Can I Get Compensation for a Rotator Cuff Injury After a South Carolina Crash?

At first, you may feel fortunate to have escaped your crash with “only” a torn rotator cuff. After all, car accidents can lead to much more severe injuries – such as brain damage and spinal cord fractures. However, there is no need to “tough it out” after suffering any kind of auto accident injury in South Carolina. If you were hurt by a negligent motorist, you have every right to pursue compensation – and a Charleston car accident attorney can help you achieve this goal.

How Do Car Accidents Cause Rotator Cuff Injuries? 

Rotator cuff injuries can occur in many ways during car accidents in South Carolina. The most obvious culprit is sudden trauma to the shoulder area. With sufficient force, the rotator cuff can tear partially or completely.

A common mechanism involves the shoulder closest to the seatbelt strap. These straps lock automatically after serious impacts, preventing the body from moving forward. However, the majority of the impact force may be transferred to the shoulder – since it is the first point of contact against the seatbelt. This force can cause the rotator cuff to tear.

Another type of injury mechanism involves a rear-end collision. In this situation, the victim might see an approaching vehicle in their rear-view mirror and place their hands on the steering wheel. This is often an instinctual reaction, and it puts the shoulder muscles in a tense or “activated” state.

If the victim had relaxed their shoulders prior to impact instead, the force may have been transferred to other parts of the body. But with the arms outstretched and the shoulders activated, the rotator cuff could bear the brunt of the collision. This could potentially lead to acute, severe rotator cuff tears in both shoulders.

Seek Treatment for Rotator Cuff Issues Immediately 

Always seek treatment after a car crash – even if you’re not sure how bad your injuries are. A trained medical professional is the only person who can determine whether your rotator cuff is torn or injured. If you delay treatment or neglect to see a doctor at all, you could struggle to pursue compensation. A critical part of your accident claim is the clear documentation of any injuries you suffered.

Consider the Impact of a Rotator Cuff Injury on Your Earning Capacity 

After suffering a rotator cuff injury due to a car accident in South Carolina, you should carefully consider how this might affect your earning capacity. For many people, raising their arms above their shoulders is an essential part of each day’s work duties. Raising your arms in this manner may be completely impossible with a torn rotator cuff injury, and you may need to pursue compensation for weeks, months, or even years of lost income.

Can a South Carolina Auto Accident Lawyer Help Me Get Compensation? 

An experienced South Carolina auto accident lawyer can help you get compensation if you’re struggling with a rotator cuff injury. These injuries can be much more life-altering than many realize, and you are fully entitled to fight for your rights. After seeking proper treatment for your injury, consider speaking with Mickelsen & Dalton, LLC to discuss a potential action plan.

Sources: 

alexanderorthopaedics.com/blog/shoulder-injury-car-accident-treatment/

1888bonedoc.net/posts/common-shoulder-injuries-from-car-accidents