Rotator Cuff Injury

Traffic accidents and crashes cause 50 million injuries across the globe each year. When you’re in a car accident, your body undergoes a great deal of damage, even if you’re unaware of it at the time. Injuries can range from mild cuts and bruises to serious injuries that can impact you for the rest of your life. 

However, is it possible to suffer a rotator cuff injury in a car accident? Have you been in an accident, and you’re now experiencing problems with your shoulder? Don’t prolong seeing a doctor for an exam, as lack of care can result in complications and permanent damage. Learn what to do after sustaining injuries in a car accident here. 

What Is a Torn Rotator Cuff? 

A rotator cuff is a group of tendons and muscles that protect your shoulder and keep it in place. It’s thanks to your rotator cuff that you can move your arms and reach upward. 

Rotator cuff injuries are quite common, and millions of people visit their doctors due to issues with their rotator cuff every year. Unfortunately, a torn rotator cuff can result in discomfort, pain, and disability. 

Tears can also be sustained after a fall, lifting heavy weights, degeneration, or due to repetitive arm movements. It’s a very common injury in tennis and baseball, which both involve consecutive, forceful overhead motions. 

Older adults are also more susceptible to rotator cuff tears. As we age, the blood supply to our shoulders decreases, which results in the shoulder struggling to repair itself after an injury. 

Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Injuries

If you’ve been in a car accident and you’re feeling pain in your shoulder, it could be due to an issue with your rotator cuff. Common symptoms may include: 

• Pain, especially around the front of the shoulder
• Limited mobility in your arm
• Difficulty sleeping on the injured shoulder
• Shoulder weakness
• Certain movements or activities using the shoulder become painful
• Limited range of motion

Of course, only a medical professional can accurately diagnose an issue like a rotator cuff injury. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, seek the advice of a doctor. 

Doctors might take an x-ray to examine images of the tissues and bones in your arm and shoulder. Obtaining a diagnosis might also include getting an MRI or ultrasound, depending on if your rotator cuff sustained a partial tear or a full tear. 

Can You Sustain a Rotator Cuff Injury in a Car Accident?

Shoulder injuries and rotator cuff tears are common in car accidents. It’s entirely possible the damage done to your body in the accident could have resulted in a torn rotator cuff. 

The force of the impact in a severe car accident can push your arm into strange and unnatural positions, causing injuries. The seatbelt retracting after a collision can also harm the shoulder. 

Rear-end collisions are a common cause of rotator cuff tears. You may see the vehicle coming behind you or hear the sound of the tires squealing on the road. As a result, your body can tense up, causing the shoulder to absorb the force of the impact. 

These injuries can take a long time to heal, and they may affect your quality of life. If left untreated, rotator cuff injuries can even cause stiffness and permanent damage. That’s why it’s crucial to talk with a doctor after an accident and get a diagnosis. 

Treatment for a Damaged Rotator Cuff

Common treatments for a torn rotator cuff include rest and medication. You may also be advised to avoid certain movements or activities which may affect your daily life as well as your job. For instance, if your job involves heavy lifting, you might not be able to do so until your shoulder has repaired itself. 

Treatment for severe injuries may also include physical therapy and corticosteroid injections. If these treatments do not help, surgery may become necessary. Depending on the severity of the injury, it can take months for a rotator cuff tear to heal. You may deal with frequent discomfort or pain and limited use of your arm. You may require help with certain tasks, which can be frustrating. 

Why You Need to Seek a Personal Injury Lawyer

Medical bills and time off work can take a huge toll on you physically, emotionally, and financially. If you suffered a rotator cuff tear due to being in a car accident, you need to contact an injury lawyer as soon as you can. 

Remember, rotator cuff injuries are not always apparent right away. You may only start experiencing symptoms weeks or even months after the crash. That’s why you should always get a medical diagnosis after being in a car accident. 

You deserve compensation for your suffering. It’s especially important to act fast if you’re unable to continue work due to the nature of your injury. Speaking with an injury attorney can prove that you only started to experience these symptoms after the crash. A professional legal team can help you get compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. 

Get Help Today

Were you in a car accident and you suspect you’ve sustained a rotator cuff injury? A torn rotator cuff is a very common injury in car accidents. 

That’s why you need to seek the legal support of a professional personal injury lawyer. You may be able to get compensation for your injuries, allowing you to pay your medical bills and sleep easier at night.

Our personal injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Daniel Kim will stand by you and fight for your rights. We’ll also help you get the proper diagnosis and treatment options. Request a free consultation today.