Shoulder injuries are commonly sustained in motor vehicle accidents and slip/trip-and-falls. Sometimes, pain from shoulder injuries is subtle at first and takes awhile to develop after an accident but will gradually increase over time.
If you have suffered a shoulder injury due to another party’s carelessness or negligence, you may be owed financial compensation for your pain, suffering, rehabilitation, and any loss of income. Speak to a lawyer to find out what you are entitled to.
Most Common Shoulder Injuries
Sprains and Strains
Sprains and strains occur when ligaments or muscles in the front of the shoulder are torn. Symptoms include pain and tenderness at the shoulder joint, inability to move the shoulder, and rapid swelling. Sprained or strained shoulders are usually treated with physical therapy and rehabilitation, anti-inflammatory medication, and/or ultrasound and laser treatments.
Fractures
Fractured collarbone and humerus (located in the upper arm) are common shoulder injuries to incur in a bad fall or a road accident. Sometime surgery is required for a fracture. Often, you will have to wear a sling during the healing process and will be prescribed pain meds.
SLAP Tears
Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior tears are when the thin muscle called the labrum, which connects the tendons at the shoulder joint, is damaged and torn. When this muscle tears, you often experience grinding and popping sensations, shoulder pain, and a decreased range of motion. These injuries are usually treated with medication and physical therapy.
Dislocation
A dislocated shoulder occurs when the humerus bone, located in your upper arm, pops out of the shoulder blade socket. It is common to have SLAP tears along with dislocation. Symptoms of a dislocated shoulder include feelings of numbness, tingling, and weakness in your arm and/or neck, inability to move your arm, and severe pain. For dislocated shoulders, doctors can usually perform what is called a “closed reduction,” where the doctor pops the shoulder joint back into place manually. In more severe cases, surgery may be recommended.
Damaged Rotator Cuffs
The rotator cuffs are made up of the shoulder tendons and muscles that connect the shoulder blade to the humerus. Symptoms of rotator cuff injury include weakness of the arm, decreased range of motion, and a constant dull ache in the shoulder. Rotator cuff injuries are treated with physical therapy and sometimes surgery.
Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder is a condition that can happen after an injury that has caused the shoulder to be immobilized for some time. Gradually, you may begin to experience a limited range of motion and shoulder pain. As time goes on, the pain often decreases but range of motion becomes more limited and stiffness increases, making it difficult to move your shoulder. Treatment for this usually includes physical therapy, pain medication, and sometimes arthroscopy or surgery.
Can I Be Compensated for My Shoulder Injury
If you are suffering from a shoulder injury from a road accident or slip-and-fall, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Book a consultation with our reputable personal injury lawyers and find out the next step.