Victims of motor vehicle accidents in Virginia can face a wide range of injuries, from minor to severe. Shoulder injuries caused by impingement that occur due to the incident are some of the most common, as people face various injuries to their upper extremities.
What is shoulder impingement syndrome?
Three bones — the humerus, clavicle and scapula — make up the shoulder, with four major muscles attaching them together in a structure called the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff controls the shoulder’s range of motion. When an injury occurs, the rotator cuff tendon can rub against the top of the shoulder joint to cause impingement syndrome, sometimes resulting in significant pain. Symptoms following a motor vehicle accident can develop slowly as the shoulder joint degenerates from the trauma.
Shoulder impingement requires significant treatment
Generally, doctors recommend conservative treatment that can include icing and physical therapy. Other remedies include regenerative medicine, including injections of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or mesenchymal stem cells into the shoulder, to reduce pain and inflammation. However, if the pain is severe or continues progressing, you may need surgery. Depending on the impingement’s severity, the recovery time can take over six months, as additional therapy will be required to rehabilitate the joint.
What happens if I can’t work?
Many victims involved in accidents are unable to work for a significant amount of time following a motor vehicle accident. Personal injuries can involve the lower extremities and torso, as well. The more complicated your injuries are, the more time you will spend away from work. You may even possibly suffer from a permanent disability. While insurance may cover some of the costs, it often isn’t enough for catastrophic injuries. Additionally, many insurance companies offer quick settlements that undervalue the funds required for treatment.
Driver negligence causes most motor vehicle accidents. If you have suffered shoulder impingement syndrome and other injuries requiring significant treatment, you may be eligible to file a legal claim for your pain and suffering. While recovering, you can use the proceeds from a successful lawsuit to pay for medical treatment, living expenses and lost wages.