How Much is the Average Settlement for a Soft Tissue Back Injury in Pennsylvania?

Soft tissue back injuries can disrupt your life for months or even years. But how much is the average settlement for a soft tissue back injury in Pennsylvania?

The average settlement for a soft tissue back injury in Pennsylvania typically ranges from $15,000 to $100,000, depending on severity, recovery time, and liability.

At Mattiacci Law, we’ve helped injury victims across Pennsylvania recover fair compensation for soft tissue back injuries resulting from car crashes, slips and falls, and workplace accidents.

 

 

What Is a Soft Tissue Back Injury?

A soft tissue back injury refers to damage to muscles, ligaments, or tendons in the back without affecting bones or the spinal cord. These injuries are common in accidents and often underdiagnosed because they don’t appear on X-rays.

Common Types of Soft Tissue Back Injuries:

• Muscle strains
• Ligament sprains
• Tendon tears
• Whiplash-related soft tissue damage

These injuries can still cause debilitating pain, limited mobility, and emotional distress—especially when they lead to chronic back conditions.

 

Why Soft Tissue Back Injury Settlements Matter in Pennsylvania

Although often dismissed as “minor,” soft tissue injuries can impair your quality of life and ability to work. Treatment may include:

• Physical therapy
• Chiropractic care
• Pain management injections
• Lost income during recovery

These cases are notoriously difficult to prove due to the lack of visible damage, which is why having a skilled Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer is essential.

Common Causes:

• Low-speed car accidents
• Sudden falls on uneven surfaces
• Lifting injuries at work
• Rear-end collisions resulting in whiplash

The sooner you take action, the stronger your case will be.

 

Step-by-Step Guide to Filing a Soft Tissue Back Injury Claim in Pennsylvania

1. Get Medical Attention Immediately

Delayed treatment may damage your claim. Ask for referrals to physical therapy or specialists.

2. Document Symptoms and Progress

Maintain a recovery journal. Save appointment notes, prescriptions, and therapy schedules.

3. Consult a Back Injury Lawyer

Mattiacci Law offers free case evaluations. We’ll assess your damages and legal options.

4. File an Insurance Claim

We’ll gather medical documentation, employment records, and crash or incident reports.

5. Calculate Your Damages

We consider:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Long-term functional limitations

6. Negotiate or File Suit

If the insurance company offers less than fair value, we’re fully prepared to go to trial.

 

What Impacts Soft Tissue Back Injury Settlement Amounts?

Factors That Increase or Decrease Payouts:

• Medical treatment length
• Chronic pain diagnosis
• Need for injections or surgery
• Work limitations
• Proof of liability
• Pre-existing conditions

Pennsylvania Legal Considerations:

• Comparative fault may reduce your compensation
• Statute of limitations: 2 years from the injury date
• Documentation from a medical professional is crucial for soft tissue injury claims

Detailed, consistent treatment records can significantly increase your settlement value.

 

 

Typical Settlement Ranges for Soft Tissue Back Injuries

Injury Type	Average Settlement Range	Notes
Minor Muscle Strain	$10,000 – $25,000	Recovery within weeks, minimal disruption
Moderate Sprain	$25,000 – $50,000	Physical therapy required, missed work involved
Severe Strain or Tear	$50,000 – $100,000+	Long recovery, chronic pain, significant limitations
Whiplash-Related Back Injury	$30,000 – $75,000	Often involves neck/back overlap and soft tissue trauma

How Soft Tissue Back Injuries Are Diagnosed

Soft tissue injuries don’t show up on X-rays. Diagnosis often depends on:

• Physical examinations
• MRI or ultrasound imaging
• Range-of-motion tests
• Orthopedic specialist evaluations

Early diagnosis can influence settlement size by validating your claim and linking your injury to the accident.

 

Long-Term Effects of Soft Tissue Injuries

While many soft tissue injuries heal in weeks, others may cause:

• Ongoing back spasms
• Reduced mobility
• Persistent inflammation
• Difficulty returning to physical jobs

These long-term impacts are factored into larger settlements, especially when supported by medical expert testimony.

Documenting the long-term consequences helps secure compensation for your future needs.

 

Talk to a Pennsylvania Soft Tissue Back Injury Lawyer Today

If you’re dealing with ongoing pain and financial loss after a soft tissue back injury, don’t face the insurance companies alone. Mattiacci Law will fight for the full settlement you’re entitled to.

Call 215-914-6919 now for a free no-obligation consultation. There’s no fee unless we win.

We serve clients across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and we’re ready to help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Further Reading:

• Filing a Personal Injury Claim in Pennsylvania in 2025: An Updated Guide
• How Much is the Average Slip and Fall Settlement Without Surgery in Philadelphia?
• What Happens After You Reject a Settlement Offer?
• How to Prove Negligence in Your PA Personal Injury Claim

Resources:

• National Institutes of Health – Back Pain Information
• PA Code – Comparative Negligence Law
• CDC – Occupational Back Injury Data