A shoulder dislocation or tear may not seem like one of the more serious injuries a person can suffer in a crash. However, a shoulder injury can affect a person’s ability to work and do regular daily activities for a considerable amount of time. They typically involve a lot of pain and often require at least one arthroscopic surgery to repair, along with regular physical therapy.
Shoulder injuries are actually among the most common collision injuries – not just for those in a car, but for people on two wheels of any kind or on foot, where they have little or no protection if they fall over and land on their shoulder. Shoulder dislocations and rotator cuff tears are particularly likely to occur when the shoulder hits the car door or the ground in a collision
What to know about rotator cuff tears
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendon tissues located in the shoulder. They hold the ball and socket joints in place so the shoulder can move as it’s intended to. Rotator cuff tears generally occur when the shoulder becomes dislocated as it strikes something forcefully. (That’s why those who work out with punching bags or lift weights above their head often suffer them as well.)
If someone has suffered multiple serious injuries in a crash, they (and even their treating physicians) may not notice a rotator cuff tear immediately – especially if the shoulder isn’t dislocated or otherwise outwardly injured. It’s crucial, however, that these injuries be quickly diagnosed. If they aren’t, the muscles and tissues can degrade and become permanently damaged.
The trajectory of a shoulder injury can be unpredictable
Doctors and physical therapists can’t predict with certainty how much a serious shoulder injury like this will heal and how long it will take. When and if a person is able to resume working depends on whether they have a physical job that requires the use of their shoulders.
This is why it’s critical not to accept an early settlement offer from an insurer if you were injured in a crash caused by an at-fault driver or other party. It can be tempting to take that offer when medical bills are coming in, and income isn’t. However, by doing that, you likely won’t be able to get additional compensation if your injury turns out to have long-term impacts. By getting experienced legal guidance as early as possible, you can protect your right to fair compensation for expenses and other damages.