Statistics show that shoulder injuries are common results of motor vehicle accidents. One study found traffic accidents caused 68.5 percent of shoulder injuries. Shoulder injuries from car crashes can lead to serious complications like mobility issues and chronic pain. Some shoulder injuries require extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
At Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., our shoulder injury attorneys help Huntsville car accident victims pursue maximum compensation for shoulder injuries and other harms related to crashes. We know how to tackle a broad range of legal issues and work toward achieving a favorable outcome for our clients. We’ll take the stress and worry off your shoulders, allowing you to focus on healing.
If a car accident-related shoulder injury has put you on the sidelines, contact our office today to arrange a free consultation to discuss your legal options. Our shoulder accident lawyers in Huntsville are ready to fight for you.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of a Shoulder Injury from a Car Crash?
Accident victims must take shoulder pain after an auto accident seriously and seek medical attention as soon as possible. While some people might think that the pain and soreness will eventually go away, a shoulder injury from a car accident can cause long-term medical problems.
Some of the long-term effects of car accident-related shoulder injuries can include:
- Chronic pain
- Loss of mobility and stiffness
- Muscle weakness
- Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder)
- Nerve damage
- Post-traumatic arthritis
A shoulder injury can limit a person’s range of motion and cause long-lasting pain and discomfort that can impact their daily life and prevent them from returning to the activities they once enjoyed.
Symptoms of a Shoulder Injury After a Wreck
The most common sign that you’ve suffered a shoulder injury following a Huntsville car accident is pain and discomfort in the shoulder. The pain can sometimes radiate down the arm’s length or cause tingling or numbness in the fingers. The pain can be a sharp stabbing sensation or a dull ache that doesn’t go away and may worsen with movement.
Other symptoms of a car accident-related shoulder injury could include:
- Loss of range of motion
- Difficulty moving or rotating the shoulder
- Instability
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Redness or discoloration of the skin
- Visible deformity
- Muscle weakness
The pain of a shoulder injury can also lead to insomnia and mental distress.
Most Common Shoulder Injuries in Car Crashes
A broad range of shoulder injuries can occur following an accident with a careless Huntsville motorist. Some of the most common injuries to the shoulder joint that can impact accident victims include:
- Shoulder dislocation
- Shoulder bone fractures
- Rotator cuff tears
- Brachial plexus injuries
- Bursitis
- Shoulder impingement
- Soft tissue damage causing shoulder strains and sprains
Whiplash can also lead to shoulder injuries because some of the muscles in the neck, like the trapezius, connect the neck to the shoulders and can be injured during a violent impact.
Can a Shoulder Injury Affect Other Parts of the Body?
Shoulder injuries after a car accident can affect other parts of the body, causing widespread pain, discomfort, and other medical complications. Intense shoulder pain and significant damage to the shoulder can radiate down the arm, affecting the arm, hand, and fingers. A shoulder injury can also cause numbness and tingling in the arms and fingers, a potential sign of nerve damage.
Major muscle groups also connect the shoulder to other parts, like the neck and back. Damage to the shoulder can lead to muscle weakness, loss of mobility, and muscle imbalances in the shoulder and surrounding muscle groups. Additionally, as other muscles attempt to compensate for the damage to the shoulder, it can lead to more pain in the neck and upper back.
What Key Factors Influence Compensation for a Shoulder Injury?
Recovering fair compensation for a shoulder injury can be challenging. Several factors can influence the value of a shoulder injury case and impact how much compensation an accident victim can pursue for their injuries and related losses.
Some of the key factors that may influence compensation for a shoulder injury following a Huntsville car accident could include:
- The severity of the shoulder injury
- Medical documentation and evidence supporting the extent of the injury
- The cause of the car accident
- The impact of the injury on daily living and quality of life
- The effect of the injury on a victim’s ability to work
- Alabama personal injury laws
If your shoulder hurts after a car accident, seek medical attention immediately, and always follow your doctor’s treatment plan. By doing so, you increase your chances of recovering from your injury as well as your chances of obtaining fair compensation for your injuries.
What Evidence Strengthens a Shoulder Injury Compensation Case?
Building a compelling personal injury claim takes evidence. You must establish liability and demonstrate the extent of your injuries to pursue maximum compensation. Some of the evidence that could help your attorney craft a solid case can include:
- Police report
- Photographs and videos of the accident scene
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- Cellular phone records
- Expert witness testimony
In civil cases, Alabama follows the pure contributory negligence system. Under pure contributory negligence, if an accident victim’s actions played any role in causing the accident, they are barred from recovering any compensation for their injuries. The rule binds all court decisions and influences how an insurance adjuster may value a car accident claim. You need our personal injury lawyers to fight the insurance company’s efforts to unfairly shift the blame onto you.
Our Huntsville shoulder accident attorneys can gather and preserve crucial evidence to help establish liability and build a case with the best chance of a favorable outcome.
Why Should I Get Help from a Huntsville Car Accident Lawyer?
Your physical health and financial stability are at stake after a Huntsville car accident. Get the help you need to pursue maximum compensation for your injuries by discussing your situation with an experienced shoulder injury attorney with Morris, King & Hodge, P.C. We’ll work diligently to advocate for you, offering personalized legal advice and sensitive support throughout this challenging time.
Contact our Huntsville office today to set up a free case review. We’ll take the time to get to know you and explain your legal rights and options for pursuing maximum compensation.
