Shoulder injuries are painful and disruptive consequences of a car accident, as even minor trauma can severely limit daily activities of all kinds. In more serious cases, shoulder injuries from car accidents can cause intense pain and require surgery, extended recovery times, and time off work.
If you’ve suffered a shoulder injury in a car accident someone else caused, you may be entitled to compensation. An experienced Connecticut car accident lawyer can help you demand this money while you focus on resting and recovering.
How Car Accidents Cause Shoulder Injuries
Car accidents expose the body to sudden, violent forces. The shoulder often absorbs much of the impact, both due to instinctive bracing and the sheer force of the collision.
Common causes of shoulder injuries in car accidents include:
- Seatbelt Force – The shoulder strap restrains the body but can strain or tear shoulder structures during sudden, jerking stops.
- Bracing for Impact – Car accident victims tend to tense their arms when bracing for impact, which transfers force directly into the shoulder joint.
- Side-Impact Crashes – The sides of cars have far less protection than the front and back ends, which means side-impact crashes can lead to more severe injuries, including devastating shoulder damage.
- Airbag Deployment – Airbags deploy at high speed, and although they save lives, they can also cause shoulder injuries upon deployment.
Most Common Shoulder Injuries from Car Accidents
Car crashes can cause a wide range of shoulder injuries, ranging from mild to severe. Some of the most common include:
- Rotator cuff tear
- Shoulder dislocations
- Tears and injuries in the upper arm bone or the shoulder blade
- Labral tears
- Fractures
- Soft tissue injuries
We rely on our shoulders to perform a wide range of daily tasks. Even an injury deemed “minor” can keep you out of work, interfere with your daily life, and result in significant medical expenses.
Long-Term Effects of Shoulder Injuries
Shoulder injuries don’t always heal quickly, and some will never fully heal. Many accident victims experience lasting effects that significantly affect their quality of life.
Long-term consequences of a car accident shoulder injury include:
- Chronic shoulder pain and stiffness
- Reduced strength and limited motion
- Difficulty lifting or reaching
- Missed work or permanent job limitations
- Ongoing physical therapy or repeat surgeries
What to Do After a Car Accident Shoulder Injury
Take the following steps in the hours and days after a collision:
- Seek medical care right away, even if you feel “okay.”
- Follow all treatment plans and attend all follow-up appointments.
- Keep careful records of all medical bills and lost income.
- Avoid speaking with insurers without legal guidance.
Finally, contact an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible.
How D’Amico Pettinicchi Can Help
It can be extremely difficult to seek a torn rotator cuff car accident settlement on your own. Fortunately, you don’t have to, as the team at D’Amico Pettinicchi can fight for the results you deserve while you let your shoulder injuries heal. We can help by:
- Explaining your legal rights during a free consultation
- Investigating and gathering evidence
- Working with medical experts to document your injury
- Calculating the full value of your claim
- Dealing with insurance adjusters
- Negotiating a fair settlement
- Representing you in court, if necessary
If you’ve suffered a rotator cuff injury, soft tissue damage, torn shoulder muscles, or any other form of shoulder injury in a car accident, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. We can be your fiercest advocates as you seek justice and fair compensation. Contact us today for your free consultation.
