How Common Is Shoulder Pain After a Car Crash?

If you’ve been injured in a car crash here in Marion, IL, you may be suffering from shoulder pain. Individuals who suffer shoulder pain tend to initially experience dull pain; however, it may get gradually worse and become particularly debilitating as time wears on.

Below, we’ll discuss how common it is for motorists to suffer shoulder pain after a car crash. We’ll also address the causes of this shoulder pain, what its long-term impacts are, and the importance of seeking medical treatment for an injury such as this. Finally, we’ll let you know what legal remedies you may be eligible to receive if an automobile accident left you with a lingering shoulder injury.

Common Shoulder Injuries Resulting From Car Accidents

Here at Prince Law Firm, we’ve seen where car crashes can cause various shoulder injuries. Their severity often depends on what type of collision occurred and what the positioning of the vehicle’s occupants was at the time of the crash.

A rotator cuff tear is the most common shoulder injury that motorists suffer in a car crash. This injury occurs when the collision’s impact causes the muscles and tendons around the shoulder joint to become severed.

Other common shoulder injuries that may occur in a car accident include:

• Dislocated shoulders or rotator cuff injuries
• Broken collarbones or clavicles
• Separated acromioclavicular (AC) joints or torn shoulders

Less frequently, car crashes can also result in permanent nerve damage or paralysis. These more lasting injuries most commonly result from truck accidents. Accidents involving trucks and passenger cars tend to result in more serious injuries than ones between two sedans. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that these Marion, IL crashes often leave a person with more than a shoulder injury, but also cause their wrongful death too.

What Are Signs That You Suffered a Shoulder Injury?

Many motorists involved in car accidents here in Marion don’t initially realize that they have suffered any injuries in their collision and thus don’t seek out medical attention right away. They instead wait until their symptoms set in before seeing a doctor.

Some common symptoms individuals with a shoulder injury experience include:

Pain

One of the most common signs of a shoulder injury that often sets in not too long after your adrenaline wears off is pain. What starts out as initial discomfort can develop into all-out pain fairly quickly. Pain can vary from a dull ache to a sharp, stabbing sensation. The pain may be constant or only occur when the shoulder is moved in a certain way.

Stiffness

Another common symptom shoulder injury patients have to deal with is stiffness. This symptomology most notably affects a person’s range of motion, making it difficult for a person to move their shoulder.

Weakness

Individuals with this type of injury may also feel that their shoulder isn’t as strong as it once was. Their shoulder may seem weak or give off a sensation that it will “give way” when used.

Swelling, bruising, and redness around the injured area are also common symptoms that motorists who have suffered a shoulder injury experience.

One detail you should know about shoulder injuries is that no two cases are alike. You should see a doctor or medical professional for evaluation and treatment right away anytime you experience any of the symptoms listed above.

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Shoulder Injuries Sustained in Car Crashes?

There is a great deal of debate surrounding the long-term effects of shoulder injuries sustained in car crashes. Some experts claim no lasting impact, while others assert that these injuries can lead to chronic pain and mobility issues. The truth likely lies somewhere in between.

While most people who sustain shoulder injuries in car accidents make a full recovery, some do experience long-term problems. These can range from mild discomfort to complete loss of mobility in the affected arm.

In severe cases, surgery may be required to repair the damage. Suppose you have been involved in a car accident and sustained a shoulder injury. In that case, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Your doctor will be able to assess the extent of the damage and recommend a course of treatment. With proper care, you should be able to make a full recovery and avoid any long-term effects. However, as hinted at above, there are some patients who suffer residual nerve damage, resulting in chronic pain and also paralysis.

What Legal Remedies Are Available to Car Accident Victims Who Suffer Shoulder Injuries?

Illinois law affords individuals who were less than 50% at fault for a Marion car crash to pursue compensation by filing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault motorist. State statutes allow you to recover monetary compensation that you can use to cover the following accident-related damages:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering

If an Illinois insurer denies liability or refuses to make a settlement offer, then it’s likely that you’ll need to take your case to trial. If that happens and the judge or jury rules in your favor, then there may also be an award of punitive damages that the at-fault motorist has to pay. This type of award was designed to punish the at-fault party and deter their future wrongdoing.

While there are other legal remedies applicable in Marion, IL car accident cases like yours, the ones described above are the most common. You may be able to request any or all of the remedies described above depending on the facts of your case.

How Can a Personal Injury Attorney Help in Your Marion Car Accident Case?

If you have been injured in a car accident in Marion, IL, it is important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Even if your injuries seem minor, it is essential to be examined by a doctor to rule out any severe internal damage.

Once you have seen a doctor, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney here at the Prince Law Firm. A lawyer in our Marion office can help you understand your legal rights and options per Illinois law and ensure that you are fairly compensated for your injuries.

Car accidents can be complex legal cases, and it is important to have an advocate on your side who will fight for your best interests. Contact our law firm to schedule a free consultation to discuss the injuries you suffered in a car accident. It’s the most crucial step to recovering compensation for what you’ve been through.