As personal injury lawyers, we often see clients who have suffered shoulder injuries after car accidents, bike accidents, and truck accidents in Arizona. It's not something we usually think about until it happens to us. The shoulder joint is especially susceptible to wear and tear.
Your Rotator Cuff and Rotator Cuff Tears
The rotator cuff is made up of four muscles and associated tendons that surround the shoulder joint, keeping your arm in the socket. Your shoulder is known as a ball-and-socket joint.
One common shoulder injury is a rotator cuff tear. A tear in one of these muscles can cause a dull ache that intensifies when you overextend your shoulder or when the muscles and tendons stiffen throughout the night by sleeping on your injured shoulder.
Symptoms of a rotator cuff tear can range from a sudden intense pain in your shoulder to dull, aching pain, weakness, disturbed sleep, and a crackling sensation.
Can I Tear My Rotator Cuff in a Car Accident?
When a person tears their rotator cuff in a car accident, their diagnosis will likely be an “acute traumatic rotator cuff tear." This diagnosis excludes a tear caused by degenerative changes in the shoulder. Acute traumatic rotator cuff tears result from high-energy mechanisms, like serious car accidents. These types of tears also cause full-thickness tears, meaning that the tendon is completely detached from the bone.
How Do I Treat My Rotator Cuff after an Arizona Car Accident?
If you’ve suffered from a minor tear, your injury may respond well to anti-inflammatory medication, steroid injections, and physical therapy. But, surgery is often required for major tears, or the injury is not healing on its own.
Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery is a good option because it's minimally invasive and allows for faster recovery, minimal scarring, and reduced risk of infection or stiffness. It has a higher rate of success when it comes to healing than more traditional methods.
Conclusion
If you’ve suffered from a rotator cuff tear following a car accident in Arizona, you are likely entitled to significant compensation for your serious injury. At The Dr. Lawyer Law Group, we can help you find the best medical provider who will match your needs. A rotator cuff injury can seriously limit you if you don't seek proper treatment. As experienced personal injury lawyers in Arizona, we have background and understanding to successfully help you treat your condition and get the money you need to overcome your injuries.