Shoulder injuries can really put a cramp in your ability to perform your work, participate in sports and enjoy your other hobbies. The immobility creates lingering effects throughout your body too. So, when you hurt your shoulder in an accident that was someone else’s fault, find the best shoulder injury lawyers in New Jersey at RAM Law near me. They investigate the scene of your accident, whether it happened at work or on the road. And RAM Law shoulder injury lawyers don’t get paid till you get paid.
What Are Common Types of Shoulder Injuries?
Shoulder pain is a common problem that affects people of all ages and has a significant impact on your daily activities and quality of life. Your shoulder joint is more prone to injuries than other parts of your body because it’s the only major joint that’s not a ball-and-socket joint. Your shoulder is held in place with cartilage and tendons instead of bone. Shoulder pain appears in many forms and different ways, such as:
Problems with your muscles
Pulled tendons
Torn ligaments
Broken or fractured bones
You also may experience shoulder dysfunction and damage from a wide range of shoulder injuries, including:
Whiplash, a common injury caused by sudden and forceful forward and backward motion that’s often the result of rear-end accidents, and injuries that happen on amusement rides due to severe motion strains that damage the muscles in your shoulder area, as well as causes neck and upper back problems
Rotator cuff tears that occur when muscles or tendons in the active rotator cuff tear, leaving you with pain and weakness around the shoulder joint
Bursitis, which is inflammation of the small fluid-filled cushions in the shoulder, causing swelling and pain and often happens over years as a result of certain types of repetitive work situations
Tendinitis, on the other hand, typically creates inflammation of a tendon outside the bicep from an accident or untreated injury, causing mild to sharp pain
Frozen shoulder that causes pain and stiffness and limits shoulder movement for weeks to months, usually as a result of trauma to the shoulder in the form of a fall, car accident, overuse or from a sports injury
Dislocation happens when a strong force or sudden rotation pushes the shoulder out of its socket, causing immediate and intense pain and fractures
Fractures are usually the result of a direct blow to the shoulder or from a catastrophic injury in a situation such as a motorcycle or scooter accident, causing sharp pain, swelling and even deformity
If you experience sharp pain after an injury or have symptoms like nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, or unexplained weight loss, these could be signs of referred shoulder pain. Most often, referred pain indicates a significant underlying medical condition that’s been exacerbated from the accident. Some common symptoms include:
Dull achy feeling that worsens when you move your shoulder
Tingling sensations, sometimes leading to numbness and weakness that can affect both shoulders
A grinding, snapping or grating sensation that’s accompanied by dull pain when you move your shoulder
A persistent ache between your shoulder blades, especially after being in the same position for long periods of time
Noticeable arm weakness, especially after repetitive motions like typing
Occasional dull pain, accompanied by a tiny lump in the muscle that’s tender and painful to the touch
If you or anyone you know has experienced damage or injuries due to an automobile accident or someone’s negligence, you have the right to demand a duty of care. To file a lawsuit and seek the assistance of experienced shoulder injury lawyers, rely on RAM Law, a personal injury law firm located near me in New Jersey that helps injured parties navigate the legal procedure. They have a thorough understanding of the complexities involved in shoulder injury cases, so don’t let the aftermath overwhelm you.
What Are Common Causes of Shoulder Injuries?
Injuries to the shoulder can be caused by a wide range of activities and circumstances. Shoulder injury lawyers at RAM Law have seen firsthand the devastating effects these injuries can have on someone’s life. To identify the underlying cause of your shoulder injury and build a strong legal case for compensation, it’s necessary to determine the cause of your accident. Common causes include:
Traffic accidents. The sudden impact and force of driving accidents cause severe shoulder injuries and are common for all types of vehicles, from taxis and rideshares to commercial trucks and tour buses.
Slip and fall accidents. Wet or uneven surfaces may result in slips and falls that have you landing hard on your shoulder, leading to injuries such as shoulder impingement or rotator cuff tears.
Workplace accidents. Improper lifting techniques and lack of safety measures result in shoulder injuries in locations such as construction and industrial sites and office settings.
Sports and recreational activities. Sports that involve repetitive motions like swimming can result in tendonitis, while contact sports like football and hockey can lead to many types of blunt force shoulder injuries.
Assaults and violence. Unfortunately, physical altercations may result in shoulder injuries, which have legal, emotional and psychological implications for the victim.
After an injury, one of the first steps is to identify who is responsible for your suffering. Establishing legal liability for your shoulder injury is the basis of any personal injury claim. At the RAM Law firm, their best personal injury attorneys help you establish fault and gather the evidence needed to substantiate your claims. Parties that could be legally liable include:
In cases of accidents involving other vehicles, the other driver involved in the accident might be at fault due to reckless or negligent driving, such as speeding, tailgating or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Property owners. In cases of slip and fall accidents, the owner of the property is held accountable if it’s proven that they failed to maintain a safe environment, such as neglecting to remove ice or fix broken stairwells. In this case, you may have a premises liability claim.
In cases of workplace accidents, the employer may be liable for not enforcing safety measures or not providing adequate training to the employees.
Product manufacturers. If an injury was caused by a defective product, such as a malfunctioning seat belt or faulty machinery, the manufacturer of the product may be liable to pay you compensation for your losses.
New Jersey follows a comparative negligence rule, which means that even if you were partly responsible for the injury, you may still be able to claim damages if you bear no more than 50 percent of the liability. However, the amount of compensation you’re entitled to receive may be reduced in proportion to the degree of your fault.
How Do Shoulder Injury Lawyers Help with a Workplace Injury?
Shoulder injuries are quite common in workplaces across New Jersey because they can happen in any job environment. But some industries like construction have a higher percentage of shoulder injuries due to the inherent risks involved in the job. A fall or awkward lifting may cause tears in the rotator cuff portion of the shoulder; crane operations require extreme safety precautions, and scaffolding accidents can occur for a variety of reason from wind and bad weather to improper handling. If you hurt your shoulder on the job, you still need to take certain steps that include:
Seeking medical treatment
Informing your employer of the incident
Maintaining a journal of how the injury has impacted your life
Contacting your shoulder injury lawyers
Hiring a personal injury attorney helps you manage the legal aspect of your case. Shoulder injury lawyers help your case in different ways, such as:
Communicating and negotiating with opposing attorneys and insurance adjusters to reach a settlement
Investigating the accident site, including reviewing any available surveillance videos and forensic evidence
Analyzing police records, medical reports and the employer’s history of previous misconduct to build a stronger case
Identifying all parties involved in the accident and interviewing witnesses to gather relevant information
Consulting with medical and technical experts who may provide supporting evidence for your claim in court
What Kind of Compensation Can I Receive for a Shoulder Injury?
If you sustain a shoulder injury due to an accident on the road, it’s possible that you’re entitled to receive compensation for your injuries and any associated losses from the driver who caused the accident. By proving negligence on the part of the other driver, your lawyer helps you recover both economic and non-economic losses resulting from the accident, such as:
Medical expenses. This includes expenses such as the cost of hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy and any other medical treatments required to help you recover.
Lost wages. If your shoulder injury has caused you to miss work or compromised your ability to earn in the future, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and potential loss of future earnings.
Emotional distress. Injuries can also have psychological effects, leading to conditions such as anxiety, PTSD and depression. Emotional distress compensation aims to provide some relief for the mental and emotional anguish you experienced.
Pain and suffering. Physical pain and suffering compensation are provided for the pain you’ve endured due to the injury. The amount usually depends on the severity and duration of the pain.
Rehabilitation costs. Many shoulder injuries require ongoing physical therapy or occupational therapy to regain lost function. These costs can also be included in your claim.
Lifestyle modifications. For severe injuries that result in long-term or permanent disability, compensation may cover the costs of modifications to your home or vehicle to accommodate your condition.
An attorney evaluates all aspects of your case to determine the appropriate types and amounts of payment to pursue through a personal injury or premises liability claim. They then use strategic negotiations with insurance companies or strong legal representation in court if necessary.
How Are Shoulder Injuries Treated?
In cases of shoulder pain or injury, healthcare professionals typically opt for conservative treatments whenever possible before considering more invasive or aggressive options. Some of the more common non or minimally invasive treatment includes:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to block inflammation and give you some mild pain relief
Physical therapy to improve your mobility and get you back to your work and activities you enjoy
Massage therapy, which serves to stabilize muscles and increase range of motion
Rest and ice that are short-term solutions to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation
Medical injections to reduce inflammation and pain
The appropriate treatment for shoulder pain varies based on the root cause. In some cases, surgery may be necessary. To determine if there are any underlying structural issues or problems involving your spine or neck, your doctor performs a physical examination. Additionally, your doctor may recommend one or more imaging tests to obtain a more detailed view of the affected area such as:
X-rays. These help your doctor detect bone spurs and other bone-related issues that may be causing your shoulder pain.
MRI scan. This test uses radio waves and a powerful magnet to create detailed images of your shoulder.
CT scan. This is a series of X-rays taken from different angles to provide your doctor with a better view of what’s happening in your shoulder.
Electromyography (EMG). This measures the electrical activity in your muscles to detect any potential problems with your nerves.
This is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses a tiny fiber-optic camera to show high-definition images of your shoulder.
How Can I Prevent a Shoulder Injury?
Although some accidents are inevitable, many shoulder injuries can be avoided by practicing cautious and responsible behavior. At RAM Law, shoulder injury lawyers are dedicated to not only helping you obtain compensation but also to educate you on preventative measures that reduce the likelihood of future shoulder injuries. Some key prevention methods include:
Awareness and attention. Being aware of your surroundings can prevent accidents that lead to shoulder injuries, whether you’re driving in busy New York City traffic or walking on icy sidewalks.
Workplace safety. Following safety protocols and using protective gear significantly reduces the risk of shoulder injuries in physically demanding jobs like construction.
Proper technique. Use proper techniques when lifting heavy objects or engaging in activities that strain the shoulder to minimize the risk of injury.
Daily exercise. Regular exercise strengthens shoulder and back muscles, reducing the risk of injuries like rotator cuff tears or dislocations.
Medical attention. A timely medical evaluation prevents minor shoulder discomfort from becoming a severe injury.
It’s always better to prevent injuries than to deal with the consequences. By implementing these strategies, you reduce the chances of shoulder injuries and promote overall well-being, avoiding pain, discomfort and time spent recovering from an injury.
When You Have a Debilitating Shoulder Injury, Our Injury Lawyers at Rebenack, Aronow & Mascolo, L.L.P. Will Help
An injury to your neck or back can be life-changing and saddle you with mounting medical expenses, loss of income or mobility, pain and suffering. Our seasoned Personal Injury lawyers at Rebenack, Aronow & Mascolo, L.L.P.can help. Call 732-247-3600 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We are located in New Brunswick, Somerville, and Freehold, New Jersey, and we serve clients in Middlesex County, Monmouth County, and Somerset County.
