The shoulder is susceptible to injuries because of its complex structure and frequent use in daily activities and sports. Although you might not hear about shoulder injuries from car accidents as often, they still happen. They can involve minor strains to severe tears and broken bones with long recovery times. Here is what you need to know about shoulder injuries from car accidents.
What Do Shoulder Injury Symptoms Feel Like?
The severity of shoulder injury symptoms depends on the accident type and the patient’s previous medical history. Some symptoms show up immediately, while others take time to present themselves. For this reason, it is vital to get a medical evaluation immediately following an accident.
The symptoms can involve the shoulder, but for many car accident survivors, the problems extend to other parts of the body. Here is what to look for:
- Being unable to sleep on the side of the injured shoulder
- Cracking sounds when moving the shoulder or arm
- Weakness or instability of the shoulder
- Limited range of motion
- Numbness
- Persistent pain
Types of Shoulder Injuries Caused by Car Accidents
One of the more common shoulder injuries seen after car accidents is soft tissue damage like stretched or torn muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Whiplash typically causes neck pain, but the force of motion can also damage shoulder tendons.
A rotator cuff tear can be quite painful; it happens when shoulder joint tendons and tissues are torn. Shoulder dislocations occur when a shoulder bone shifts out of its regular position, and shoulder separation is when the bone comes entirely out of the socket.
Other shoulder injuries include fractures and shoulder impingement – like the other ones described; these can also cause excruciating pain and long recovery times.
Can I Get Compensated for My Shoulder Injury?
To seek compensation for your shoulder injuries from a car accident, you will need a medical exam and diagnosis. An insurance settlement might not be enough to cover your costs. A car accident lawyer can try to negotiate a fair amount for your compensation, and most of the time, these cases are settled and do not end up in court. Should a court case be necessary, your lawyer can fight to get the compensation you deserve.
A lawyer can be instrumental. Firstly, they can navigate the complex legal process, protecting your rights. This involves gathering evidence, such as medical records and accident reports, to establish liability and demonstrate the extent of your shoulder injury. They can litigate the case in court to secure a favorable outcome if necessary. A skilled lawyer provides invaluable support.
Contact Our Media Car Accident Lawyers at Eckell Sparks if You Have a Shoulder Injury From a Car Accident
Shoulder injuries from car accidents are more common than you might think. If you are concerned about getting compensation for your injuries, contact our experienced Media car accident lawyers at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. Call us at 610-565-3701 or complete our online form to learn more. Located in Media and West Chester, Pennsylvania, we serve clients in Delaware County, Chester County, and Montgomery County.