Shoulder pain after car accidents is a common occurrence as you experience the impact of another vehicle, collision with other objects, or being tossed about in your vehicle. In some cases, shoulder injuries may require medical treatment or can lead to permanent impairments.
What Are Some Common Causes of Shoulder Pain After a Car Accident?
There are a few common causes of shoulder pain after an auto accident. Take a look below.
Dislocated Shoulders
According to Mayo Clinic, your shoulder is the joint that is most likely to become dislocated. One of the major causes of dislocation is a severe blow to the shoulder in a car accident. A shoulder dislocation can lead to pain, swelling, bruising, tingling, numbness, and an inability to move your shoulder.
Rotator Cuff Tears
A motor vehicle accident also can cause tears in the muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint and attach your arm and shoulder bones. The chief symptom of this injury is pain. A rotator cuff injury may need surgery or physical therapy and can lead to lifelong pain and shoulder degeneration.
Shoulder Fractures
Shoulder fractures can occur when any of three different bones that connect to the shoulder are broken. A forceful blow, such as you might experience during a car accident, can lead to shoulder fractures. Mild shoulder fractures may require only wearing a sling, but more severe fractures can require surgery.
When Is Another Party Responsible for Shoulder Pain After a Car Accident?
Most car accident cases occur when a driver is negligent and causes an accident, which leads to your injuries. Negligence is any conduct that falls below the standard of care that a reasonable driver would exhibit in a similar situation. In other words, if it is reasonable for the typical driver to stop at a red light and a driver fails to stop, that driver might be negligent if an accident occurs.
Negligence can occur in the form of all types of traffic violations or other illegal driving behaviors. These situations, which often lead to accidents, might include distracted driving or driving while intoxicated. If the accident causes injuries, the injured parties might have a claim against the driver for their negligence.
How do I Document My Shoulder Pain?
First, you should immediately get medical treatment following any motor vehicle accident, even if you are not initially experiencing any symptoms. Sometimes, symptoms of injuries, including shoulder pain, may not occur for hours or days after the accident. Therefore, getting follow-up medical care to treat any symptoms can be important.
Shoulder pain after a car accident may lead to different types of medical expenses, both in the diagnosis and treatment of your injuries. You may need x-rays or MRIs to diagnose a shoulder injury. You might need physical therapy, surgery, and other forms of medical care to treat your injuries for as long as your symptoms continue.
Keeping a written account of your pain level each day and the treatment that you seek. This can be useful in thoroughly documenting your injuries. The aftermath of a car accident can be stressful. So, taking the time to write things down can help you remember the events that occurred right after the accident.
What Kind of Compensation Can I Get for Shoulder Pain?
Compensation for shoulder pain following a car accident can vary according to the severity of your injury, how much treatment you need, and whether you suffer permanent effects from the injury.
For example, if you mildly sprain your shoulder, you may only need rest or to wear a sling for a few weeks to heal your injury. On the other hand, if you fracture a shoulder bone, you may require surgery followed by rehabilitation.
Medical bills are often a major component of compensation based on negligence in a motor vehicle accident. Other damages might be available for losses related to the accident, such as property damage to your vehicle and lost income. You also may be able to recover compensation for physical pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and loss of the ability to engage in activities that you previously enjoyed.
Here are three things you need to consider when dealing with shoulder pain after car accident:
- What is shoulder pain after a car accident? Shoulder pain after a car accident is a common symptom caused by various injuries such as rotator cuff tears, fractures, dislocations, and sprains. It is important to seek medical attention if you experience shoulder pain after a car accident, as it could indicate a serious injury.
- What are the treatment options for shoulder pain after a car accident? The treatment options for shoulder pain after a car accident depend on the severity of the injury. Mild injuries can be treated with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medication. More severe injuries may require physical therapy or surgery.
- How long does it take to recover from shoulder pain after a car accident? The recovery time for shoulder pain after a car accident depends on the severity of the injury and the treatment options used. Mild injuries may take a few weeks to heal, while more severe injuries may take several months.
How Long Do I Have to File My Claim for Damages Related to Shoulder Pain?
Under Florida Statutes§ 95.11(3)(a), you generally have four years from the date of your accident to file your case in court. Getting legal advice soon after an accident can be key to meeting this deadline. Otherwise, you might not be able to pursue damages for your injuries.
Work with Us to Get the Advice You Need
Experiencing shoulder pain after a car accident can be stressful as you try to determine the nature of your injuries and what treatment you need. We offer a free consultation to determine if you have a legal claim resulting from your accident.
Call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine at 1-800-747-3733 to talk to us about your case today. We can analyze your situation and present your legal options moving forward.
