Whiplash, soft tissue damage, broken bones, and other types of injuries can all result in shoulder pain after a car collision. Pain, a restricted range of motion, and stiffness in the shoulder joint are signs of a shoulder injury. Never disregard shoulder discomfort following a collision.
Accident-related shoulder discomfort may become a more serious injury if it is not treated. The swelling and irritation may at first appear to be nothing more than a minor inconvenience, but these signs and symptoms can rapidly reduce shoulder joint motion and severely restrict your overall mobility.
Always seek urgent medical attention if you experience shoulder pain following a vehicle accident rather than trying to sleep it off. The complete extent of your injuries can only be ascertained by a medical professional. Once a course of therapy has been recommended, find out how a lawyer can assist you in filing a personal injury claim.
Most common car accident shoulder injuries
The shoulder is one of the most complex joints in the human body, and it’s also one of the most commonly injured joints in a vehicle accident. The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint, which means that it connects several bones and soft tissues. Numerous structures can stretch, tear, fracture, or dislocate when hit by the blunt force of a vehicle collision.
Some of the most prevalent types of shoulder injuries caused by car accidents are listed below.
Muscles, ligaments, and tendons, which are soft tissues in the shoulder, are frequently stretched or torn during a mishap. A shoulder muscle strain or ligament injury may result from a car accident.
Following a collision, whiplash is frequently linked to neck discomfort; however, the abrupt backward and forward motion can also rupture tendons that run from the neck to the shoulder.
Rotator Cuff Tear: When the power of impact tears tendons in the shoulder joint, tearing delicate soft tissues, the result is a torn rotator cuff.
The shoulder joint’s protective cartilage is torn in SLAP tears, which stand for superior labrum from anterior to posterior tears.
Shoulder Fracture: In medicine, a fractured bone is referred to as having a fracture. Several shoulder fractures, including those of the humerus (upper arm bone), scapula (shoulder blade), and clavicle, can occur as a result of a car collision. (collarbone).
Dislocations of the shoulder occur when one of the three bones in the shoulder joint moves out of place. An entire ejection from the joint results in a shoulder separation.
Shoulder injuries can happen in large numbers in traumatic vehicle accidents. Always see a doctor for a formal diagnosis if you experience neck or shoulder pain after a vehicle accident. If left untreated, shoulder injuries can result in permanent soft tissue injury.
The most typical symptoms of a shoulder injury
Localized shoulder pain is the most obvious indication of a shoulder injury. This discomfort may start right away following a vehicle accident or days or weeks later. A delayed pain symptom is pain that appears days or weeks after contact.
Additional typical signs of a shoulder injury include:
Stiffness
feeling or numbness
lability or sensitivity
Angiogenesis and inflammation
Inflammation or discolouration
only a small range of movements
a joint’s instability
neck and upper back discomfort
shoulders or arms with muscle cramps
moving with a popping or breaking sound
Shoulder or clavicle lump or bump
Shoulder pain following a vehicle accident may also result in strange cognitive changes depending on the initial injury. For instance, whiplash-related shoulder discomfort may also result in concussion-like symptoms like headaches, vertigo, and memory loss.
When to get shoulder pain medical attention
No matter what, always get medical help if you have shoulder discomfort. It’s always best to seek medical attention as soon as the mishap occurs because symptoms of a severe shoulder injury may take some time to manifest. A treatment plan to prevent further harm can be started once you receive immediate medical attention, which can also help swiftly identify and diagnose any current injuries.
A more accurate image of what’s going on deep inside the shoulder joint can be obtained using medical diagnostic imaging techniques like MRIs or X-rays. You won’t have to wait for swelling or discoloration to appear in order to determine where your injury may be. Additionally, you can use these medical pictures as proof in support of your personal injury claim.
When your shoulder hurts, you should always see a doctor right away. However, if you notice a bump or bulge on your shoulder or close to your clavicle, you should be extremely cautious. These signs of a bone injury may be present. When you move your shoulder, listen closely for any snapping, crackling, or clicking noises you may hear as they could indicate a shoulder dislocation.
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Can you sue after a car accident for shoulder pain?
Yes, you can sue for shoulder pain if you’ve been in a vehicle accident. Because Kentucky is a no-fault state, your initial medical expenses were most likely covered by your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) auto coverage. You can sue the at-fault driver if your medical bills exceed $1,000, you have a broken bone, or you have experienced permanent injury/disfigurement.
You can present the at-fault driver’s insurance company with an injury claim that details all of the damages involved in your case with the assistance of a car accident lawyer. Damages include both monetary losses and emotional and bodily pain. The costs of anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, surgery, and other kinds of medical treatment are frequently included in a shoulder injury claim.
From rear-end collisions to head-on collisions, the attorneys at the Bryant Law Center have the expertise you need to get the compensation you deserve. With locations in Paducah and Louisville, one of our experienced lawyers is waiting to take your call. Contact Bryant Law Center right away if you are experiencing shoulder pain as a result of a vehicle accident.