Shoulder Pain After a Car Accident

Shoulder pain after a car accident can indicate a serious injury.

If you are experiencing shoulder pain after a car accident, do not dismiss it. It could signal a severe injury. You may assume it will go away after a few days, but worse symptoms could appear later on. If you develop a chronic condition, you may face ongoing medical expenses.

You may have a case for compensation from a liable party. A lawyer from our firm can help you pursue fair compensation.

Shoulder Injuries Can Result From Car Accidents

According to Stapp Car Crash Journal, a variety of shoulder injuries can occur after car crashes. For example, shoulder pain and tenderness are common symptoms of whiplash, according to Mayo Clinic.

Shoulder pain after a car accident may also indicate:

• Fractures
• Nerve damage
• A dislocated shoulder
• Pulled muscles
• Rotator cuff tears
• Cartilage tears
• Bursitis
• Shoulder sprains
• Spinal cord injuries
• Chronic widespread pain

You will not know exactly what type of injury you suffered until a doctor diagnoses you.

Seek Medical Treatment Promptly After a Car Accident

After a car accident, you may have gone to the emergency room. If not, you should still see a doctor as soon as possible. Shoulder pain may not immediately manifest after a crash, either.

For example, if you suffer from whiplash, symptoms may not appear until days or even weeks after an injury. This is why it is imperative to see a doctor after a car accident. Even if you do not feel any pain immediately after the impact, you may have suffered an injury that could worsen without medical treatment.

Shoulder pain may not go away on its own with over-the-counter remedies, either. If you forgo medical treatment, it could worsen into an ongoing condition. Prioritize your well-being so you can prevent any further injury or losses.

Treatments For Shoulder Injuries

Shoulder injuries are expensive to treat. For example, the Orthopedic Journal of Sports Medicine notes that an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair can cost more than $10,000.

Depending on the type of shoulder injury you have, you may need surgery. Other treatments can include chiropractic adjustments, shoulder slings, and physical therapy.

You will likely also need diagnostic testing, such as X-rays or MRIs, so your doctor can determine the best course of treatment.

Medical Treatment Can Also Help Your Case For Compensation

When you seek compensation for your accident-related injuries, medical documentation plays a key role. Whether you file an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit, you must prove the accident directly led to your injuries.

A doctor can provide the necessary evidence to bolster your case against a negligent party. Furthermore, if you fail to seek treatment, an insurance adjuster or defense attorney may claim you contributed to your injury. They can then undervalue or deny your case.

A Shoulder Injury Could Lead to Compensation

After a car accident, you may stand to recover your medical bills, along with other losses. Take a look at some of the potentially compensable damages you could seek:

Medical Expenses

Shoulder injuries can lead to both current and future medical expenses, depending on their severity. If you require emergency room care, surgeries, or medication after a car accident, a settlement or verdict may cover these costs.

If your injuries lead to permanent impairment, you may also seek awards for your ongoing treatment. This may include physical therapy, medical equipment, and home modifications.

Lost Wages

Your shoulder injury may also require you to take time off of work to heal. You can seek awards for lost wages. You may also qualify for reduced earning capacity if a permanent disability keeps you from returning to work or earning your pre-injury income.

Other Damages

You may also be able to receive awards for a variety of other losses following a car accident. For example, you may recover damages for pain and suffering and loss of quality of life.

How a Lawyer Can Help You with an Injury Case After a Car Accident

Handling a case on your own can be overwhelming, especially when you are dealing with shoulder pain. You do not have to fight for compensation alone, though. You have a right to retain legal counsel when filing an insurance claim or a lawsuit.

A lawyer can handle your case from beginning to end while you rest and recover. They can:

• Investigate your car accident
• Gather evidence of another party’s negligence
• File your claim or lawsuit
• Negotiate a settlement
• Represent you in a trial

Work with George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers

If you are suffering from shoulder pain after a car accident, compensation can help you pay for your medical expenses and other losses. A personal injury lawyer with George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers can fight for fair compensation.

We can offer you a free consultation so you can determine your legal options. Call us at (888) 612-7001. We can begin working on your case immediately.