When accidents happen, shoulder pain is a common symptom suffered by victims of small and large impacts.
Cars take us from one point to another, making work and family trips possible. But, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of mortality among travelers. While most drivers exercise care when driving, they can suffer from the actions of others when they expect it the least.
Why Should You Be Concerned By Shoulder Pain?
Immediately after an accident, most of us start evaluating the damage to our vehicles. We rush to exchange insurance information, hoping that our property damage will get restored sooner rather than later. But, the damages we might overlook include the unseen damages, like pain in the shoulder.
Accident victims should be concerned by pain in the shoulder because it might indicate more serious injuries. Shoulder pain can develop right after an accident or several days later, and in both scenarios, the injuries can be severe.
With our shoulders playing a vital role in our mobility and motion, it’s important to treat possible injuries urgently. If not treated immediately, mild shoulder pain can progress into permanent damage.
Symptoms of Shoulder Injuries & Pain After a Car Crash
Every accident is different, and the impacts can range from mild to severe for the parties involved. Some of the signs that you might have suffered from a shoulder injury:
- Stiffness and swelling
- Discoloration or bruising of the skin
- Limited range of motion
- Joint instability
- Muscle cramps or spasms
- Upper back and neck pain
If you or a loved one reports experiencing any of these symptoms, seek medical attention. Taking care of the symptoms is a helpful reactionary measure that protects you from more serious ailments.
Common Causes of Car Accident Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain develops after the strong muscles of the upper body are pulled or struck in an accident. Even when the damage to an accident is minimal, such as a minor rear-end accident, we should never ignore pain in the shoulder.
The following types of shoulder injuries show that pain usually indicates deeper issues.
- Whiplash: In a car crash, the sudden impact causes rapid movement of the head and neck as the body absorbs the momentum. Whiplash occurs when tissues in the neck and shoulder overstretch.
- Torn rotator cuff: High-speed collisions can tear the muscles that keep the shoulder joint in place. The rotator cuff can experience partial or full-thickness tear, rendering the entire shoulder weak.
- Shoulder dislocation: In rare cases, a victim slamming into the dashboard or steering wheel can dislocate their shoulder. When the shoulder blades move from their normal position, the pain can be severe and destabilizing.
- Bone fractures: When a victim strikes the interior of the vehicle in an accident, they might experience broken bones. These injuries are classified into hairline or complete fractures. The symptoms from such an accident can be severe, and from pain to severe swelling, the symptoms can be discomforting.
You Could Sue for Shoulder Pain After an Accident
You could be entitled to seek damages when you get injured by a negligent party. A victim suffering from shoulder pain usually undergoes incredible sorrow and discomfort from their injuries. You could seek economic and non-economic damages that warrant a settlement from the liable party.
Suing for your injuries after an accident protects you from bearing the full extent of costs you will undergo while in treatment. The compensation you can claim will cover the medical expenses, medication, lost wages, and damages to your vehicle.
When you sue, always remember that the car accident injury (compensation) value varies depending on severity. Shoulder injuries that require surgery and extensive medication, or take months to heal, are valued higher than others. Your attorney can assist you in calculating your losses to ensure you get fair compensation.
How to File for Shoulder Pain Damages After a Car Accident
To file a successful claim for shoulder pain after an accident, it’s best practice to start by hiring an attorney. Your attorney knows the laws that apply to your case, and they can help you take the lawsuit forward. In most cases, a personal injury claim is usually settled by the insurance company before the issue proceeds to a lawsuit.
The criteria for bringing lawsuits against at-fault or distracted drivers has limits. Those limits concern the extent of injuries and medical expenses involved. Some conditions that trigger a case include medical costs over $1,000, permanent loss of body functions, and extensive fractures.
Call Now to File Your Claim
Attorneys from Dolman Law Group have the resources and knowledge to help you make a successful claim. Contact us to take advantage of our free consultation. Dolman Law Group’s car accident lawyers can help you get financial relief.
Our firm has represented thousands of accident victims; let us help you too.