According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, the majority of us will suffer a shoulder injury during our lifetimes. Many times, these injuries are caused by auto accidents or slip and fall accidents. And while some of these will be relatively minor strains or separations, others will be more serious and result in long-term pain and suffering and medical care. If you or a loved one have suffered a shoulder injury in an accident in Woodland Hills that was not your fault and are struggling to work, or are entirely unable to work, talk to an experienced personal injury attorney about your legal rights.
Common shoulder injuries
The three most common types of shoulder injuries are:
- Fractures. An accident can cause fractures (breaks) in the collar bone or shoulder blade.
- Dislocations. The shoulder has three joints and any three can become dislocated.
- Soft tissue injuries. Soft-tissue injuries refer to tears of the shoulder’s ligaments, tendons, muscles, or joint capsule.
If you suffered from any one of these shoulder injuries after being injured in a car accident, pedestrian accident, or slip and fall accident, reach out to a knowledgeable accident attorney to discuss next steps.
Treatment for shoulder injuries
Your treatment options for your shoulder injury will depend, in part, on the type of injury you suffered and the extent of the trauma. A medical professional will be able to guide you down the path that is best for your situation. While many shoulder fractures do not require surgery, others do. If you broke your scapula, for example, an operation may be required due to bone fragments in one of the joints or other fractures in the collar bone area. Immobilizing the shoulder is typically necessary (such as in a sling), followed by extensive physical therapy. Soft tissue injuries and dislocations will require varying methods of treatment, some of them on-going and costly.
A shoulder injury can be very painful and debilitating, affecting one’s ability to drive, work, cook, etc…. You can be out of commission for weeks or sometimes months. This could lead to forced time off work, a loss in income, medical expenses, and more. With the help of an experienced personal injury attorney in Woodland Hills you can recover compensation for lost wages, medical bills, therapy, pain and suffering and more. If your shoulder injury was caused by the negligence of another person or business, that other party should be held responsible for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
For more information on how to file an injury claim against the person or business who caused your shoulder injury, contact Woodland Hills accident lawyer Barry P. Goldberg today.