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Shoulder Injuries from Car Accidents

Man touching the back of his neck | Shoulder Injuries from Car Accidents

Your shoulders are an intricately designed combination of four joints. And because of their inherently complex nature, the often violent forces a motor vehicle crash can exert upon a human body, result in far more shoulder injuries from car accidents than you might imagine.

Luckily, treatments for these injuries can be compensated through insurance — if you have the right Colorado Springs accident injury attorney on your side.

Any injury to the shoulder should be diagnosed promptly to ensure the best possible recovery.

But, even with a timely diagnosis and treatment, victims of shoulder injuries can be left with a lifetime of pain and limited mobility.

Seeing your doctor immediately after a car accident and getting the injury documented will help you obtain adequate compensation for the severity of your injury.

Common Car Accident Related Shoulder Injuries

Some common shoulder injuries from car accidents include:

  • Fractured shoulder bone,
  • Separated shoulder,
  • Damagedrotator cuff,
  • A tear in the shoulder cartilage,
  • Torn muscle,
  • Pain caused by whiplash.

Those who suffer any type of shoulder injury in a car accident can expect to experience one, or more, of the following symptoms:

  • Decrease in range of motion,
  • Moderate to severe pain during activities or at rest,
  • Sensations of popping, grinding, or locking of the socket,
  • Loss of strength in the arm,
  • Insomnia caused by pain,
  • Feeling of instability in the affected shoulder.

Treatments for Car Accident Related Shoulder Injuries

Due to the limited flow of blood to certain parts of the shoulder, traditional means of healing can be ineffective. Many times, arthroscopic surgery is required for severe shoulder injuries.

But these surgeries can be very expensive, ranging in price from $6,900 to $31,650. They may also require anywhere from one to six months of recovery time, during which time the injured person may not be able to work.

Nevertheless, some people do respond to non-surgical forms of treatment, including:

  • Cortisone injections,
  • Supervised physical therapy,
  • Period of inactivity to allow the inflammation to subside,
  • Non-prescription and Prescription strength pain relievers.

Even with surgery and physical therapy, chronic pain and permanent mobility limitations can be a reality of life for those coping with a shoulder injury following a motor vehicle accident.

This can lead to a loss of enjoyment of your normal recreational activities, or leave you unable to fulfill your regular work-related obligations.

What to Do Immediately Following a Car Accident

After a car accident, see your doctor as soon as possible. Explain to your doctor every detail of the pain, and don’t be timid about asking for special imaging procedures that could help document your injury.

If you are seeing a massage therapist, physical therapist, or chiropractor, keep your primary care physician abreast of those visits.

As soon as you see to your medical needs, contact an experienced attorney right away. Your attorney will be able to make you aware of your legal options, and help you seek fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

Practice Areas Colorado Springs Car Accident Attorney Shoulder Injuries from Car Accidents