Shoulder Injuries and Lawsuits

Common Shoulder Injuries 

The human shoulder has an impressive range of motion, allowing us to perform many everyday tasks with ease. However, our shoulders’ flexibility comes at a cost:  the shoulder joint is delicate, complex, and susceptible to various injuries. Common types of shoulder injuries include:

Rotator Cuff Tears

The rotator cuff is a group of tendons and muscles that stabilize the shoulder joint. Tears in these tendons can result in pain and limited shoulder mobility. Rotator cuff tears may require surgical intervention.

Dislocations

The shoulder, being the body’s most flexible joint, can be prone to dislocation even in minor accidents or falls. Dislocations happen when the upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder socket. Symptoms can include intense pain, swelling, visible deformity, and reduced range of motion. 

Fractures

Fractures or breaks of the collar bone (clavicle), shoulder blade (scapula), or upper arm bone (humerus) can occur due to accidents or falls, resulting in pain and reduced mobility.

Labral Tears

The labrum is a cartilage ring lining the shoulder socket. Tears in the labrum can result from trauma, aging, or overuse, causing pain and instability in the joint. In severe cases, this soft tissue injury may need surgery. 

Shoulder Injury Causes

Shoulder injuries can be caused by various situations, often due to another party’s negligence. If you find yourself in any of the following circumstances and sustain a shoulder injury, you may have a valid personal injury claim:

• Motor vehicle accidents: Car crashes, motorcycle accidents, and truck collisions can subject your shoulders to significant force, leading to a range of injuries, from fractures to rotator cuff tears. A careless driver may be responsible for your injuries.
• Slips and falls: Slip and fall incidents can result in significant shoulder trauma, especially when you try to break your fall. A property owner may be liable if you suffer a fall due to inadequate maintenance, slippery surfaces, clutter, or other hazards.
• Workplace accidents: Jobs that involve heavy lifting, working from ladders and scaffolds, or exposure to dangerous equipment can increase the risk of shoulder injuries. The carelessness of other contractors, equipment manufacturers, or property owners can also cause injuries.
• Criminal behavior: Physical altercations, assaults, shootings, or other acts of violence can result in debilitating shoulder injuries. In such cases, the assailant or a property owner may be liable, and you could recover compensation for various damages.

Compensation for Shoulder Injuries 

Shoulder injuries can affect your physical, emotional, and financial stability. Victims with severe shoulder injuries may endure various consequences, such as chronic pain, loss of motion range, steep medical costs, and loss of income. However, if another is responsible for your damages, whether an individual or a business, they should make you “whole” again. Here are examples of damages personal injury victims may receive:

• Medical expenses
• Income losses
• Out-of-pocket expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress

What to Do if You Suffer a Shoulder Injury 

Seeking medical advice as soon as possible after the accident or incident that caused your injury can be essential for your well-being. A doctor will document your injuries in a medical report, which can be crucial for recovering fair compensation, whether with an insurance claim or lawsuit. 

If another is responsible for your shoulder injury, an attorney can clarify your rights and legal options, as you may qualify for damages. Most personal injury lawyers offer free consultations, allowing you to determine whether you have a legal case and what to do next.

The Ammons Law Firm Fights for the Injured 

If you or a loved one is severely injured due to the careless or reckless conduct of another, you don’t have to stand for it and can hold the wrongdoer accountable. The Ammons Law Firm’s experienced Houston personal injury lawyers want to help. Contact us now to discover your legal options in a free, no-obligation case review. 

You can read our personal injury law resource to learn more about the cases we handle.