Some car accidents can cause lifelong injuries, including rotator cuff tears. If your torn rotator cuff keeps you from using your arm or shoulder, speak to an attorney right away. Without the appropriate treatment or compensation, your injury can potentially cause a permanent disability. Here are important things to know about your injured rotator cuff and possible personal injury case.
How Can Your Rotator Cuff Tear and Why?
Your rotator cuff is the glue that keeps your upper arm attached to your shoulder joint. The rotator cuff consists of four strong muscles that behave similar to tendons, which connect bones to muscles and other soft tissues. Traumatic accidents like auto and truck collisions can cause significant damage to your rotator cuff by pulling or tearing it away from its connecting bones.
Traumatic rotator cuff injuries can occur when you forcibly pull (dislocate) your shoulder joint out of its socket, or when you fracture your clavicle, or collarbone. Some injuries occur when you pull your arm out of its socket.
Pain and inflammation are some of the most common symptoms of a rotator cuff injury. Your symptoms may be worse when you attempt to raise, lift, or swing your arm. Raising your shoulders or turning your head might trigger pain as well.
Your injury won't heal or get well on its own. Many accident victims require ongoing therapy and medical treatment to cope with their symptoms. To ensure that you receive the treatment you need, contact a personal injury attorney for help.
How Do You Get Through Your Injury?
A personal injury attorney will need medical proof of your rotator cuff injury. Although you received the injury during your auto accident, an attorney must prove that the accident caused it instead of something else. Most accident attorneys use third-party doctors to examine their clients, so be aware of this matter when you consult with an attorney.
A physician may take diagnostic pictures of your shoulder and arm, such as X-rays and CT scans. The pictures can help confirm the damage in your arm is acute and not chronic. Chronic injuries usually take a long time to develop.
An attorney may also interview people who witnessed your accident, such as bystander or passenger in your car. A lawyer needs to prove that the other driver was at fault for your injuries instead of you. The proof may help you receive the appropriate compensation for your pain and suffering.
If you wish to obtain more information about your injury, contact an attorney today.