INJURED IN ACCIDENT – ROTATOR CUFF TEAR INJURY ATTORNEY
Our personal injury lawyers often represent clients for a rotator cuff injury after a motor vehicle crash, a fall, or other accident. Most cases involve a rotator cuff tear. However, there are other types of rotator cuff injury as well.
What is a rotator cuff injury?
The shoulder is a ball and socket. The “ball” is at the top of the arm bone (humerus). It is kept in the shoulder socket by a network of four muscles (the rotator cuff). In addition, this rotator cuff helps move and stabilize the shoulder joint. Damage to any or all of the four rotator cuff muscles, or the ligaments that attach these muscles to bone, can happen in an accident injury. There may be a direct impact to the shoulder. Likewise, there can be an injury when you use your hands or arms to brace yourself so that your shoulder absorbs a hard impact.
A shoulder injury from an accident can range from a mild strain to a tear of the rotator cuff. A rotator cuff tear is where one of the rotator cuff tendons tear and is no longer attached to the head of the arm bone. The tear can be a partial tear, where the tendon is not fully severed, or a full-thickness tear. With a full thickness tear, the tendon completely detaches from the bone.
An MRI is used to diagnose a rotator cuff injury or tear because it clearly shows the condition of the shoulder capsule.
A rotator cuff tear can cause significant pain and decreased mobility of the shoulder joint. Our top MN lawyers know that a rotator cuff injury can be quite disabling. Financially, there is payment of medical bills, lost time from work, and other compensation. Therefore, a torn rotator cuff after an accident is an injury our attorneys take seriously. We work with your medical providers to properly document your case so you can receive the compensation you are entitled to.
Medical treatment for rotator cuff tear
If the rotator cuff tear is minor, your doctor may recommend rest, anti-inflammatories, and ice or heat. That way, the shoulder injury can heal on its own. In addition, physical therapy for your shoulder injury is often recommended. If symptoms continue despite therapy, the doctor may also recommend corticosteroid injections to help reduce inflammation.
When a full thickness rotator cuff tear is caused by an accident, it often requires shoulder surgery. This involves cleaning the injury and removing loose fragments of the tendon, the bursa and other debris to allow smooth movement. The surgeon also stitches the frayed edges of the tendon together, attaching it to the top of the humerus bone.
It is not unusual for the shoulder to take up to a year to heal post surgery. Of course, there are significant medical bills associated with rotator cuff tear surgery. In addition, our clients are frequently out of work for at least six weeks or longer. Therefore, when you call our office after a MN accident injury, your attorney will take the time to document and prove all of your losses. The goal is to make sure you are fully compensated.
Lawyers for rotator cuff injury accident
If you have sustained a rotator cuff tear in an accident, it is important to talk with a top lawyer who has experience representing clients with an injured shoulder. When a shoulder injury — such as a rotator cuff tear — is caused by the negligence of another person in Minnesota, our lawyers will assist you in recovering complete compensation for your losses. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and emotional distress. We will explain the legal case to you and make sure your rights are protected. The initial consultation is free. In addition, we never charge anything if you do receive compensation.