Common Shoulder Injuries After an Accident

Strains, sprains, dislocations, or broken bones in the shoulder are some of the most frequently reported car accident injuries. A collision can put pressure on the bones, muscles, and connective tissues in your arm and upper back.

This pressure can often lead to severe shoulder injuries and noticeable pain. Since a shoulder injury can severely limit your ability to move your arm and participate in daily activities, these injuries can significantly impact your life.

With more than 100 years of combined legal experience, the Gainesville car accident attorneys at Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano have helped many car accident victims who have sustained a shoulder injury. We are here to help you recover compensation if you are experiencing shoulder pain after an accident caused by someone else’s negligence.

What Are the Most Common Shoulder Injuries from an Accident?

Car accidents can result in various types of shoulder injuries. The shoulder is a complex joint, involving the humerus (upper arm bone), the scapula (shoulder blade), and numerous muscles and tendons.

Due to its complexity and range of motion, it’s susceptible to a variety of injuries. Here are some of the most common shoulder injuries that one can sustain after a car accident:

1. Torn Rotator Cuff

A torn rotator cuff includes damage to the muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint and is a common injury after a car accident. It can lead to severe shoulder pain and limited mobility. Medical treatment, often involving physical therapy or, in severe cases, surgery, is necessary for recovery from a rotator cuff tear.

2. Bone Fractures

The high force of an impact car accident can cause fractures in the shoulder’s bones, such as the humerus or scapula. These injuries can be excruciating and often require immediate medical treatment, including immobilization and, in some cases, surgical intervention.

3. Dislocated Shoulder

A dislocated shoulder occurs when the ball of the upper arm bone is forced out of the shoulder socket. As the most frequently dislocated joint in the body, the shoulder is vulnerable to dislocations in various directions – forward, backward, or downward, with the majority happening anteriorly (forward).

A dislocated shoulder can be either a complete or partial dislocation. This injury, especially after a motor vehicle accident, can result in intense pain, noticeable swelling, and an inability to move the shoulder, requiring immediate medical attention.

4. Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries in the shoulder involve muscles, ligaments, and tendons. These injuries may not be immediately apparent but can cause significant pain and dysfunction. Prompt medical assessment and treatment are essential to avoid complications.

5. Sprains and Strains

Sprains (ligament injuries) and strains (muscle or tendon injuries) are common in car accidents. They can limit the shoulder’s range of motion and cause persistent pain. Treatment typically involves rest, ice, and physical therapy.

6. Whiplash

While primarily associated with neck injury, whiplash can also affect the shoulder. The sudden back-and-forth movement in an accident can strain the shoulder muscles, leading to pain and stiffness. If left untreated, it can lead to chronic pain and reduced mobility in the shoulder.

Common Symptoms of a Shoulder Injury

Shoulder injuries can manifest a wide range of symptoms, depending on the type and severity of the injury. Common symptoms include:

Pain and Tenderness: This is often the first and most noticeable sign of a shoulder injury. Shoulder pain after a car accident might be constant or only occur when you move your arm in certain ways.
Swelling and Bruising: Visible swelling or bruising around the shoulder or upper arm area can indicate an injury.
Reduced Range of Motion: Difficulty in moving the arm, especially overhead, or a feeling of stiffness in the shoulder joint.
Weakness: A feeling of weakness in the shoulder, which may make it challenging to lift objects or perform routine activities.
Numbness or Tingling: A sensation of pins and needles or numbness in the arm, indicating possible nerve involvement.
Deformity: In cases of severe injuries like dislocations or fractures, there might be a noticeable deformity in the shoulder area.
Sounds of Popping or Cracking: Hearing unusual sounds when moving the shoulder could signal a problem within the joint or the surrounding tissues.

Pay attention to these symptoms and seek medical care if they persist, as timely diagnosis and treatment are key to recovery.

How Long Does Shoulder Pain Last After an Accident?

The duration of shoulder pain after a car crash can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of injury, its severity, and the individual’s overall health and response to treatment. In general, mild shoulder injuries might resolve within a few weeks, while more severe injuries could take significantly longer to heal. In some cases, the recovery period could extend over several months.

When to Seek Medical Attention

It’s important to see a healthcare professional if you experience persistent or worsening pain, limited range of motion, visible deformities, swelling, redness, heat, numbness, tingling, unusual sounds in the joint, or inability to use your arm. These symptoms can indicate a serious condition that requires prompt medical evaluation.

Additionally, if your symptoms don’t improve with basic home care like rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relief within a few days, it’s advisable to consult a doctor. Your doctor may do an MRI test which is one of the most useful advanced diagnostic tools for shoulder injuries. This test provides detailed images of the shoulder’s structures, helping to identify issues such as rotator cuff tears, impingement, or other soft tissue injuries.

If there is a positive MRI finding, such as evidence of impingement or a tear, a cortisone injection (steroid) is often recommended. Cortisone injections can be highly effective in reducing inflammation and pain. Early and appropriate medical attention prevents long-term complications, ensuring a smoother recovery process.

How an Injury Attorney Can Help Your Shoulder Injury Case

A Gainesville personal injury lawyer can be a valuable asset if you have suffered a shoulder injury in a car accident. Your attorney can help you find the right doctors and physical therapists to help you heal from your injury and regain full functionality in your shoulder.

While you focus on healing, your lawyer can investigate the accident, work with your insurance company to build a strong injury claim, and seek fair compensation from the party that caused your crash and pain and suffering.

The Gainesville car accident lawyers at Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano have tried to verdict numerous shoulder injury cases before a jury. There is no substitute for experience and hard work on the part of your lawyer. Let us fight for you. Contact us online for a free consultation.