Shoulder Injuries in Car Accidents

Shoulders control a lot of how our arms move. Pushing, pulling, lifting, and reaching all rely on full shoulder rotational movements. An injury to a victim’s shoulder can not only affect their ability to do daily activities, but to work at their job as well. Shoulder injuries in car accidents may require surgery and extensive rehabilitative treatments. If a negligent driver has caused this harm, they should be responsible for the associated costs. Miami car accident lawyer Robert Dixon assists victims in pursuing the proper legal action against those responsible. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, you can expect dedicated service throughout the duration of any legal process necessary to ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to. Our firm represents injured clients throughout Miami and South Florida, including Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties. If you, or a loved one, has suffered a shoulder injury as a result of a motor vehicle collision, please contact our office today to find out more about your legal options.

Shoulders are made up of three different bones: the shoulder blade, collarbone, and arm bone. These bones are connected through ligaments, cartilage, and tendons, which all together comprise the most flexible joint in the body. With all these different elements in one place, the potential for shoulder injuries in car accidents can be high.

Fractures and dislocations affecting a victim’s shoulder are common in a crash. Clavicle fractures are especially likely due to the impact of a collision. Soft tissue injuries, tears to the labrum joint, and rotator cuff tears are also seen often in the aftermath of an accident. Even injuries to surrounding areas can affect a person’s shoulder movement, such as whiplash that primarily presents in a victim’s neck. Following a motor vehicle collision, it is important to seek medical attention right away so that all injuries can be properly diagnosed and treated.

Many, if not most, car accidents are the direct result of one or more motorist’s negligence. Negligence is the legal standard upon which personal injury suits are based. To prove a defendant has been negligent, an injured plaintiff must show that he or she breached an owed duty of reasonable care that caused the plaintiff’s injury and damages. Many different actions can qualify as a breach of reasonable care. Common situations which lead to a collision and associated shoulder injuries include distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield, and tailgating.

Victims injured by negligence can recover damages in the form of past and future medical expenses, loss of income, and diminished earning capacity. In Florida, even if a victim’s own negligence contributed to causing their injuries, they can still receive compensation from other liable parties. A ‘pure comparative fault’ scheme of awarding damages means that a victim can be given compensation in proportion to the degree of fault of each party. Therefore if a victim is found to have been 40 percent negligent, they may still receive 60 percent of the total damages sustained. Consulting an attorney as soon as possible following an accident is important to maintaining your legal rights. Important evidence needs to be collected as well as proper legal documents need to be filed in a timely manner. In Florida, personal injury claims must be pursued within four years from the date of a victim’s injury.

Shoulder injuries can have long-lasting effects on those who suffer them. Some never recover full mobility and have lingering pain. Negligent motorists should be the ones who bear the financial burden of a victim’s recovery. Attorney Robert Dixon and his team at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon are committed to making sure clients’ legal rights are zealously protected. We do not stop working until you receive the compensation you need, and are entitled to, for your injuries. If you have questions about your legal rights following a serious car accident, please call our office today at 877.499.4878 or contact us online to set up a free, no obligation consultation regarding your potential claims.