Shoulder pain after a car accident can potentially cause serious concern. In addition, shoulder pain could point to a more severe injury like a torn rotator cuff or fracture. Seek medical attention immediately for a proper diagnosis and treatment, if necessary.

Shoulders are vital parts of our bodies that allow us to function normally in daily life. They help us carry out everyday tasks that many of us may take for granted. We rely on our shoulders for tasks like getting dressed, grocery shopping, holding our children, and virtually all recreational activities. Yet as critical as shoulders are to daily functioning, they are just as delicate and susceptible to particular injuries, especially in car accidents.

If you are experiencing shoulder pain after a car accident, you shouldn’t delay getting it examined by your doctor. An untreated shoulder injury or overuse before giving proper time and treatment to heal could lead to long-term injuries.

What to Do for Shoulder Pain After a Car Accident

If you are experiencing shoulder pain after a car accident, here are some tips to bear in mind:

• Seek out professional medical attention right away. With any injury, especially shoulder-related ones, time is of the essence. The sooner you seek medical attention, the better your odds will be for getting a proper diagnosis of the cause of your pain. You can also rule out any potentially life-threatening injuries by getting examined immediately. You’ll most likely need to undergo some imaging and diagnostic testing, like a CT scan, so that your doctor can then prescribe the best course of treatment and make appropriate referrals. By ensuring that you receive the medical care you need, you can focus on recovering and regaining good health.
• Keep records of all of your medical attention and treatment. Early documentation of your medical care will also make it easier down the line. It’s best to keep your documents organized and have copies from the beginning to avoid future problems with insurance companies.
• Since Florida is a no-fault state, you’ll need your medical documents to prove to your insurance company that your pain and injuries were, in fact, a result of the crash. Suppose there is no early documentation or proof that you sought medical care immediately after the accident. In that case, insurance companies may try to refuse or deny paying for your medical treatment. Early treatment and medical documentation are critical parts of evidence insurance companies will look for when asked to pay for medical care. In addition, the early documentation of medical care will better your odds of winning a fair legal settlement for your injuries.
• Do not try to tough it out or avoid medical care. Shoulder pain can be a symptom of severe injuries that can even become fatal if left untreated. Don’t be afraid to complain or voice your struggles. Get the help you need.
• Consult with an experienced Florida car accident attorney. Car accident attorneys are experienced in helping people who have sustained injuries in vehicle collisions. Many experienced lawyers have handled cases dealing specifically with people suffering from shoulder pain after an accident, and know how to help. An attorney can help review your case, medical records, and treatment and assess the value of your case. If your injuries resulted from someone else’s negligence, you will want an attorney to assist you in getting the total and just compensation you deserve.
• Notify your insurance company about your shoulder pain after the accident. If you live in Florida, you will need to submit a notice of injury to your insurance company.
• Do not sign any settlements, releases, or waivers related to the accident. Speak with your attorney before making any decisions, as they will have your best interests in mind.

How to Claim for Shoulder Pain After a Car Accident

If you live in Florida, you will start your claim for your shoulder pains from a car accident by filling out an application for no-fault benefits. You’ll do this with the insurance company of the responsible party. The no-fault insurer will also pay for your medical bills and lost wages if you cannot return to work due to accident injuries.

Can I Sue for My Shoulder Pain?

Yes, you can. If your insurance company denies your claim or cuts off your no-fault benefits related to your shoulder pain while you are continuing to suffer, you can sue for:

• Medical bills
• Unpaid or overdue medical bills
• Attendant care
• Medical mileage
• Replacement services
• Lost wages due to injuries preventing you from working
• Pain and suffering
• Mental and emotional trauma
• Severe impairment of body functions due to the accident
• Other economic damages like future medical bills and future lost income.

Symptoms and Possible Shoulder Injuries After a Car Accident

If you experience any of these symptoms after a car accident, it’s essential to seek out medical attention as soon as you can:

• Pain when you lift or lower arms, or reaching above or behind you
• Discomfort when lifting or pulling objects
• A feeling of weakness, tingling, or numbness in the shoulder
• Lost/limited range of motion
• Locking, popping, or grinding sensations in the shoulder socket
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Inability to carry out regular daily activity

If any or several of the above symptoms present after the accident, it’s possible that you could have sustained one of the following injuries:

• Torn rotator cuff
• SLAP tear
• Torn joint
• Clavicle fracture
• Scapula fracture
• Dislocated shoulder
• Sprains or strains
• Bruises

Testing, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Your doctor will probably do a physical examination to reach a proper diagnosis for your shoulder pain. They will likely ask about your pain and look for any visible problems. Your doctor will probably also test your range of motion and run imaging diagnostic tests like x-rays, MRIs, CT scans, or ultrasounds if necessary.

Your doctor will then prescribe the appropriate treatment depending on the nature and cause of your pain. Some standard treatment options for shoulder pain include:

• Physical therapy
• Immobilization sling
• Steroid injections for inflammation
• Anti-inflammatory medicine
• Surgery for extreme cases
• Rest, ice, compression, and elevation

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

At Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A., we take the time to listen to your story to help get the outcome you want.

We will prioritize getting to know you and thoroughly understanding your case when you contact us. We will be in your corner and fight to get you justice from the first call. We understand how difficult and emotionally turbulent it can be to navigate complex legal situations. We will do our best to provide you with all the information and resources you need to make your life easier. From start to finish, we will promptly answer all your questions and provide the best legal advice so that you can make informed decisions about your future.

We pride ourselves on being empathetic, compassionate, and caring. This is just one of the reasons we are one of Florida’s top-rated personal injury attorneys – providing customized legal advice tailored to suit your individual needs.

We build trust through open, timely communication and straightforward legal advice. We are an award-winning, established personal injury law firm, fighting for our clients for over 60 years, and have recovered more than $145 million in awards. Contact us today, and we will fight to get the results you deserve.