How an Ohio Car Accident Could Cause a Serious Shoulder Injury

You should not ignore pain after a car crash, including shoulder pain. The pain may seem minor at first, but it could persist, even getting worse. This could result in long-term pain and suffering, affecting many aspects of your life.

In this blog, our knowledgeable attorneys explore the common types of shoulder pain experienced by crash victims. We also discuss symptoms and treatment options for shoulder pain.

If you or your loved one are suffering from shoulder pain after a car crash caused by a negligent driver, Friedman, Domiano & Smith is here to help. Our Cleveland-based auto accident lawyers may be able to take legal action on your behalf to seek compensation.

Our firm offers a free legal consultation with no upfront fees or costs. We do not get paid unless we win.

Types of Shoulder Injuries That May Happen in a Car Crash

Your shoulder is a complex joint with various parts, putting it at risk for injury in a physically traumatic event like a crash. This is especially true if your shoulder suffers blunt force trauma. making it vulnerable to car crash injuries.

Common types of shoulder injuries from car crashes include:

Dislocated Shoulder

This means the humerus popped out of the socket. This can be intensely painful. The shoulder joint may look visibly deformed because one of the bones is out of place.

The force of a car crash can cause one of your shoulders to dislocate forward, backward or downward.

Rotator Cuff Tears

A torn rotator cuff refers to damage to the muscles joining the humerus and shoulder blade. These muscles help stabilize the joint. This injury could get much worse over time.

Rotator cuff tears can be divided into two categories: partial tears and full-thickness tears. A partial tear means it only goes through part of the tendon. A full tear means part of the tendon is completely detached from the bone. This leaves a hole in the tendon.

Strained Shoulder

A strained shoulder diagnosis means a muscle or tendon attached to bone stretches or tears. This may be more likely to happen if victims tense their bodies to brace themselves for the impact. This can cause serious pain and discomfort in the shoulder.

Bruising

Severe bruises could lead to internal bleeding and damage to tissues.  

Whiplash

Although whiplash is often considered a neck injury, it could affect your shoulder. Neck pain and stiffness could extend to your shoulders.

Symptoms of Shoulder Injuries

Understanding these symptoms is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. If you experience any of the following in your shoulder, you should go to the hospital right away:

• Sharp pain
• Not being able to reach over your head
• Spasming muscles
• Inflammation or swelling
• Tingling or numb feeling
• Visible deformity
• Weakness
• Clicking or popping sounds
• Trouble with lifting arm
• Pain when lifting arm
• Pain in your neck or upper back
• Not being able to sleep or lie on the shoulder

The pain is likely to get worse if you put pressure on your shoulder or move it.

Treating a Car Crash Shoulder Injury

The first step in treating shoulder injuries is obtaining a diagnosis. Your doctor can determine the exact nature of your injuries through X-rays or MRIs.

Visiting a doctor early could help prevent the injury from becoming more difficult to treat or taking longer to heal. Often, if serious injuries are not treated promptly, symptoms and pain levels may worsen.

Surgery may be necessary for severe shoulder injuries. For example, surgery might be required to rejoin bones.

Some crash victims may also need physical therapy to restore their range of motion or alleviate pain.

In some cases, doctors may advise crash victims to limit movement in the shoulder or arm to properly recover. Additionally, treatment may include applying an ice pack and using over-the-counter medication for pain relief.

Filing a Claim for a Shoulder Injury From an Ohio Car Crash

Victims may be able to seek compensation for a car crash if the other driver is found liable for the incident. In Ohio, a negligent driver can be held financially responsible for the damage resulting from a car accident.

Treating shoulder injuries can be costly, and insurance companies are often not willing to pay the full compensation victims need. They might argue that the accident was your fault or persuade you to settle for a lesser amount.

It is highly recommended that crash victims seek legal assistance from an experienced attorney. Our knowledgeable attorneys at Friedman, Domiano, and Smith can help crash victims determine the value of their claims and negotiate with the insurance company on their behalf.

Our firm may be able to assist you in seeking compensation for ongoing medical treatment, such as physical therapy or rehabilitation. We may also be able to seek compensation for related damages like pain and suffering.

Call Today to Schedule Your Free Legal Consultation

At Friedman, Domiano and Smith, we are prepared to assist you with the aftermath of a car crash. Contact us to schedule a free case review.

Explore your legal options without any upfront costs or fees. Our team is committed to helping you navigate the legal process with ease and confidence.