What Are My Options if I Tore My Rotator Cuff in an Accident?

 Posted on June 24, 2022 in Personal Injury

The pain of a torn rotator cuff or any other shoulder injury can impact even the most basic of everyday moments. You may have difficulty and experience pain when you raise your arm. You could be unable to pick up and lift even small items without pain, impacting your ability to get things done around the house and at work. You could even suffer from pain when trying to sleep, impacting your ability to get a restful night. No matter what type of accident led to your rotator cuff injury, a personal injury lawyer can help you pursue compensation for medical bills, time lost at work, and pain and suffering.

Causes and Prognosis for Rotator Cuff Injuries

Your rotator cuff is a group of shoulder muscles and tendons that help you lift and move your arms away from your body. Tears can be caused as the tendon wears down over time, known as a degenerative tear. However, they can also be caused by sudden trauma to the shoulder, such as when your shoulder is dislocated, or you break your collarbone. This can occur in a slip and fall accident when the force of your body hitting the ground or floor causes a shoulder injury. It can also occur in a car accident, especially when your hands are on the steering wheel and your car is hit from behind.

A doctor may perform an exam, including an x-ray, an MRI, or an ultrasound, to diagnose the tear. Common non-surgical treatments include a sling to promote rest for your shoulder, anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, and steroid injections. Surgery is needed when there is a complete tear or when a partial tear isn’t responding to non-surgical options. The prognosis for rotator cuff injuries is typically positive, with a full recovery after treatment or surgery. If you suffered a larger tear, there is a possibility of reinjuring the same tendon.

Having a complete or partial rotator cuff as a result of an accident can impact your daily routine, including causing you to miss work and suffer from intense pain and arm weakness. If you were injured in a fall caused by someone’s negligence or a car accident caused by another party, you may be entitled to compensation for your extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, lost wages from time you missed at work, as well as compensation for pain and suffering.

Contact a Bloomingdale, IL Shoulder Injury Lawyer

If you have torn your rotator cuff in an accident, you know how painful the injury can be and how long of a recovery you may face. Let the DuPage County personal injury attorneys at Law Offices of David W. Clark, P.C. represent you, learn about the accident that led to your injury, and help you seek the compensation that you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation by calling 630-665-5678.

Source:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8291-rotator-cuff-tears-overview