If you’re experiencing shoulder pain after a car accident, it may be possible to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs through a personal injury claim. Contact the car accident lawyers at Wilshire Law Firm today to start a free case review. We’ve recovered over $1 billion for clients. Call us 24/7 at (800) 501-3011.
Table of contents
Hurting Your Shoulder in a Car Accident
Shoulder pain is common after a car accident. The shoulder is a complex joint integral to human functions such as picking up a child, cooking, or reaching for a book. The shoulder consists of three main bones, four ligaments, and four tendons. Because of this complexity, repair after an injury can involve a long recuperative time and significant discomfort.
The staff at Wilshire Law Firm are not medical professionals, so we recommend a consultation with an appropriate healthcare team to address your unique physical needs.
If you are in a car accident and experiencing shoulder pain, seeking medical attention as soon as possible is essential. Early diagnosis and treatment can help ensure that your shoulder heals appropriately and can help prevent long-term complications.
Another driver’s negligence could be responsible for your shoulder pain. In that case, it may be possible to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs through a personal injury claim. An experienced personal injury attorney can assist you in understanding your rights and options.
Anatomy of the Shoulder
The humerus, scapula, and clavicle are the bones that make up the shoulder joints [1]. There are three joints, with the glenohumeral being the main one. It allows you to reach backward and forward, and place your arms to the side of your body. Ligaments are short, dense, weaved matrices that connect the bones. Their names correspond to the bones they connect. Tendons are bands of connective tissue composed of collagen that connect bone to muscle.
What Types of Shoulder Pain Result From a Car Accident?
Several types of shoulder injuries can result from a car accident, including:
- Sprains: A sprain occurs when the ligaments that support the shoulder stretch or tear. A sprain can cause pain and swelling in the shoulder.
- Strains: A strain occurs when the muscles or tendons in the shoulder tear or stretch. Strains can cause pain, weakness, and a limited range of motion in the shoulder.
- Rotator cuff tear [2]: This is the most common shoulder injury. A rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that keep the shoulder in place. It can make it difficult to move the shoulder, resulting in dull pain upon movement.
- Dislocations: A dislocation occurs when the upper arm bone pops out of the socket in the shoulder blade. Dislocations can cause intense pain and difficulty moving the arm.
- SLAP Tear [3]: A SLAP tear is an injury to the labrum of the shoulder joint, which is a ring of fibrous cartilage that surrounds the socket and helps to stabilize the joint.
- Fractures: A fracture is a break in one of the shoulder’s bones (clavicle, scapula, or humerus). These injuries can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
- Whiplash: A neck injury occurs when the head is suddenly and forcibly jolted back and forth. This condition can cause neck pain, headaches, and shoulder pain.
The specific type of shoulder pain that results from a car accident may depend on the severity of the impact and the individual’s unique situation. It is vital to seek medical attention to determine the cause of shoulder pain as soon as possible after a car crash. Your doctor can perform a physical examination, imaging tests, and possibly other diagnostics to develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Symptoms of Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain can present with various symptoms [4], depending on the underlying cause of discomfort. Some common symptoms of shoulder pain include:
- Pain or discomfort in the shoulder joint: This can range from a mild ache to a sharp, stabbing pain.
- Limited range of motion: Difficulty moving the shoulder, lifting the arm, or reaching behind the back occurs.
- Stiffness: The shoulder joint may feel tight, making moving difficult.
- Weakness: The affected arm may feel weaker than the other appendage, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks.
- Swelling: Inflammation in the shoulder joint can cause swelling, making it appear larger than normal.
- Numbness or tingling: Pain or discomfort in the shoulder can radiate down the arm, causing numbness or tingling in the hand or fingers.
- Clicking or popping: The shoulder joint may make a clicking or popping sound when moved.
- Fatigue: The pain and discomfort in the shoulder can make it challenging to get a good night’s sleep, leading to feelings of fatigue or exhaustion.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause of the pain and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
If your shoulder pain is severe or does not improve with these measures, you may need further medical evaluation. Your doctor may also prescribe additional pain management treatments [5].
Next Steps for Shoulder Pain After a Car Accident
If you develop shoulder pain after a car accident, taking the appropriate steps to manage it and ensure that you receive the proper medical care is essential. Here’s what to do:
-
- Seek medical attention: If you still need to, seek medical attention. Be sure to tell your doctor that your shoulder pain results from a car accident. Taking too long to see a medical professional can affect your recovery and make it harder to obtain a successful resolution to your claim.
-
- Follow your doctor’s recommendations: Your doctor may give you instructions for managing your shoulder pain, which may include rest, physical therapy, pain medication, or in severe cases, surgery. Attend all follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and ensure that your shoulder is healing properly.
-
- Document your medical treatment: Record all treatments related to your shoulder pain, including doctor’s visits, tests, and medication. This documentation can be helpful if you need to file an insurance claim or pursue legal action. As the case proceeds, by documenting the initial symptoms and later complications, you can avoid problems when the insurer claims there is no causal relationship between the accident and shoulder injury. The ability to show that the shoulder pain coincided with the car accident will help defray challenges to your claim.
-
- Consult with a car accident injury attorney: If another driver’s negligence caused your shoulder pain, it might be possible to recover compensation and other related losses through a personal injury claim. A personal injury attorney can assist you in understanding your rights and options. Your attorney may also confer with your medical providers to ensure you get the necessary care.
Filing a Lawsuit for Shoulder Joint Pain After a Car Accident
If you suffer trauma in a car accident due to negligence, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver or party. Your attorney will be able to do the following:
-
- Guidance: Your car accident lawyer may be able to guide you on the strength of your case and the potential damages you may recover. They will also guide you through the legal process and handle negotiations with the insurance company and other parties involved in the case.
-
- Gather evidence: Your attorney may collect as much evidence as possible to support your case. This may include police reports, medical records, witness statements, and photographs of the accident scene and your injuries.
-
- Negotiate with the insurance company: Your lawyer may negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company. They could provide input about accepting a settlement offer as it may not be in your best interest. Make sure you fully understand the settlement terms and that it covers all your current and future expenses.
-
- Take the case to civil court: If you cannot reach a fair settlement with the insurance company, your attorney may advise you to take the case to court. This may involve presenting evidence and arguing your case before a judge or jury. Your attorney may handle the legal proceedings, represent you in court, and work to prove that the other driver was negligent and that their negligence caused your injuries.
If your case is successful, you may recover damages and any other costs related to your injuries. The amount of damages you can recover will depend on the specific circumstances of your case.
Free Case Review for Your Shoulder Injury Claim
The experienced, award-winning lawyers at Wilshire Law Firm can meet with you for a free case review. It will allow you to get to know them and listen to their evaluation of your injuries. You will also be able to ask questions about your case and receive answers and your options moving forward. In addition to the free case evaluation, Wilshire Law Firm guarantees you will pay no fee unless you win your claim.
Call us at (800) 501-3011 to schedule a meeting, or use our simple online form if that is easier. Don’t suffer shoulder pain because of another person’s negligence, and pay financially as well.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accident Shoulder Pain
What can happen to your shoulder in a car accident?
Your shoulder can experience a direct impact from the crash, resulting in fractures, dislocations, and sprains. Impact to the neck and back can also cause trauma that affects the shoulder joint. Additionally, whiplash is a common injury inflicted on the shoulders during a car accident due to sudden head and neck jerking motion. This type of injury can cause muscle strains or ligament tears, resulting in pain and stiffness throughout your shoulder area.
What shoulder injury payments exist in car accident lawsuits?
You may be eligible to collect damages for shoulder pain after a car accident, including medical expenses, repayment of lost wages, compensation for future income losses, pain and suffering damages, and even punitive damages meant to punish those responsible for negligent actions.
