When you think of all the injuries that can happen in a car accident, shoulder injuries may seem like an unlikely outcome. While shoulder injuries occur more often than you may think in accidents, insurance companies usually try to undervalued or even ignore these injury claims. However, the shoulder is an important and commonly used area of the body – these types of injuries can make daily life and tasks much more difficult or even impossible.
Because shoulder injuries can range from minor to debilitating, claim values can provide victims anywhere from $10,000 to $200,000, depending on factors such as the severity of the injury and the level of negligence of the responsible party.
If you’re wondering how shoulder injuries are valued in personal injury claims, then here’s what you should know.
Not All Shoulder Injury Cases Are Equal
When looking at the factors that go into a shoulder injury settlement, you will see why all cases are so different. The following factors can vary significantly and will need to be considered when valuing an injury case:
- Medical bills: Medical expenses play one of the biggest roles in any injury case. The higher your medical bills are, the more serious your injury likely is, as well. Your compensation should include all past and future medical-related costs, including emergency room services, medications, and doctor’s visits related to your injury.
- Negligence: Your compensation will also be determined by the level of negligence shown by the other driver. If you can prove the other driver was driving recklessly or under the influence, then this can dramatically increase your potential compensation. However, if you were also found negligent, then that can affect your settlement amount, too.
- Pain and suffering: A court may provide additional compensation for pain and suffering and other related effects of an accident. Pain and suffering are part of a category of damages known as non-economic damages. If your medical bills are very high and your injury is potentially long-term, then you may be eligible for pain and suffering compensation.
- Lost income: If you have a job that requires any lifting, a shoulder injury can make it difficult or impossible to do. Any time you must spend out of work and unable to bring in income should be considered within your settlement.
Each of these factors can vary greatly from case to case. Make sure you speak to an experienced attorney who can give you the proper attention and advice. A personal injury attorney will be able to properly evaluate how much your shoulder injury case might be worth.
Types of Shoulder Injuries That Can Happen in a Car Accident
There are several injuries that you can suffer in a car accident. Some of the most common shoulder injuries can include:
- Bursitis: This is an inflammation or irritation of a bursa sac on your body. Bursa sacs are fluid-filled pads that cushion your joints. The main treatments for bursitis are rest, ice, and pain-relieving medication. Surgery for bursitis is possible but uncommon.
- Dislocation: This is an injury where a joint in the body is forced out of its normal place. First, you will need to have the joint put back in its correct location, followed by weeks of rest to recover. Surgery may be necessary for a severe dislocation.
- Rotator cuff tear: This injury can occur when the tendons that connect muscle to the shoulder are torn. Treatments can include rest, medication, physical therapy, and even surgery.
- Cartilage tear: This can include a torn shoulder labrum. This is the cup-shaped cartilage the surrounds and reinforces the socket joint of the shoulder. When the shoulder labrum or other cartilage tears, this can require significant time to recover and a potentially serious surgery.
- Impingement: This is shoulder pain that is caused by a tendon rubbing against your shoulder blade. The most common treatments for shoulder impingement are rest, pain medication, and physical therapy.
- Separation: This shoulder injury occurs when the ligaments between the collarbone and shoulder blade are torn. Common treatments include significant periods of rest and sometimes surgery.
These are not all of the potential shoulder injuries you may suffer in a car accident. If you’ve incurred any shoulder-related injury, you may be eligible for significant compensation if your case is presented properly.
Be Careful Believing Law Firm Websites That Offer Settlement Estimates
When reviewing law firm websites, you should be cautious about depending on the settlement values that may be advertised. Each case and the injuries suffered are different, and thus, each case value can significantly differ, too.
Often, law firms advertise their past results to demonstrate that you can expect a similar amount. Advertisements may say things like, “We got this for a client with your same injury.” However, until you receive a full case review, you can’t be sure if this amount will also apply to your case.
Depending on your unique situation, you may be able to obtain similar compensation, or you might be in line for more if the right facts and circumstances are presented.
If you’ve been injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, it is always best to consult with a personal injury attorney who can review the specific factors of your case. You should not depend on past settlement amounts to determine how much you should expect.
1201 West Peachtree Street #2339 Atlanta, GA 30309+1-770-212-3795$0-$100000I had the pleasure to work with Millar Law firm a few months ago, friendly staff and very communicative! Couldn’t ask for more!
How Our Law Firm Will Work to Get You More for Your Shoulder Injury
The car accident attorneys at The Millar Law Firm pride themselves on their extensive knowledge and diligence in personal injury cases. We will collect all the evidence required to build a strong claim for you. We will locate and gather all of the necessary medical bills, x-rays, and all other potential damages to prove the cost and value of your shoulder injury case. This focus on the details allows us to take the time required to get you a full and fair settlement.
Once you have The Millar Law Firm in your corner, we will communicate and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to make sure you receive the highest possible settlement amount.
Consultations at The Millar Law Firm Are Always Free
If you or a loved one has suffered a shoulder injury from a car accident, make sure you seek the advice of an experienced personal injury lawyer. We can help. Call The Millar Law Firm today at (770) 400-0000 or contact us online to set up a free consultation with one of our attorneys.
