The impact of a serious car accident can cause significant shoulder injuries. Shoulder injuries can be some of the most problematic associated with a vehicle accident because you may not feel this pain right away. Your body may go into shock in an effort to absorb the impact of the crash, but you may notice that you develop shoulder, neck, or back pain in the hours or days following the accident. As with any injury associated with a car crash, you should share updates to your symptoms with your doctor as soon as possible. Doing so could help you get a diagnosis and necessary treatment.
What to Know About Shoulder Injuries
Shoulder pain from a vehicle accident can be caused from various injuries, depending on the position of the victim at the time of the crash and the total force of the impact. The shoulder is a complex joint made up of the shoulder blade, the upper arm bone, and the collarbone. It is also surrounded by tendons, muscles, and ligaments, which can become seriously injured in a crash. For this reason, shoulder injuries are some of the most common outcomes from a vehicle accident.
Here are some of the most frequent kinds of shoulder injuries sustained by car accident victims. If you notice any changes in your pain level or mobility, share this with your doctor immediately.
Shoulder Sprains/Strains
The first is a shoulder sprain or strain. This refers to damage involving ligaments in the case of a sprain or the tearing or stretching of tendons or muscles in the case of a strain. Common symptoms include limited mobility, pain, and swelling.
Torn Rotator Cuff
A torn rotator cuff can also occur. This happens when the forceful impact tears or overstretches these important tissues Symptoms of rotator cuff tears include weakness in the shoulder severe pain and difficulty lifting the arm Fractures are another common car accident shoulder injury.
Fractures
The shoulder blade, collarbone, or upper arm bone can be easily fractured in a car accident. Common injuries and symptoms associated with this are bruising, immediate pain, swelling, or even a visible deformity in the shoulder area. A separated shoulder can also occur as the bones separate when the ligaments connecting the shoulder blade to the collarbone are stretched or torn. Severe swelling, pain, or deformities in the area may be noticed.
Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder is also known as adhesive capsulitis and is another common shoulder injury from a car accident. In this situation, you may experience greatly limited range of motion in the shoulder. The shoulder joint becomes painful and stiff.
Brachial Plexus Injuries
Another common shoulder injury from a car accident is a brachial plexus injury. This happens when nerves are torn or stretched during a car wreck, which can lead to numbness, weakness, or pain throughout the arm, shoulder, or hand.
Common Treatments for Car Accident Shoulder Injuries
Treatment options for shoulder injuries include physical therapy, medication, orthopedic surgery, and chiropractic care. If you are currently experiencing shoulder pain after a car accident, you need to get a physical examination as soon as possible. Your doctor can tell you more about your treatment options and help you begin the recovery process.
You may need to take time off work for physical therapy appointments, follow-ups, or surgeries. Make sure you keep good notes on all of this as it may be relevant for your car accident lawsuit.
Do I Have a Lawsuit for My Shoulder Injury?
Too many people who suffer shoulder injuries find it hard to go back to work or live their lives normally post-accident. If you were hurt in a serious crash that wasn’t your fault, you may need to explore your options to recover compensation. Our lawyers know how hard it can be to move on with your life and return to your normal activities with a shoulder injuries. In the most serious scenarios, you may even need surgery.
If the injuries sustained from a car accident are associated with another person’s negligent behavior, you may need to file a lawsuit to recover compensation. Our experienced shoulder injury car accident lawyers can help you navigate the legal process to recover compensation so you can stay focused on your health and wellness.
