may occur that may not lead to the same kind of long-term damage. Some injuries may only cause tenderness and swelling, but others may cause constant pain and weakness of the area. This leads to chronic conditions. Physical therapy may correct the damage inflicted, but some individuals are unable to work in the same industries due to the pain and sore spots. This may cause a change of career that requires additional training or technical school.

Severity of Ligament Injuries

There are varying degrees or severity of the injuries sustained to those that suffer ligament injuries. A grade one is usually just mild with little or no stretching of the soft tissue, but there may be some tenderness and soreness in the area. Moderate ligament damage is a grade two with tenderness, stretching and possibly some tearing of the tissue. The most severe is a grade three where the damage done completely tears the ligament and may also dislocate the joint in certain instances. If a claim is needed, each one of these affect the case and how much additional evidence or documentation is necessary.

Symptoms of Ligament Injuries

There are a variety of symptoms that may be revealed over time or immediately once a ligament has been damaged. Aching joints are common, but burning sensations may be unknown to be related to these injuries. Various pains in the areas associated with the damage often occurs. Headaches and fatigue could transpire. Strain, numbness, movement difficulties and a restricted range of motion may be observed. Spasms from pain, weakness in the area, and tenderness have all been documented.

Expert Witness for Ligament Injuries

When certain litigation occurs, these instances often require the use of an expert witness. These professionals have the experience and knowledge of ligament injuries and how they may affect the individual. With eloquence, they may detail these specifics to a judge or jury so they may understand clearly why compensation should be awarded.

Provided by HG.org

Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer.