Shoulder Pain After a Car Accident Deserves Serious Attention
We are a dedicated legal team at Atlanta Metro Law. We focus on helping people injured in car accidents in the Atlanta area. We offer a flat 25 percent contingency fee. This means clients keep more of their settlement while we handle the work. We work day and night to gather evidence, communicate with insurance, and build strong shoulder injury cases. Our goal is to secure the compensation you deserve for your medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Shoulder pain after a car accident can feel minor at first but often signals a deeper injury. From rotator cuff tears to dislocations, these injuries can lead to long-term pain, costly treatment, and missed work. If another driver caused the crash, you may be eligible for compensation under Georgia law.
In this blog, you’ll learn about common shoulder injuries from car accidents, medical treatment options, how compensation works in Georgia, and why working with an experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer is key to protecting your rights and securing fair compensation.
Common Shoulder Injuries Caused by Car Accidents
Shoulder injuries are a common result of car accidents, often caused by sudden force or unnatural body movement during a crash.
Rotator Cuff Tear
A rotator cuff tear happens when the tendons in the shoulder joint are stretched or torn. This type of injury often results from a direct blow or from bracing against impact. Symptoms include weakness in the arm, limited range of motion, and persistent shoulder pain. Severe cases may require rotator cuff surgery and physical therapy. A torn rotator cuff is a frequent cause of shoulder pain after a car accident and often leads to significant medical expenses and time off work.
Shoulder Dislocation
A dislocated shoulder occurs when the upper arm bone is forced out of its socket. This injury causes intense shoulder pain, swelling, and inability to move the joint. Shoulder dislocations can also damage surrounding muscles and ligaments, leading to long-term issues if not treated properly. Accident victims with this injury typically need prompt medical attention followed by shoulder injury rehabilitation.
Shoulder Fractures
Shoulder fractures involve breaks in the collarbone, upper arm bone, or shoulder blade. These are serious shoulder injuries that may occur when the shoulder strikes the steering wheel or window during a car crash. Fractures can lead to severe pain, restricted movement, and extended recovery periods. Medical diagnosis through imaging and ongoing treatment is required to ensure proper healing.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries in the shoulder involve damage to muscles, ligaments, or tendons. These injuries are often less visible but can be painful and long-lasting. Whiplash from a motor vehicle accident can cause trauma to shoulder muscles, resulting in stiffness and reduced mobility. These types of shoulder injuries may qualify for compensation if they interfere with work or daily life.
Labral Tears and SLAP Injuries
Labral tears affect the cartilage inside the shoulder joint. A SLAP (Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior) injury is a specific type of labral tear common in car accident shoulder injuries. These injuries can make lifting or rotating the arm difficult. Labral damage may not show up immediately, which is why medical attention after a car accident is essential.
Medical Diagnosis and Treatment for Shoulder Pain
Accurate diagnosis and proper treatment are critical after a car accident to reduce shoulder pain and support your personal injury claim.
Medical Diagnosis
Diagnosing shoulder pain begins with a physical exam followed by imaging tests. X-rays help detect shoulder fractures, while MRIs and CT scans reveal soft tissue injuries like a torn rotator cuff or labral tear. A detailed medical diagnosis provides a clear picture of the injury and guides the treatment plan. Your medical records are also key evidence in a shoulder injury claim. They link your shoulder pain directly to the car accident and support your case for compensation.
Medical Treatment
Treatment for shoulder pain depends on the type and severity of the injury. Minor injuries such as soft tissue damage or muscle strain may improve with rest, ice, and medication. More serious shoulder injuries, including a rotator cuff tear or dislocation, often require physical therapy. Severe cases may involve surgery and long-term rehabilitation. Delaying treatment can worsen your condition and weaken your car accident compensation claim.
Importance of Following Medical Advice
Accident victims must follow all medical advice, attend appointments, and complete physical therapy. Gaps in treatment may lead insurance companies to question the seriousness of the injury. Consistent care improves your recovery process and strengthens your personal injury claim. Keep records of all medical bills and treatment plans to support a fair shoulder injury settlement.
Legal Rights: Shoulder Pain After Car Accident Compensation in Georgia
If you suffer shoulder pain from a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation under Georgia law.
Georgia’s At-Fault System
Georgia follows an at-fault system for car accident claims. This means the driver who caused the accident is responsible for the resulting damages. Under O.C.G.A. § 51-1-6, an injured person can recover compensation if another party’s actions caused their injury. For shoulder injuries caused by a car crash, this includes medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Modified Comparative Negligence Rule
Georgia uses a modified comparative negligence rule under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33. You can still recover damages if you are less than 50 percent at fault. However, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are found 20 percent responsible for the accident, your shoulder injury settlement will be reduced by 20 percent.
Damages You Can Claim
Victims can pursue compensation for several types of damages related to shoulder pain. These include medical expenses, physical therapy costs, and future medical treatment. Lost income and reduced earning capacity are also common. Pain and suffering may apply for severe shoulder injuries that impact daily life. Each shoulder injury case is different, and the severity of the injury plays a major role in the final amount.
Evidence Needed for a Shoulder Injury Claim
Strong evidence supports a fair settlement. Medical records, police reports, witness statements, and photos from the scene help prove liability and injury. Consistent treatment and documentation of shoulder pain and limitations improve the chances of receiving full compensation. A car accident lawyer can help collect and organize this information to support your personal injury claim.
Average Shoulder Pain After Car Accident Compensation and What Affects It
The value of a shoulder injury settlement after a car accident depends on several key factors.
General Settlement Ranges
The average shoulder injury settlement varies based on the type of injury. Minor soft tissue injuries may result in settlements from a few thousand dollars. More severe injuries like a torn rotator cuff or shoulder dislocation can lead to higher compensation. Cases involving surgery, long recovery times, or permanent limitations often reach larger settlement amounts. Every shoulder injury case is unique, and there is no fixed amount for compensation.
Severity of the Injury
The seriousness of the shoulder injury is one of the most important factors. A dislocated shoulder or rotator cuff tear may require surgery, physical therapy, and time away from work. Severe shoulder injuries can affect your ability to use your arm, perform daily tasks, or return to your job. More severe injuries usually lead to higher settlements due to the long-term impact on your life.
Medical Costs and Treatment
Medical expenses directly affect the value of your shoulder injury claim. This includes hospital visits, imaging tests, surgery, physical therapy, and follow-up care. Ongoing treatment and future medical needs also increase the compensation you may receive. Keeping records of all medical costs is essential for a fair settlement.
Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity
If your shoulder injury prevents you from working, you can claim lost income. If you cannot return to the same job or earn the same income in the future, you may also seek damages for reduced earning capacity. These financial losses are calculated based on your job, income level, and how long the injury affects your ability to work.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering damages account for the physical pain and emotional stress caused by the injury. Chronic shoulder pain, sleep problems, and the inability to enjoy normal activities are factors that support this part of the claim. These damages are more difficult to calculate but can be significant in a shoulder injury settlement.
Get the Compensation You Deserve for Your Shoulder Injury
If you’re dealing with shoulder pain after a car accident, don’t wait. Our team at Atlanta Metro Law is ready to help you pursue fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Contact us at 864-894-2045 for a free claim review today!
