Shoulder Injuries After Car Accidents

Shoulder injuries sustained in car accidents can be excruciating and traumatic. Even minor collisions can damage the tendons, nerves, soft tissues, bones, and joints of the shoulder. Given the anatomy of the human body, the rotator cuff region is particularly vulnerable to severe aching and pain following a crash. Please continue reading to learn more about shoulder injuries and your rights as a car accident victim.  

Most Common Shoulder Injuries

Research has determined that over 80 percent of shoulder injuries suffered in car accidents were to the seatbelt shoulder. These types of injuries can vary significantly depending on the severity and type. Crashes can cause a broad spectrum of shoulder injuries, including: 

1. Shoulder Dislocations: A shoulder dislocation is when the ball-shaped bone at the top of the arm pops out of the shoulder blade socket. Only a trained medical professional should snap the bone back into its socket. After suffering a dislocation, rehabilitation is often necessary to increase the range of motion and strengthen surrounding muscles.
2. Broken Shoulder Bones: This can involve fracturing any bone located in the shoulder. If the victim suffers a clean break, they will have to wear a sling to allow the fracture to heal. If the bone moves out of place, surgery involving wires, pins, and plates may be needed. 
3. Rotator Cuff Tears: The rotator cuff is an assembly of tendons and muscles around the shoulder joint. Tears to the tendons and muscles in the rotator cuff can considerably limit the range of motion and cause incredible pain. Surgery may be required to repair severe rotator cuff tears.
4. Labral Tears: This type of tear occurs in the cartilage next to the rim of the shoulder socket. The symptoms of a labral tear are comparable to those of a rotator cuff tear, and it is diagnosed with an MRI.  
5. Shoulder Impingements: This type of injury occurs when the shoulder blade pinches or catches the rotator cuff’s tendons and muscles. Victims may feel constant pain or numbness on the side of the affected arm or shoulder. Whiplash is also known for causing shoulder impingements. 

Signs And Symptoms Of Shoulder Injuries

It is crucial to see a doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms after your collision:

1.  Shoulder pain;
2. Neck pain;
3. Arm pain;
4. Back pain;
5. Headaches;
6. Dizziness;
7. Difficulty sleeping due to pain; 
8. Numbness or tingling;
9. Weakness throughout the fingers, hands, or arms; or
10. Trouble walking or gripping items.

After suffering a car accident, victims often experience adrenaline rushes. Consequently, shoulder injuries can take several hours or even days for symptoms to emerge. For this reason, you should never ignore even slight amounts of pain. When left untreated, shoulder injuries could bring about persistent pain and other chronic problems. 

Get The Money That You Deserve With The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s Elite Representation

Jed Dietrich, Esq., a proud member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and his veteran car accident shoulder injury lawyers have won over $175 million in verdicts and settlements for his clients. Our leading team is available 24 hours per day and 7 days per week by calling 716-839-3939 or filling out the online consultation form.