Shoulder Pain and Shoulder Joint Injuries Can Be Serious — Ehline Law Can Help
If you got a shoulder injury from a car accident, contact Ehline Law and our personal injury attorneys for a quick case evaluation, as you may be eligible for compensation.
Some Common Shoulder Injuries
Many car accident victims often delay medical treatments for seemingly minor injuries. However, these injuries can get worse with time. No matter the severity of your shoulder injuries, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention to identify any injuries and start the treatment.
Here are some of the common shoulder injuries that one can get from a car accident.
Whiplash
One of the most common shoulder injuries is whiplash, which results from a rear-end collision when car accidents occur. The immediate force from behind forces a jerking movement that pushes the head forward and back instantaneously, causing muscles in the neck to stiffen up.
Although this type of injury predominantly affects the neck and back, the pain travels to the shoulder region, restricting its movement.
Torn Rotator Cuff
Think of the shoulder as a ball and socket; the humerus, or upper arm bone, is the ball that perfectly fits into the shoulder blade, which acts as a socket. Muscles in the region, including the shoulder blade and humerus, are part of the rotator cuff. These mechanisms remain responsible for movements in the arm. A high-impact car accident can result in rotator cuff tears, and symptoms include debilitating shoulder pain when lifting the arms or lying on your injured shoulder.
Fracture and Dislocation
A complex collision can lead to fractures, and those experiencing shoulder pain after an accident must get an X-ray done to identify any fractures. A swollen shoulder decreases mobility in the shoulder, and extreme pain may likely follow with such injuries.
During an accident, the impact on the shoulder can cause it to dislocate. Although dislocation does not classify as severe injury, it is extremely common, and if left untreated, muscle deterioration and other chronic conditions can occur.
Soft Tissue Damages
More common than bone injuries, soft tissue damage may occur. When the accident tears the labrum, which holds shoulder joint and ligaments in place, it can cause extreme pain and discomfort, including shoulder pain. Depending on how severe the soft tissue injuries are, car accident victims may have to undergo invasive or noninvasive medical treatments to repair and treat shoulder pain.
Treatment for Shoulder Pain
Shoulder injuries from a car accident require X-rays to further determine the extent of the damage before pursuing any treatment. However, if you are experiencing pain after a car accident, you should not delay going to a nearby medical center.
The doctors may prescribe painkillers or NSAIDs, which can help subside the pain and reduce any inflammation from the injury. A specialist may also prescribe corticosteroids, administered by injections or taken orally.
If the doctors safely discharge you, continue with home treatment until the injury is fully healed. Using ice packs three to four times a day on the damage can help alleviate the pain and provide instant relief.
Some doctors may recommend chiropractic treatments for pain management, depending on your shoulder injury. A shoulder that moves from its place causes inflammation and muscle spasms resulting in pain. Spinal adjustments can help reduce the pressure on the shoulder and aid in a quicker recovery process. Physical rehab is a great way to bring back normal mobility and strengthen your muscles.
Do You Need an Experienced Injury Attorney for Claims?
It is not mandatory to get legal help for filing claims, as you can do that by yourself. However, insurance companies will most likely reject your claims and try to delay your compensation process. If you got severe injuries, it is best to rest and leave the qualified and experienced legal professionals like us to take care of your personal injury case.
Whether a shoulder sprain from an auto accident or major injuries like rotator cuff tears, our attorneys have the right experience to get you the compensation you deserve. Our personal injury lawyers have helped thousands of clients recover medical bills, lost wages, and more.
Contact us at (213) 596-9642 for legal advice and get a free consultation on your case today!
