Car accident victims are at risk of sustaining catastrophic injuries that end up causing devastating pain and disability. Many of these injuries affect the neck and back and in many cases, result in pain between the shoulder blades. The positioning of the seat belt during the crash, as well as the stiffening of an occupant’s arms can also contribute to these kinds or problems. Shoulder blade pain could be indicative of a more serious physical problem, such as a torn rotator cuff, fracture, or shoulder dislocation, so if you suffered an injury in a car accident and are now experiencing significant shoulder pain, feel free to reach out to our legal team to learn more about recovering compensation for your financial losses.
Injuries that Can Cause Shoulder Pain
There are a few injuries that tend to cause shoulder pain and are more likely to affect accident victims, including those involved in car accidents and individuals who slip and fall on a hard surface. These injuries are often caused by significant impacts, like those that are involved in serious falls from heights and car accidents that occur at high speeds. The most common include:
- Whiplash, which affects the neck and upper back and is the result of the straining and tearing of the muscles and soft tissues in the neck and can cause significant pain and immobility in the shoulder region;
- Fractures to the shoulder, which can occur upon impact and could involve everything from a hairline fracture to a compound or crush injury;
- Labral tears, which occurs when the tissue (labrum) that attaches the shoulder to the socket is strained or torn and can cause pain and movement restriction;
- Torn rotator cuffs, which occur when the group of muscles and tendons that surround and protect the shoulder joint actually tear, resulting in extreme pain and a loss of mobility;
- Bursitis, which can occur when the soft tissue between the joints becomes inflamed after a significant impact, causing pain and making it difficult to move;
- Soft tissue injuries, such as bruises, strains, and sprains, which are caused by impact-related damage to the blood vessels, ligaments, and muscles respectively; and
- Shoulder dislocation, which can occur when a sudden impact causes the upper arm bone to pop out of the cup-shaped socket that connects to the shoulder blade and holds the bone in place.
Diagnosing and treating these kinds of accident-related shoulder injuries can be time-consuming, painful, and expensive. Fortunately, injured parties who can prove that their injury was the result of someone else’s negligence could be entitled to compensation for their medical bills.
Recovering Financial Losses for an Accident-Related Shoulder Injury
Shoulder injuries are rarely life-threatening. This does not, however, mean that they should be taken lightly, as victims who fail to obtain treatment could end up suffering from chronic pain and permanent disability. Instead, those who notice shoulder pain after a crash or other accident should be sure to seek medical attention as soon as possible. A medical professional will be able to assess the injury, stop the damage from worsening if possible, and begin treatment right away. An injured party can then start rehabilitation and physical therapy much sooner, which can make a big difference in how quickly he or she recovers. Many accident victims are wary of getting medical attention for fear of the cost. While it is true that treating shoulder injuries can be expensive, accident victims don’t always have to cover these costs themselves, but can seek compensation for their medical bills, including the cost of diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, as well as reimbursement for lost wages and benefits and even compensation for the victim’s pain and suffering. To learn more, reach out to our legal team today.
Speak with a Miami Back Injury Today
Working with an experienced Miami back injury lawyer can improve your chances of filing a successful personal injury claim. For instance, the dedicated Miami personal injury legal team at Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein has the experience and the resources to investigate your claim, determine the value of your case, and help you pursue justice. Our lawyers are here to protect your rights and help you seek the damages that can play a crucial role in your ability to move on with your life. Contact us at 305-371-2692 for more information on how we can help. We answer calls and messages 24 hours a day, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us with your questions and concerns.