What is Shoulder Injury?
Shoulder injuries from motor vehicle accidents include rotator cuff tears, labral tears, shoulder dislocations, fractures of the clavicle (collarbone), scapula (shoulder blade), or humerus (upper arm bone), and acromioclavicular (AC) joint separations. The shoulder's complex ball-and-socket joint and surrounding soft tissues are vulnerable to injury from seatbelt forces, airbag deployment, side-impact collisions, and bracing against the steering wheel. Symptoms include pain, weakness, limited range of motion, grinding or popping sensations, and inability to lift the arm or perform overhead activities.
Common causes in motor vehicle accidents
Seatbelt forces during frontal or rollover collisions commonly cause rotator cuff tears and AC joint injuries as the strap digs into the shoulder. Side-impact collisions directly strike the shoulder, causing fractures, dislocations, or labral tears. Drivers and passengers often instinctively brace against the steering wheel or grab the handle during collision, transmitting extreme forces through the shoulder joint. Airbag deployment can strike the shoulder with significant force, particularly in older or improperly positioned occupants. Pre-existing shoulder conditions like arthritis or prior injuries can make the joint more susceptible to traumatic damage.
Treatment and recovery
Conservative treatment begins with rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy focusing on range of motion and rotator cuff strengthening. Corticosteroid injections may provide temporary pain relief and reduce inflammation. Surgical intervention becomes necessary for complete rotator cuff tears, displaced fractures, recurrent dislocations, or labral tears not responding to conservative care. Common procedures include arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for fractures, labral repair, and in severe cases, shoulder replacement. Recovery from surgery typically requires 3-6 months of rehabilitation, with return to heavy labor or overhead work often taking 9-12 months or requiring permanent restrictions.
Legal considerations in Dallas-Fort Worth
Shoulder injury cases in Dallas and Tarrant counties require MRI confirmation of soft tissue damage (rotator cuff or labral tears) or X-rays/CT scans showing fractures or dislocations. Insurance companies frequently argue shoulder problems are degenerative rather than traumatic, particularly in claimants over age 40. Strong cases establish causation through immediate post-accident medical evaluation documenting shoulder pain and limited motion, MRI showing acute rather than chronic changes, orthopedic surgeon testimony explaining how accident forces caused injury, and functional capacity evaluations demonstrating work restrictions. Surgical cases typically result in higher settlements due to medical costs ($20,000-$60,000 for arthroscopic repair), lost wages during 3-6 month recovery, and permanent impairment ratings affecting ability to perform overhead work, heavy lifting, or repetitive arm motions. Documentation of how shoulder injury impacts daily activities and employment is critical for maximizing compensation.