Car accidents can cause a range of injuries, from minor cuts and scrapes to broken bones, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and even tragic fatalities. Shoulder injuries are one of the most common types of car accident-related injuries because the shoulder is particularly prone to trauma during a crash. Even minor aches can be a symptom of a more severe shoulder injury, so it is imperative that you seek immediate medical attention following a car accident.
What Are Examples of Shoulder Injuries Caused by Car Accidents?
The extreme force of impact associated with a car accident can cause a range of shoulder injuries, from mild bruising to more serious injuries that can cause chronic pain and discomfort. The following are some of the most common types of shoulder injuries that are caused by car accidents:
- Sprains and strains: These occur when the muscles or ligaments in the shoulder are torn or overstretched.
- Tendonitis: This is the inflammation of the tendons that connect the muscles to the shoulder bones.
- Bursitis: This is the inflammation of the bursae, which is the tiny, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the shoulder joints.
- Rotator cuff injuries: The rotator cuff comprises muscles and tendons that help move and support the shoulder.
- Whiplash: While this is more of a neck injury, the pain from the neck can transfer to the shoulder area.
- Dislocations: This occurs when the upper arm partially or fully separates from the shoulder blade.
- Fractures: Trauma from a car accident can cause fractures to the collarbone, upper arm bone, and shoulder blade.
- Labrum tears: This type of injury requires surgery to repair unless the tear is minor and the area around the shoulder can be strengthened with physical therapy.
What Are Common Symptoms of a Shoulder Injury?
It is critical to seek immediate medical attention after a car accident, even if you do not experience symptoms immediately. Often, the pain associated with an injury may be masked by the adrenaline that courses through the body in response to a trauma. In some cases, symptoms of a shoulder injury may not appear until days or even weeks following the accident. If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention as soon as possible:
- Stiffness
- Weakness or tenderness
- Swelling and inflammation
- Numbness or tingling
- Bruising or discoloration
- Upper back and neck pain
- Limited range of motion
- Muscle spasms in the shoulders or arms
- Instability in the joint
- Popping or cracking sound when moving
- Bump or bulge on the shoulder or collarbone
How Are Shoulder Injuries Diagnosed?
The shoulder is a complex system of bones, joints, tendons, and muscles. The impact of a car accident can cause trauma to this finely balanced system. This is why seeking immediate medical attention is important, even if your injury seems minor. Several tests and diagnostic imaging can help physicians diagnose your injury and determine the best course of treatment. For example, your healthcare provider will complete a thorough physical exam to determine your range of motion and strength. In addition, your physician may recommend that you see a specialist for medical imaging to assess the severity of the injury. While severe shoulder injuries may require surgery, treatment for most shoulder injuries involves a combination of the following:
- Rest
- Ice and heat therapy
- Pain medication
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Physical therapy
- Massage therapy
Compensation for a Shoulder Injury From a Car Accident
If you can prove that the other motorist involved in the accident was negligent in some way and that their negligence caused the accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation by filing a personal injury lawsuit. You may be entitled to the following:
- All medical expenses associated with your injuries, including hospitalization, surgery, follow-up doctor appointments, physical therapy, and prescription medication
- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
What if I am Partially At Fault for the Accident?
Ohio is a comparative negligence state, which means that if you were partly to blame for causing the accident, you may still recover damages. However, your total award will be reduced by the percentage of your share of liability. In addition, if you are more than 50 percent at fault, you cannot recover any damages.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Ohio?
It is also important that you file your lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires. In Ohio, one must file a personal injury lawsuit within two years of the date of the accident. If the accident caused a fatality, the surviving family members may file a wrongful death lawsuit. The deadline for a wrongful death lawsuit is two years from the date of the deceased’s death.
If you file a claim after the statute of limitations has expired, your claim will likely be denied, and you will be unable to recover financial compensation. An experienced car accident lawyer will assist you with the claims process, ensure the claim is filed on time, and pursue the best possible settlement outcome.
A Cincinnati Car Accident Lawyer at Wolterman Law Office Can Help You if You Have a Shoulder Injury From an Accident
If you have a shoulder injury from a car accident, contact a Cincinnati car accident lawyer at Wolterman Law Office. To schedule a free consultation, call 513-488-1135 or contact us online. Located in Loveland, Ohio, we serve clients in Hamilton County, Fairfield, Norwood, and Forest Park.