Shoulder impingement is a painful condition that can happen in a car collision, when your shoulder bones pinch your rotator cuff or grind against it. Since the rotator cuff is responsible for shoulder movement, an injury to this part of your body can affect your mobility significantly.
If you’ve suffered a shoulder impingement or any serious injury in a car crash in South Florida, contact Flaxman Law Group for a consultation with a Florida car accident claims attorney. Our legal team can explain whether you may have a claim for your shoulder injury and can help you understand how much your potential claim can be worth.
How Shoulder Impingement Can Happen in a Traffic Crash
Shoulder impingement is usually a repetitive stress injury, but it’s also common in a traffic accident, where the sudden impact of a crash can cause your shoulder blade to be damaged in such a way that it pinches the rotator cuff. Other common causes of shoulder impingement in car accidents include:
- Airbag injuries. When an airbag deploys, it can impact suddenly with your face, neck, and shoulders. Although it’s a soft surface, airbags can cause injuries, including shoulder impingement, especially if there’s a design flaw in the airbag or its mechanism.
- Seatbelt injuries. In a car crash, a seatbelt restraining you can save your life by preventing you from being thrown from the car. At the same time, the jolt caused when the seatbelt restrains you during a forceful impact can cause your shoulder to be pulled hard, which can lead to impingement.
- Soft tissue injuries. If you sustain whiplash or other soft tissue injuries to the neck, arms, and shoulders, this can lead to impingement. Your whole body may work differently as you try to compensate for mobility tissues caused by the soft tissue injury. This can cause rotator cuff injury from repetitive strain or awkward movement.
Symptoms and Treatment
No matter how your shoulder impingement happened, you may experience many symptoms, including:
- Difficulty raising your arms
- Arm weakness
- Tenderness or pain in the affected arm, especially during sleep and activity
- Stiff shoulder joints in the affected arm
Symptoms don’t always appear right away, so it’s important to get a complete medical evaluation soon after your car crash so you can be properly diagnosed. Even if you get a clear bill of health, get a second opinion if you develop pain or mobility issues in the days or weeks following your crash.
A doctor can diagnose shoulder impingement through imaging tests and can suggest a range of treatment, including:
- Rest
- Ice or heat therapy
- Medication, including anti-inflammatory medications, pain management, and corticosteroid injections
- Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and rehabilitation
- Surgery
Recovery can take anywhere from a few weeks to over a year if you need surgery or have complications. That’s a long time to be away from work and you will be facing medical bills during your recovery, too.
That’s why you might want to find out whether you qualify for a claim if your own PIP coverage is not enough. Consult with a car accident attorney at Flaxman Law Group. Our boutique law firm offers personalized attention and in a free consultation we can walk you through your rights and explain any options you may have for pursuing compensation.