A shoulder injury is common after a car accident. The force of a crash, or bracing against the steering wheel, can damage the joint. Knowing the usual treatment path can help you plan and document your recovery.
Common Shoulder Injuries After a Crash
- Rotator cuff strains and tears
- Labral tears
- Dislocations and separations
- Fractures of the collarbone or upper arm
Typical Treatment for a Shoulder Injury
Treatment depends on the injury, so follow your doctor’s advice. Generally, care may include:
- Rest and medication in the first days and weeks
- Imaging, such as X-rays or an MRI
- Physical therapy to restore strength and motion
- Injections in some cases
- Surgery for some tears or fractures, followed by months of rehab
This post is not medical advice. Your doctor is the right person to recommend treatment.
Why Documentation Matters
Shoulder injuries can be slow to heal. As a result, insurance companies may question whether the pain came from the crash. So get prompt care, follow your treatment plan and keep records of appointments, bills and missed work.
Future Costs
Some shoulder injuries lead to lasting limits or future surgery. In those cases, a claim may need to account for future medical care and lost earning ability. A doctor’s opinion is often important here.
Deadlines
Most Arkansas personal injury claims must be filed within three years (A.C.A. § 16-56-105). Also, Arkansas’s comparative fault rule can reduce or bar recovery (A.C.A. § 16-64-122).
For more, see my car accident page.
Talk With a Jonesboro Lawyer
You can call the office at 870.525.2191. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, and Sara Beth or I will call you back. You can also request a consultation online. Consultations are free and usually last about 30 minutes, and I’ll explain how fees work for your kind of case before you decide anything.
This post is general information about Arkansas law, not legal advice for your situation.