When a victim is in a car crash, falls, or is struck from an object, the injury they sustain can be anywhere from minor to severe. One of the most common types of accident injury is a shoulder injury. A victim can suffer a shoulder injury no matter how old they are. For example, a victim who slips and falls can land on their shoulder, causing a fracture or torn ligaments. The shoulder can also sustain damage in a crash.
One of the most common shoulder injuries suffered by accident victims is a torn rotator cuff. The rotator cuff is a group of tendons and muscles that surround the joint of the shoulder that keeps the upper arm bone secured in the shoulder socket. A torn rotator cuff can start with a dull ache or pain. If they don’t heal properly the victim may need surgery and long-term rehabilitation to repair the damage.
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Rotator cuffs can tear because of repetitive motion or as a result of sudden trauma or impact. Some of the common accidents that can cause a torn rotator cuff include:
- Car accident: The sudden impact of a crash can cause the tearing of the rotator cuff. The victim can be thrown from the vehicle or hit the windshield, causing significant trauma to the shoulder and other parts of the body.
- Bike accident: A cyclist has no protection if they are hit by a vehicle. The impact can cause them to lose control of the bike or get knocked off and fall hard on the ground, landing on their shoulder.
- Slip and fall accidents: A victim who suffers a slip and/or fall can land on their shoulder or they can also injure it if they put their arm out to try to break their fall.
- Work injury: There are many types of jobs that require the worker to repeat the same action or motion over and over, dozens or even hundreds of times per day. This repetitive motion can take its toll on the body, leaving the muscles weak because of this overuse. An employee can also suffer a shoulder injury because of unsafe working conditions.
If a rotator cuff is left untreated, the victim can suffer permanent effects, including weakness, loss of motion, and shoulder joint degeneration. There are also situations where the injury does heal, but the victim is left with chronic pain. In many cases, surgery is necessary for repair. Even if only physical therapy is recommended, without surgery, the victim still faces a long and arduous recovery.
Let a Carolina Injury Attorney Help
If you have suffered an injury caused by the negligent or reckless behavior of another party, contact a North Carolina personal injury attorney to discuss what your legal options may be. Victims can be compensated for the medical expenses, lost income from being unable to work, pain and suffering, and emotional anguish.
If they are left with long-term and permanent disability, they may also be entitled to financial compensation for the losses this disability has caused, including loss of future income if they are unable to work or return to their profession, future medical expenses, and the overall negative impact the injury has had on their quality of life.
Our personal injury attorneys have successfully represented many clients who were forced to deal with painful injuries and long recoveries due to another person’s negligence. Contact our office today at (833) 997-1774 to schedule a free case evaluation.