Shoulder Pain After a Car Accident

Shoulder pain after a car accident is one of the most common reasons victims in Chicago seek legal help after a crash. Our law firm represents individuals dealing with shoulder injuries that range from mild discomfort to severe, lasting damage. Whether you’re suffering from a rotator cuff tear, a separated shoulder, or soft tissue injuries, we know how these injuries can affect every part of your life. We work to hold negligent drivers accountable and help you pursue compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and the pain you’re left managing after the accident.

What Are Common Shoulder Injuries After a Car Accident?

The shoulder joint is especially vulnerable during a car crash due to its wide range of motion and complex structure. Shoulder pain after a car accident can vary in severity, from minor strains to fractures requiring surgery. Below are some of the most common shoulder injuries accident victims experience.

Rotator Cuff Tear

A torn rotator cuff involves damage to one or more of the four muscles that stabilize the shoulder joint. It often causes sharp pain, weakness when lifting the arm, and limited motion. A rotator cuff tear may require surgery if the damage is significant and does not respond to physical therapy.

Other Rotator Cuff Injuries

Other rotator cuff injuries include strains, inflammation, and tendonitis. These conditions may not appear right away, but often lead to ongoing shoulder pain and weakness. If untreated, they can progress into more severe injuries that affect daily movement and shoulder function.

Labral Tear

A labral tear involves damage to the cartilage that lines and supports the shoulder socket. It can cause deep shoulder pain, clicking sounds, or instability during motion. These injuries may occur when the upper arm bone is forced out of place during a car crash.

Shoulder Dislocation

A dislocated shoulder happens when the upper arm bone is pushed out of the shoulder socket. It causes intense pain, visible misalignment, and difficulty moving the arm. Immediate medical attention is needed to reposition the joint and prevent further damage to the surrounding soft tissues and nerves.

Separated Shoulder

A separated shoulder occurs when the ligaments connecting the collarbone to the shoulder blade are stretched or torn. It’s often caused by direct impact or sudden force during a car crash. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and a noticeable bump near the top of the shoulder.

AC Joint Sprain

The acromioclavicular (AC) joint can be sprained when the arm is pushed backward or downward during a crash. This injury leads to shoulder pain near the top of the joint and difficulty lifting objects. In more severe cases, the joint may become unstable or visibly out of line.

SLAP Tear

A SLAP tear affects the top part of the labrum, where it connects with the biceps tendon. It’s typically caused by sudden impact or forceful pulling of the arm. Victims often report clicking, reduced range of motion, and significant pain during overhead movements or lifting.

Biceps Tendon Injury

The biceps tendon can be strained or torn during a car accident, especially if the arm is jerked forward suddenly. This injury causes pain in the front of the shoulder, weakness in the arm, and may change the shape of the upper arm if the tendon retracts.

Shoulder Impingement

Shoulder impingement occurs when swollen or damaged soft tissues are pinched between bones in the shoulder. Pain typically worsens with arm movement, especially overhead. Without treatment, impingement can lead to long-term damage to the rotator cuff and reduced shoulder mobility.

Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder can develop after an injury that limits shoulder movement for an extended period. It causes stiffness, pain, and reduced range of motion. Recovery is slow and usually involves physical therapy to restore shoulder function and break down thickened joint tissue.

Fractured Clavicle

A fractured clavicle, or broken collarbone, often results from seatbelt force or direct impact during a crash. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, bruising, and visible deformity. Healing time varies, and some fractures may require surgical stabilization with plates or screws.

Fractured Scapula

The scapula, or shoulder blade, is rarely fractured unless the impact is severe. A fractured scapula causes deep, sharp pain across the back of the shoulder, bruising, and limited arm movement. It may occur alongside other serious car accident injuries, such as rib or spinal damage.

How Are Shoulder Injuries From Car Accidents Diagnosed?

Diagnosing shoulder injuries from car accidents starts with a physical exam and a detailed discussion of your symptoms. A doctor will examine the shoulder area for swelling, bruising, tenderness, muscle weakness, and changes in range of motion. Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans are often needed to confirm the extent of the damage, especially in cases involving shoulder fractures or soft tissue injuries. In some cases, ultrasound may be used to evaluate tendon movement or detect fluid buildup. If symptoms suggest possible nerve damage, such as tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arm or hand, nerve conduction studies may be necessary to evaluate a brachial plexus injury. Delayed pain is also common, so it’s essential to seek medical attention even if your shoulder injury seems minor at first. Getting a proper diagnosis early is key to developing an effective treatment plan and avoiding complications that could lead to permanent injury or prolonged recovery.

What Are the Treatment Options for Shoulder Injuries?

Medical treatment after a car accidentcan vary widely depending on the severity of the shoulder injury. For accident victims, treatment often brings significant medical expenses, especially when surgery or long-term care is required. Severe shoulder injuries may require surgical repair followed by months of physical therapy. Even minor injuries, like a shoulder strain or soft tissue damage, can lead to ongoing treatment, doctor visits, and rehabilitation.

Treatment options include:

• Emergency care for dislocations, fractures, or intense pain
• Surgery for torn rotator cuffs, SLAP tears, or more severe shoulder fractures
• Physical therapy to restore shoulder mobility and strength
• Prescription pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications
• Injections to alleviate pain and inflammation in cases like frozen shoulder or impingement
• Follow-up care with orthopedic specialists or neurologists for nerve damage

Severe shoulder injuries cause lasting limitations that require ongoing care or support. These expenses can quickly add up, making it essential to pursue fair compensation to cover the full scope of medical treatment options after a car accident, both now and in the future.

How Long Does Shoulder Injury Recovery of Range of Motion Take?

Shoulder injury recovery timelines vary based on the type and severity of the injury. Mild soft tissue injuries may improve within a few weeks, while more severe injuries–like a torn shoulder muscle or bone fractures–can take several months or longer. Regaining a full range of motion often requires consistent physical therapy. If the injury involved surgery, recovery may extend six months or more, depending on how the shoulder joint responds to treatment and rehabilitation.

How Much Can Chicago Victims Recover for Car Accident Shoulder Pain?

Settlement and verdict amounts for shoulder pain after a car accident in Chicago can vary widely.

According to Law.com’s VerdictSearch, the average recovery is $868,330, while the median is significantly lower at $48,750. The full value range stretches from $2,000 to $33.5 million, depending on the nature and severity of the injury.

Several factors influence how much a case is worth, including:

• Type of shoulder injury (e.g., torn shoulder muscles, fractured clavicle, brachial plexus injury)
• Need for surgery, physical therapy, or long-term care
• Whether the injury led to permanent loss of shoulder mobility or a severe impairment
• Medical bills already incurred and estimated future treatment costs
• Lost wages and impact on earning capacity
• Pain and suffering, especially in cases involving severe or long-lasting symptoms
• Liability issues and the strength of the evidence

It’s also common for car accident injuries with delayed symptoms–like soft tissue damage or shoulder impingement–to result in lower early settlement offers. That’s why it’s essential to document everything and seek medical treatment immediately, even if the pain seems minor at first.

What Damages Are Awarded in Personal Injury Claims Involving Shoulder Pain After a Car Accident?

Victims experiencing shoulder pain after a car accident may be entitled to a wide range of damages depending on the severity of the injury and its long-term impact.

Compensation often includes past and future medical expenses, such as emergency care, imaging tests, surgery, physical therapy, and pain management. In more severe cases–like a torn rotator cuff or fractured shoulder blade–damages may also cover future medical treatment like joint replacement.

Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity are common when the injury affects work performance or requires extended time off. Victims may also be awarded for pain and suffering, loss of normal life, emotional distress, and in some cases, disfigurement or loss of consortium.

Example Cases Involving Shoulder Pain After a Car Accident

$3,956,087.68 Verdict for Family Injured in DUI Head-On Collision

In 2011, Margaret Bennett, her daughter Patricia, and a child passenger were hit head-on by a drunk driver in Robin Hood Ranch, Illinois. The driver, Jose Rodriguez, was convicted of DUI and sentenced to seven years in prison. Margaret suffered multiple broken bones, including shoulder fractures, and underwent six surgeries. Patricia and the other child also sustained serious injuries. The plaintiffs alleged willful and wanton negligence due to Rodriguez’s extreme intoxication. The jury awarded a total of $3,956,087.68, including damages for pain and suffering, medical costs, physical impairment, disfigurement, and loss of consortium.

$2,369,279 Verdict for IDOT Worker with Rotator Cuff and Frozen Shoulder

In 2014, Frank Adams, an IDOT flagger, was injured while leaping out of the path of a van involved in a rear-end crash. He suffered a torn rotator cuff and developed frozen shoulder after surgery. Despite physical therapy, he was left with permanent pain and loss of shoulder mobility. The jury found the Terminix driver negligent and acting with willful and wanton disregard. Adams was awarded $2,366,779 in compensatory damages and $2,500 in punitive damages, totaling $2,369,279.

$1,122,487.48 Verdict for Handyman with Delayed Treatment for Rotator Cuff Tear

In 2014, Martin Bader was hit head-on by a driver who crossed the center line in Waukegan, Illinois. Bader delayed seeking medical attention for 12 days but was later diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff and labrum. He underwent shoulder surgery and physical therapy, but continued to experience pain years later, requiring a future shoulder replacement. The defense challenged the link between the accident and his long-term shoulder issues. The jury sided with Bader and awarded $1,122,487.48, including compensation for medical costs, loss of enjoyment of life, and pain and suffering.

What to Do If You’re Experiencing Shoulder Pain After a Car Accident

If you’re experiencing shoulder pain after a car accident, start by seeking immediate medical attention. Some of the most common shoulder injuries, like rotator cuff tears or soft tissue damage, may not show symptoms right away. Delayed shoulder pain could indicate something more serious, and early diagnosis is key to healing properly.

Follow through with all recommended treatment, including physical therapy, and keep records of all medical visits, prescriptions, and time missed from work. This documentation will support your personal injury claim.

Before speaking with insurance companies, contact our experienced Chicago car accident lawyers who can evaluate your case, explain your rights, and help pursue fair compensation. A knowledgeable attorney can deal with insurers on your behalf while you focus on recovery.

How an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

Shoulder pain after a car accident can lead to months of recovery, unexpected medical bills, and lasting physical limitations. An experienced car accident lawyer can help protect your rights and make sure you aren’t left covering the financial fallout on your own. From investigating the accident to gathering medical records and consulting specialists, our lawyers build a strong case showing the full extent of your injuries–especially in cases involving car accident injuries with delayed symptoms.

Insurance companies often minimize shoulder injuries or claim the pain isn’t severe. Our Chicago personal injury attorneys know how to push back against these tactics and fight for compensation that reflects the actual impact of your injury. This includes damages for medical bills, lost wages, future care, and pain and suffering. With legal guidance, you can focus on recovery while your attorney handles the claim process from start to finish.

Book a Free Consultation

If you’re experiencing shoulder pain after a car accident, speaking with an attorney can help you understand your rights and what kind of compensation may be available. Our law firm offers a free consultation to review your case, answer your questions, and explain what to expect moving forward. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t owe anything unless we win compensation on your behalf. Contact our Chicago personal injury attorneys today to schedule your free consultation.