Law Office of Michael J. Tremoulis | February 6, 2026 | Personal Injury
A contusion injury is a type of soft tissue damage caused by blunt force trauma. While contusions are often referred to as bruises, they can range from mild surface injuries to more serious conditions involving muscles, bones, internal organs, or the brain.
Contusions are commonly associated with car accidents, slip and fall incidents, and other events involving sudden impact. In some cases, these injuries require medical treatment and can have lasting effects.
Types of Contusion Injuries
Contusions can affect different parts of the body and vary significantly in severity. Common types of contusion injuries include:
- Muscle contusions: Occur when a muscle absorbs a direct impact. These injuries often cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Severe muscle contusions may require physical therapy to restore function.
- Bone contusions: Also known as bone bruises. These injuries involve bleeding within the bone and can weaken its structure. Bone contusions are more serious than surface bruises and may increase the risk of fractures if left untreated.
- Organ contusions: Affect internal organs such as the lungs or kidneys. These injuries can impair organ function and may require close medical monitoring.
- Cerebral contusions: Involve bleeding and swelling in the brain. These injuries are considered medical emergencies and may cause loss of consciousness, severe headaches, confusion, and long-term neurological complications.
Because contusions are not always visible, medical evaluation is often necessary to determine the full extent of the injury.
Common Causes of Contusion Injuries
Contusion injuries occur when the body sustains a direct impact from blunt force. These injuries are commonly associated with accidents in which a person is struck, falls, or collides with an object or surface. Depending on the force involved, contusions may affect the skin, muscles, bones, or internal organs.
Some of the most common causes of contusion injuries include:
- Motor vehicle accidents, including collisions involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, or pedestrians
- Slip and fall accidents caused by hazardous conditions such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting
- Workplace accidents involving falls, equipment, or falling objects
- Bicycle accidents and other recreational incidents
- Physical assaults or acts of violence
In many cases, contusions occur alongside other injuries, which can make it difficult to assess their severity without medical evaluation.
Symptoms of a Contusion Injury
The symptoms of a contusion injury can vary depending on the location and severity of the trauma. Some symptoms appear immediately after an accident, while others may worsen over time. Even when a contusion seems minor at first, underlying tissue damage can lead to ongoing pain or complications.
Common symptoms of a contusion injury include:
- Pain or tenderness at the site of impact
- Swelling or inflammation
- Skin discoloration that may change in color as the injury heals
- Stiffness or reduced range of motion
- Weakness in the affected area
More serious contusions, such as bone or cerebral contusions, may cause additional symptoms, including increasing pain, numbness, dizziness, confusion, headaches, or loss of consciousness. These symptoms may indicate a more severe injury and should be evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible.
If symptoms worsen or fail to improve, further medical evaluation may be necessary to identify complications and determine appropriate treatment.
Why Contusions Matter in Personal Injury Cases
Although contusions are often considered minor injuries, they can be important in personal injury cases. A documented contusion can show the force of an impact and help support claims involving medical treatment, missed work, and physical pain. In some cases, contusions also point to more serious underlying injuries.
Insurance companies may try to downplay contusions as insignificant. Medical records, imaging, and consistent treatment are often necessary to establish the severity of the injury and its effect on daily life.
Contact Law Office of Michael J. Tremoulis To Speak With a Lima Personal Injury Lawyer
If you suffered a contusion injury in an accident in or around Lima, Ohio, you may have the right to seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and other related losses. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help.
If you were injured in an accident in Lima, and need legal help, contact our Personal Injury Lawyer at the Law Office of Michael J. Tremoulis to schedule a free case review today.
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