It is common for car accidents to lead to shoulder injuries in Michigan. Shoulder injuries can affect the shoulder and other parts of the body near the shoulder. Understanding how car accidents can cause shoulder injuries is key in helping people understand the care they may need and the factors impacting compensation.
A complicated joint
The shoulder, supporting a wide range of motion, bears much of the weight when you carry things with your arms. Its complexity makes it susceptible to various injuries in motor vehicle accidents.
In a car crash, your shoulder may collide with a seatbelt, steering wheel or flying debris, resulting in injuries requiring extended recovery or even causing permanent damage that limits your ability to work and move independently.
The intricate nature of the shoulder joint means it can sustain complex injuries not immediately apparent after an accident. This may lead to insurance companies undervaluing shoulder injuries, leaving individuals with less compensation than they rightfully deserve.
Car accident shoulder injuries
Recognizing the signs that your shoulder is injured after an accident is important. Quick action is needed to prevent the symptoms from getting worse. Some of the symptoms include:
- Limited range of motion
- Weakness
- Persistent pain
- Instability
- Numbness
- Cracking sounds when moving the arm
Sometimes, you may notice shoulder injury symptoms immediately after the crash. At other times, the high adrenaline levels in the immediate aftermath can mask the pain. If inflammation hasn’t set in, pain may not be apparent. Consulting a medical professional after a car accident, even if you’re not in pain, could assist in identifying injuries not immediately apparent.
Cost of shoulder injuries
Until a car accident inflicts a shoulder injury, it might not be evident how extensively you rely on your shoulder for daily activities. A loss of range of motion translates to an inability to groom yourself and lead a full life. Whether the damage is enduring or temporary, it can have far-reaching effects on your family and future, encompassing medical expenses, lost wages, diminished life enjoyment, pain and suffering and the inability to operate a motor vehicle.
Feeling entitled to compensation for financial losses resulting from a shoulder injury in a car accident doesn’t guarantee that you will receive it. However, understanding the mechanics behind shoulder injuries in such accidents can be beneficial in helping you gauge the type of compensation you may rightfully deserve.
