Car accident shoulder injuries are common, and though they may not be life-threatening, they can be extremely painful to the point of debilitation. The shoulders are the most movable—and active—joints in the human body. They're used so frequently that injuries to these joints can dramatically limit a victim's range of motion and make completing daily tasks difficult.
If you sustained a serious shoulder injury in a California car accident, you may be facing a long road to recovery that can include ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, reduced hours or time off from work, and mounting medical and household debt. However, if the crash and subsequent shoulder injuries were caused by another person or company's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your accident-related damages. Here's what you should know if you're considering taking legal action.
Common Car Crash-Related Shoulder Injuries
Shoulders are ball-and-socket joints comprised of three main bones—the collarbone (clavicle), the upper arm bone (humerus), and the shoulder blade (scapula)—held together with muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The construction of these vital joints allows for a wide range of motion, but makes them particularly prone to injury, especially in the event of a crash. Some of the most commonly reported car accident-related shoulder injuries include:
- Severe contusions
- Fractured bones
- Strained muscles
- Torn tendons
- Torn ligaments
Rotator cuff tears (tears in the tissues connecting muscle to bone around the shoulder joint) and SLAP tears (front-to-back tears of the superior labral) are exceptionally common. Depending on their severity, any of these injuries can cause extreme pain and decreased movement that can make it difficult to perform job-related duties or uphold other obligations.
Potential Compensation in California Car Accident Cases
Car accident victims can face a number of physical, financial, and psychological challenges after a crash. Fortunately, filing a personal injury lawsuit allows you to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages compensate you for quantifiable monetary losses you've suffered as a result of the accident, such as:
- Medical expenses. This may include ambulance services, emergency treatment, visits with general practitioners or specialists, hospitalizations, surgical procedures, rehabilitation, prescription medications, funds for future treatment, and other medical costs.
- Lost income. This type of damages includes wages lost while out of work recovering from the shoulder injury, as well as compensation for the loss of earning potential if the injury will reduce your future earning potential.
- Property damages. A financial award for property damage may cover the cost of the repair or replacement of your vehicle, or the replacement of damaged property inside the vehicle.
Meanwhile, non-economic damages are intended to compensate you for non-tangible, subjective losses. Often known as “pain and suffering,” this category of personal injury damages can include compensation for physical pain and suffering, mental and emotional anguish, scarring or disfigurement, reduced quality of life, loss of enjoyment of life, and more.
The Importance of Documenting Your Car Crash Injuries and Damages
Prompt medical attention and thorough documentation are crucial when pursuing a financial award for car accident shoulder injuries. Your medical records should outline your treatment plan and show your compliance with it. Additionally, medical bills and receipts, and a journal that documents the effects your shoulder injury has on your life and ability to carry out daily tasks can serve as powerful evidence to support your claim.
Consult an Experienced California Car Accident Attorney
Not only can serious car crash shoulder injuries be painful, but they can make it difficult for you to perform your work-related duties, play with your children or grandchildren, or take part in activities you enjoy. If you were hurt in a car accident caused by someone else's negligence, the skilled attorneys with the Inland Empire Law Group can help you understand your rights and fight for the financial award you deserve. Contact us today at (888) 694-3529 or (909) 481-0100 to schedule an appointment for a free initial case consultation. You can also submit your inquiry from this website.
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