Car accidents often lead to a variety of injuries, some of which are immediately noticeable, while others develop over time. One such type of injury that can significantly impact your quality of life is a torn rotator cuff, often a result of a rotator cuff tear from a car accident. This debilitating injury is frequently overlooked at the scene of an accident, yet it can cause severe pain, limited mobility, and long-term complications if not treated properly.
we will explore how rotator cuff injuries occur during motor vehicle accidents, the symptoms, treatment options, the legal implications, and why it is important to seek both medical attention and legal help after such an injury.
What Is a Rotator Cuff Tear?
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder socket. Its primary function is to keep the head of your upper arm bone firmly within the shallow socket of the shoulder. When any of these rotator cuff tendons are torn, it results in what’s known as a torn rotator cuff.
Tears may be a partial tear (fraying or damage to the tendon) or a complete tear (the tendon is fully severed). Motor vehicle crashes often cause acute tears due to the forceful, sudden impact that over stretches the shoulder area.
How Do Car Accidents Cause Rotator Cuff Tears?
Car accidents put the body under intense and sudden force. While we often think of neck injury or back trauma, the shoulder is also highly vulnerable, especially when:
- The seatbelt restrains the shoulder suddenly during impact
- The victim braces themselves against the steering wheel
- The shoulder absorbs the force of a rear-end collision or head-on collision
Even a low-speed automobile collision can twist or jerk the shoulder with enough force to cause soft tissue injury or damage the shoulder bone.
Symptoms of a Rotator Cuff Tear After an Accident
Symptoms can emerge hours or days after the accident. Common signs include:
- Persistent or worsening shoulder pain
- Weakness in the shoulder or arm
- Difficulty lifting objects or performing daily tasks
- A crackling sensation when moving the shoulder
- Loss of range of motion
Pain may worsen at night, especially when lying on the affected shoulder, interfering with everyday tasks and overall rest.
Diagnosis: How Doctors Identify a Rotator Cuff Tear
If your shoulder pain persists, a doctor will usually begin with a physical examination followed by:
- X-rays to rule out bone fracture
- MRI scans for detailed images of muscles and rotator cuffs
- Ultrasound for assessing soft tissue damage
Prompt medical treatment and imaging ensure accurate diagnosis and prevent loss of function.
Treatment Options for Rotator Cuff Injuries
Treatment depends on the severity of the tear and overall health. Common treatment options include:
1. Rest and Immobilization
Recommended for minor symptoms, using slings to support the shoulder.
2. Physical Therapy
A physical therapist guides exercises to improve mobility and strengthen shoulder muscles.
3. Medication
Anti-inflammatory drugs and anti – inflammatories help reduce pain and swelling.
4. Injections
Corticosteroid injections reduce inflammation and manage chronic pain.
5. Surgery
Severe tears may need rotator cuff surgery, including:
- Arthroscopic surgery or arthroscopic procedure
- Open surgical intervention
- Shoulder replacement surgery or rotator cuff repair
Long-Term Effects of an Untreated Rotator Cuff Tear
Without medical treatment, you risk:
- Severe shoulder injury
- Chronic shoulder discomfort
- Permanent loss of enjoyment in daily life
- Additional procedures like future surgeries
It can also make athletic activities, activity patterns, and heavier activities difficult.
Legal Considerations for Car Accident Shoulder Injuries
If another driver’s negligence caused the injury, you may qualify for financial compensation. Claims may cover:
- Medical bills and ongoing medical care
- Cost of rotator cuff surgery or outpatient procedure
- Loss of function, income, and enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress and components of damages
You must show the injury resulted from the accident, not a pre-existing degenerative condition or hidden injuries.
Strengthen Your Personal Injury Claim
To support your personal injury claim:
- Document all doctor visits and imaging results
- Keep a pain journal of tasks painful to complete
- Follow through on prescribed form of care
- Avoid social media posts that conflict with your injury
- Secure statements from medical professionals or an orthopedic doctor
A skilled accident attorney or personal injury attorney can help overcome insurance company tactics and argue for fair compensation.
Ted Law Firm Can Help
At Ted Law Firm, we help accident victims seek justice after injury in motor vehicle cases. We proudly serve injury victims in Aiken, Anderson, Myrtle Beach, North Augusta, Orangeburg, Charleston, Columbia, Greenville and Summerville. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s reckless or criminal behavior, our experienced attorneys are here to help you seek justice and recover the compensation you deserve. Let Ted Law Firm help you file a successful claim for emotional damages. Contact Ted Law Firm today for a free consultation. We’re committed to supporting families in their time of need.
