Seeking Compensation for Shoulder Pain After Car Accidents

Car accidents are traumatic events that can result in various injuries, with shoulder injuries being among the most common. Car accident shoulder injuries can cause significant pain and may lead to long-term physical limitations, impacting your ability to work and enjoy daily activities. If you’ve suffered shoulder pain after a car accident, understanding your rights and the compensation you may be entitled to is crucial. This blog will guide you through the process of seeking compensation for shoulder pain, covering everything from common shoulder injuries to factors that influence settlement amounts.

Common Shoulder Injuries from Car Accidents

Shoulder injuries from car accidents can range from mild strains to severe fractures and dislocations. The force exerted on the body during a collision often leads to these injuries, particularly when the shoulder is braced against the steering wheel or seatbelt. Understanding the types of shoulder injuries that can occur is the first step in assessing your situation and pursuing a shoulder injury car accident settlement.

Rotator Cuff Injuries – Tears and Strains

One of the most common shoulder injuries sustained in car accidents is rotator cuff injuries, including tears and strains. The rotator cuff consists of a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. When subjected to a sudden impact, these tendons can tear, leading to significant pain, weakness, and limited range of motion. Depending on the severity of rotator cuff injuries, treatment may require physical therapy or even rotator cuff surgery, which can impact your rotator cuff injury settlement.

Shoulder Fractures and Tears

Shoulder fractures are another serious injury that can occur in car accidents. These involve the breaking of bones in the shoulder, such as the upper arm bone (humerus), the shoulder blade (scapula), or the collarbone (clavicle). Shoulder tears refer to damage to the soft tissues, such as ligaments or tendons, within the shoulder joint. Both fractures and tears require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, which can significantly increase the settlement for shoulder injury cases.

Dislocations

Dislocations are severe shoulder injuries from car accidents that often require immediate medical attention. A dislocated shoulder occurs when the upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder socket, causing intense pain and immobility. This is different from fractures, which involve broken bones, leading to long recovery times and may require surgery. This can lead to substantial shoulder injury claims as they often result in severe shoulder pain and long-term disability.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains and strains, are also common after a car accident. These injuries affect the muscles, tendons, and ligaments surrounding the shoulder and can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness. While soft tissue injuries may seem less severe than fractures or dislocations, they can still have a significant impact on your quality of life and may be included in your shoulder injury car accident compensation.

Whiplash

Whiplash is a neck injury that commonly occurs in car accidents, but it can also lead to shoulder pain. The sudden movement of the head and neck can strain the muscles and ligaments in the shoulder, leading to discomfort and mobility issues. Whiplash-associated shoulder pain is often part of the overall shoulder injury claim, particularly if it contributes to ongoing pain and suffering.

Symptoms of a Shoulder Injury

Recognizing the symptoms of a shoulder injury after a car accident is crucial for obtaining a proper medical diagnosis and pursuing a fair settlement. Common symptoms include:

• Severe shoulder pain: Persistent or worsening pain in the shoulder area.
• Limited range of motion: Difficulty moving the arm or shoulder without pain.
• Swelling and bruising: Visible signs of injury around the shoulder joint.
• Weakness: Inability to lift objects or perform daily tasks.
• Numbness or tingling: Sensations that may indicate nerve damage.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Documenting your symptoms and receiving prompt medical care are essential steps in building a strong shoulder injury case.

What Is the Average Settlement for Shoulder Injury After a Car Accident?

The average settlement for shoulder injuries after a car accident can vary widely depending on several factors, including the severity of the injury, the required medical treatment, and the impact on your daily life. Generally, settlements can range from a few thousand dollars for minor injuries to hundreds of thousands for more serious injuries that require surgery and long-term care. Understanding the potential settlement amounts for shoulder injury claims is important for setting realistic expectations and negotiating with insurance companies.

Factors That Influence Shoulder Injury Settlement Amount

Several factors can influence the shoulder injury car accident settlement amount you may receive. These factors include:

Medical Expenses and Future Medical Needs

The cost of medical treatment, including all medical bills, is one of the most significant factors in determining your shoulder injury settlement. This includes emergency room visits, surgeries such as rotator cuff surgery, physical therapy appointments, and ongoing medical care. Additionally, if your injury requires future medical treatment, such as additional surgeries or long-term physical therapy, these costs should be factored into the settlement for shoulder injury.

Lost Wages and Income

Shoulder injuries can significantly impact your ability to work, especially if your job requires physical labour or the use of your arms. Lost wages and loss of earning capacity are critical components of your shoulder injury car accident compensation. If your injury leads to permanent disability, this can also increase the settlement amount.

Pain and Suffering Damages

Pain and suffering damages compensate you for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your shoulder injury. Severe shoulder pain, loss of enjoyment of life, and mental anguish are all factors that can influence the amount of pain and suffering damages you may be entitled to. These non-economic damages are often substantial in shoulder injury cases, particularly when the injury leads to long-term or permanent disability.

Who Pays for My Shoulder Injury Settlement?

In most cases, your shoulder injury settlement will be paid by the insurance company of the at-fault driver in the car accident. However, navigating the claims process and ensuring that you receive a fair settlement can be challenging, especially when dealing with insurance companies that may try to minimize your personal injury claim.

Dealing with Insurance Companies for Your Shoulder Surgery Settlement

Insurance companies are often more concerned with protecting their bottom line than providing fair compensation to accident victims. They may attempt to downplay the severity of your injury or offer a low settlement amount that doesn’t fully cover your medical expenses and other losses. It’s important to approach negotiations with a clear understanding of the true value of your shoulder injury claim and to be prepared to advocate for yourself or have a car accident lawyer do so on your behalf.

Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney

Hiring a personal injury attorney can greatly improve your chances of receiving fair compensation for your shoulder injury. An experienced personal injury attorney can:

• Evaluate your case: Determine the true value of your shoulder injury settlement.
• Negotiate with insurance companies: Ensure that you receive a fair settlement offer.
• Gather evidence: Collect medical records, witness statements, and other evidence to support your claim.
• Represent you in court: If necessary, take your case to trial to seek the compensation you deserve.

How Hartley Law Can Help You Get Compensation for Your Shoulder Injury

At Hartley Law, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a shoulder injury can take on your life. Our experienced personal injury lawyers are dedicated to helping you recover the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.  Whether your personal injury case requires car accident lawyers, truck accident attorneys, motorcycle accident attorneys, or other personal injury services, Hartley Law can help. We’ll work tirelessly to build a strong case on your behalf and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for serious injuries.

Whether you’ve suffered a rotator cuff injury, shoulder dislocation, or another type of serious shoulder injury in a car accident, Hartley Law is here to help. Contact us today to discuss your case or visit our personal injury Practice Areas page to learn how we can assist you in seeking a fair settlement for your shoulder injury.