Torn Rotator Cuff Injuries Caused by Accidents: Who Is Liable? | Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

There are all kinds of accidents that can cause a victim to suffer an injury. The extent of injuries can range from minor to serious to severe. There are many different types of injuries a victim can sustain in an accident, and one of the most common we see at our North Carolina personal injury firm is torn rotator cuff injuries.

While some accidents can occur through no fault of anyone, there are many accidents that cause victim injuries that are a result of someone’s negligence or recklessness. Torn rotator cuff injuries are often caused in sports-related accidents, a victim can also suffer this injury in a car crash or a slip and fall accident. If you have suffered a torn rotator cuff injury in an accident caused by another party, contact our firm to speak with one of our attorneys.

Signs of a Torn Rotator Cuff Injury

The rotator cuff is comprised of four muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint and enables a person to lift and rotate their arms. An accident victim can suffer one of two types of rotator cuff injury:

  • Partial tear: The muscles of the rotator cuff become damaged
  • Complete tear: The tear causes the tendon to pull entirely off the shoulder bone

Many victims who have a torn rotator cuff initially think that they have only suffered a pulled muscle. But after a while, they begin to have other symptoms:

  • It becomes difficult for the victim to raise their arm
  • They have pain when they move their arm
  • They have pain when they lay on their arm
  • They feel weakness in the shoulder area
  • They are unable to lift any objects
  • They hear clicking or feel a popping sound when the move their arm

Torn Rotator Cuff in a Slip and Fall Accident

One way a victim can suffer a torn rotator cuff injury is in a slip and fall accident. If the person trips over a hazard or loses their balance on a wet surface, they often land on their arm and shoulder area, with a lot of force. If it turns out that the person who owns the property was negligent, then the victim can file a premises liability claim against the owner.

Torn Rotator Cuff in a Car Accident

Any type of car crash can cause the rotator cuff to tear. For example, it is not uncommon in a rear-end crash for the occupants in the front car to hear the squealing of brakes as the vehicle in the rear tries to stop before they slam into the front vehicle. The driver in the front vehicle often tense up and grab the wheel or door handle, bracing for the crash. Since their body is not in a relaxed state, their shoulder could absorb a lot of the force from the crash impact. If the victim can prove that the other driver was at fault, that driver will be legally responsible for all of the losses the victim’s injuries have caused.

Let a Carolinas Injury Attorney Help

If you have suffered a torn rotator cuff 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.

 

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