The impact of an auto accident could injure the nerves, tendons, soft tissues or bones in the shoulder. A shoulder injury could arise from impact with the seat belt or with other objects inside the vehicle, such as a steering wheel. Shoulder injuries can cause significant pain, as well as nerve damage and difficulty moving the arm. You may have grounds for a personal injury claim if you suffered a shoulder injury in a car collision in West Virginia.

How Do Shoulder Injuries Happen?

The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint connected by ligaments and muscles. The shoulder joint has the most mobility of any body part. The acromioclavicular joint, where the shoulder blade meets your collarbone, is the most likely to suffer injuries in a car accident. The other main parts of the shoulder are the glenohumeral joint, rotator cuff and joint capsule. Any of these elements could sustain serious injuries in auto accidents.

The gravitational forces a car accident exerts on the body could be enough to injure the shoulder. The forceful forward motion of the body against a seat belt could injure the shoulder beneath the belt. The forces of an airbag could force the shoulder back into the seat, also causing an injury. Any abrupt back and forth motion of the head or neck could also tear tendons or muscles in your shoulder.

Symptoms of Shoulder Injuries

After a car accident, search for any potential signs of injury. Notice how your body feels in the hours and days after the crash. If you feel any pain, tenderness, numbness or tingling, you could have an injury. Pain or other symptoms in your shoulder, arm, neck, chest or collarbone could point to a shoulder injury.

  • Pain or tenderness that worsens with motion
  • Limited range of motion
  • Stiff shoulder or arm
  • Pain while sleeping
  • Swelling or inflammation
  • Arm weakness or shoulder instability
  • Tingling or lack of feeling in the shoulder or arm
  • Sharp pains in the shoulder region
  • Bruising or skin discoloration

Visit a doctor after a vehicle collision, even if you feel fine. Your adrenaline could be covering up sensations such as pain or lack of mobility in your shoulder. A physical examination could diagnose issues such as a fractured or dislocated shoulder. If you feel any symptoms in the days following your accident, visit a doctor for a checkup. Keep copies of all medical records and documents. These documents may help prove your case should you choose to file a claim with the help of a car crash attorney in West Virginia.

Types of Shoulder Injuries

An auto accident could cause soft-tissue shoulder injuries, dislocations and/or bone fractures. Soft-tissue injuries can affect the tendons, muscles or ligaments in the shoulder and surrounding joints. Any soft-tissue tears in the rotator cuff or elsewhere in the shoulder can cause pain and temporary disability. Performing regular activities may be difficult with a soft-tissue shoulder injury. It will require professional treatment such as anti-inflammatory medications and rehabilitation to repair a soft-tissue injury in the shoulder.

A shoulder dislocation refers to the separation of two bones in the shoulder. Shoulder dislocation can damage the ligaments that stabilize your shoulder joint, resulting in bone separation in some cases. Dislocation could cause a visible deformity or may need an x-ray to diagnose. Treatment may be nonsurgical or surgical for shoulder dislocations. Bones in the shoulder, such as the proximal humerus or clavicle, could suffer fractures in a car accident. Shoulder fractures can be painful and lead to swelling and skin discoloration. Most fractures do not require surgery to repair unless the bone is severely displaced.

Can you Recover Compensation from a Shoulder Injury Sustained in a Car Accident?

A shoulder injury can be enough to give you grounds for an injury claim after an auto accident. If you had to pay for medical care, go to rehabilitation or miss work due to your shoulder injury, the party that caused your car accident could owe you compensation. You may be eligible to receive payment for your vehicle repairs and pain and suffering as well. Speak to a personal injury lawyer for counsel after suffering a shoulder injury of any kind in a car accident.

Attorney Timothy Manchin established the Manchin Injury Law Group in 2011 after his law partner of more than 25 years became a West Virginia circuit court judge. His focus is on helping individual clients and entire families victimized by negligent acts.

  • Taylor Downs was easy to talk to (I do not speak the legal language well!) and was very upfront and honest about the entire process of my case. He kept me updated as the case progressed, and answered my relentless questions. The end result was a favorable settlement that I’m not sure could have been any better with anyone else. In short, go see Taylor if you have a case. Don’t be intimidated to go seek his help, he won’t blow your brains out with “legal speak”.

    - PAUL MOUSER

  • Being referred to Taylor was the best thing I could have asked for. Taylor and staff are very easy to talk to. I would highly recommend them to anyone.

    - DAWN FRISENDA

  • If I ever have to go through it again I would definetly call Taylor right away. The group was so helpful through my situation and handled everything that needed to be done. They made a stressful situation a stress free situation. With Taylor you dont have to worry about one thing. Definietly would recomend to anyone.

    - TAYLOR G.

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    - NOAH SCHUMAKER

  • Taylor and Tim helped make a difficult moment in life, a little more bearable. Easy to communicate with and informative. I will absolutely recommend them to everyone.

    - ANONYMOUS

  • Manchin Injury Law Group, Took care of me when I got into a car accident while I was pregnant. Very scary moment for a first time mom but thankfully Manchin Injury Law Group had my back and treated me great. They made me feel as if I was part of their family. My son is now 7 Months Old and very happy and healthy. I’m very thankful for them for helping me through everything and getting me what we deserved. I 100% would recommend them to anyone. If I ever have an accident again they will be my number 1 phone call!

    - SHAWNNA SHAFFER.

  • The support given helped me to feel like I was included in my personal injury case every step of the way. I was informed about the entire process throughout. It was amazing how quick the turn around time was and I would definitely recommend Attorney Timothy J. Manchin to anyone!

    - ANONYMOUS

  • Taylor and Kelly worked hard on my case so I didn’t have to. Thanks guys!

    - TERRI L. ARMENTROUT

  • Excellent experience dealing with Manchin Injury Law. They were very responsive, professional and easy to talk to. I did my homework before I hired a lawyer after my accident and I am so glad I found Manchin Injury Law Group. If you are injured, give them a call!

    - VILLA COVENANTS

  • Taylor and Tim helped make a difficult moment in life, a little more bearable. Easy to communicate with and informative. I will absolutely recommend them to everyone.

    - CHAD BILOTTA

  • Kelly and Taylor did all the hard work so that I didn’t have to. They both cared about my circumstance and got me a nice settlement. Taylor knows what he is doing and I felt comfortable with my case in his hands.

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  • Great lawyers. They helped me with a West Virginia case.

    - JOSEPH SAUNDERS

  • Such a great experience with Taylor and this firm. Thankful for their diligence and their work on our case. Thank you to all!

    - RENEE FLORENCE WARNER

  • Had a easy and smooth experience with a great attorney so when you go there make sure you ask for Taylor.

    - TIM CROSS

  • My experience at the Manchin Injury Law Group was extremely positive, and I would recommend them to anyone who needs a compassionate and experienced lawyer on their side.

    - TAMMY LACARIA

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