Shoulder Injuries Caused by Chicago Car Accidents

By Matthew Willens  Feb. 16, 2016 12:01p

Victims of Chicago car accidents may suffer from shoulder pain either immediately or shortly after the crash. A severe trauma to the shoulder joint caused by the impact of the crash can result in different types of shoulder injuries.

Anatomy of the Shoulder

The shoulder is a ball and socket joint with three bones including shoulder blade or scapula, collarbone and upper bone or humerus. These bones are joined together by muscles, ligaments and tendons. The shoulder joint has the great range of motion among all the joints in the body. Due to this, the shoulder is susceptible to an injury, especially the acromioclavicular joint that is located on the top of the shoulder.

Common Shoulder Injuries Sustained in Car Accidents

• The most common shoulder injury sustained in a car accident is the rotator cuff tear, which is caused by the stretching, ripping or tearing of the ligaments or tendons in the shoulder joint.
• Bruises
• Frozen shoulder
• Sprains and strains
• Fractured bones

Symptoms of Shoulder Injury

• Sudden and intense pain in the shoulder
• Stiff and painfully tender shoulder that hurts more during the night and interrupts sleep
• Pain in a specific spot in the shoulder that worsens with movement
• Weakness, numbness, swelling, tingling in shoulder
• Difficulty moving the arm in any direction
• Intense and sudden pain in shoulder
• Discoloration of the shoulder

Treatment for Shoulder Injuries

If the victim suspects a tear or broken bone after an accident, he/she should seek immediate medical help. The victim should not move the shoulder and stabilize its position.

In order to correctly diagnose a shoulder injury the doctors may order tests such as X-Rays, MRIs and CAT scans. Depending on the severity of the injury, the treatment may be as simple as use of a sling to immobilize the shoulder and hold it in place to reduce pain and promote healing.

The doctors may also recommend elevation, compression and ice to aid healing. In case the victim has suffered a torn ligament, tendon and muscle he/she may have to undergo prompt surgery. It is important to diagnose such injuries in time so as to maximize the chances of complete recovery.

Accurate and timely diagnosis of the injuries is essential, because it is possible that the pain may be coming from another part of the body known as referred shoulder pain. In cases of severe shoulder injuries, surgery may be required and the patient may have to undergo physical therapy to restore motion.

Legal Help for Shoulder Injuries Sustained in Chicago Car Accidents

If you or your loved one has sustained a shoulder injury in a car accident caused by another driver's carelessness, you may be entitled to receive financial compensation. In order to protect your legal right to compensation, it is in your best interests to speak with experienced Chicago automobile accident attorneys at Willens Law Offices.

Call (312) 957-4166 to schedule a free consultation.