Insurance Company Denies Baltimore Injury Claim, Saying “Soft Tissue” / “Minimum Impact”
MIST may be acronym for Minimum Impact, Soft Tissue. Can The Insurance Company Deny My Claim By saying “Soft Tissue” Or “Minimum Impact”? From a legal standpoint, words have meaning, and this terminology is often a red flag that the insurer intends to minimize or challenge the claim. If they categorize an injury as “just soft tissue,” they may offer less than fair compensation—even when the pain and impact on daily life are significant. “MIST” in the context of a personal injury claim means that the insurance company doesn’t take your case seriously and isn’t going to voluntarily pay you any money, or at least a reasonable amount of money.
“MIST” means the insurance claims adjuster does not believe you are really hurt, and if you say you are, then the insurance company position is that you are exaggerating- or lying.
I personally first came across the concept of “MIST” in this context maybe 20+ years ago while talking to a longtime, battle-hardened, former insurance claim adjuster. He told me of the practice at his company to label cases as “MIST”.
He told me that in insurance company jargon, “MIST” means “minimal impact soft tissue.” The label reflects that insurance company’s position that no one can be hurt in an automobile accident unless there is massive, visual property damage. It is reflective of that insurance company’s position that soft tissue injuries are not significant, don’t hurt, and in any event, don’t occur unless there is damage to the involved vehicle. The label reflects that insurance company’s position that the claim of one involved in a collision that did not involve substantial damage to the vehicles was one that they were not going to pay on. That position was not and is not unique. Years ago, the insurance industry adopted a fairly uniform front. It goes something like this. If there was no damage to the car, there was no damage to the people inside. If a crash only resulted in injuries to the musculature, ligaments, tendons and other connective tissues in someone’s spine, they are not entitled to collect more than nominal damages for pain, distress or anguish.
“Science does not support the position. Medicine does not support this position.”
Does a Soft Tissue Injury Even Exist in Baltimore, in 2025?
When a Baltimore- based insurance company says “soft tissue”, they typically mean injuries that affect muscles, ligaments, and tendons rather than bones or organs. These injuries often include:
- Whiplash (common in car accidents)
- Sprains and strains
- Bruises and contusions
- Tendonitis
- Muscle tears
Why Insurance Companies Use This Term to Minimize Claims?
Can The Insurance Company Deny My Claim By Saying “Soft Tissue” Or “Minimum Impact” Perhaps. Some minimal offers have the same effect. This is the functional denial. Some insurance adjusters may use “soft tissue” as a way to downplay the seriousness of an injury. Unlike fractures or visible wounds, soft tissue injuries don’t always show up on X-rays and can be more subjective, which makes them easier for insurers to dispute. They often argue that:
- The injuries are minor or exaggerated
- They heal quickly with little medical intervention
- They don’t warrant significant compensation
How This Affects Your Baltimore Personal Injury Claim
Since insurance companies may lowball or deny soft tissue claims, proving the injury requires:
- Consistent medical treatment (chiropractic care, physical therapy, etc.)
- Documentation (medical records, pain logs, expert testimony)
- Diagnostic tests (MRI, CT scans—though they may still argue these aren’t definitive)
Insurance companies have for years successfully argued this “MIST” position to judges and juries alike, without any evidentiary or scientific report, to a fair degree of success. I’ve countered this argument hundreds of times. Insurance companies are run by savvy and sophisticated individuals. When a personal injury attorney takes them to court, insurance companies hire skilled attorneys to seek a ratification of their claims denials and lowball offers in court. They would not continue to make arguments that are ineffective.
I have been evaluating cases for more than 20 years I’ve handled thousands of cases in that time. I invite all potential clients to participate in a no-cost analysis and strategy conference. Contact me today to arrange a time to meet. 410 591 2835, or simply complete the form at the bottom of the page.
- Baltimore Personal Injury Trial Lawyer Eric T. Kirk
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A Baltimore car accident and personal injury litigator who has taken hundreds of cases to trial, winning millions over a 30-year mission to obtain fair and just compensation, which has been unfairly and unjustly denied to his clients.
