Serious shoulder injuries resulting from slip and fall accidents can dramatically alter the course of your life, potentially impacting your ability to work full-time, earn a living, engage in normal activities, and go through the day without pain. Severe shoulder injuries can take months or longer to heal, and in worst-case scenarios, can result in permanent disabilities.
If you suffered shoulder injuries from falling, you might have a case for compensation if the accident was not your fault. You owe it to yourself to have your case reviewed for free by a qualified attorney who can advise you on your legal options.
Common Shoulder Injuries From a Fall
Shoulder injuries that are commonly sustained as the result of a fall include:
Dislocated Shoulders
One of the most common injuries that can occur from a fall is a dislocated shoulder. A shoulder becomes dislocated when the upper arm pops out of the shoulder joint. This injury can occur in different ways, but is often the consequence of a fall victim extending their outstretched arm in order to break their fall.
These injuries are especially painful, even after the shoulder is set in place. Dislocation can stretch and tear the soft tissue in the shoulder, which can be inflamed and painful for days, weeks, or months.
Chronic pain that may worsen over time, long-term immobility issues, and susceptibility to re-injury are all common effects of shoulder dislocations.
Torn Rotator Cuff
Rotator cuff tears are serious injuries that can take a long time to heal. The rotator cuff is a group of tendons and muscles tasked with stabilizing the shoulder within the socket. Tearing these muscles is possible when you brace your arm and cause a severe strain. This injury is especially common when the shoulder is hyperextended.
In extreme cases, the muscles of the rotator cuff can tear completely. Anyone living with a torn rotator cuff is likely to experience extreme pain and the inability to lift the arm above their head.
Bone Fracture
Signs that you have fractured your shoulder blade, collar bone, or proximal humerus (upper arm) include:
- Swelling or bruising
- Bulging of the fracture under the skin
- Inability to move the shoulder, or limited movement
- Grinding sound when the shoulder is moved
- Deformity (the shoulder doesn’t look right)
- Severe pain
Shoulder surgery to repair the fracture may require the permanent use of plates, pins, and rods to fix the bone fragments in place.
Impingement
Nerve impingement can result in severe, chronic pain and short- or long-term nerve damage in the arm. When nerves are impinged, it can impact your ability to move or feel physical sensations in your shoulder or arm.
The Importance of Medical Care for Shoulder Injuries
It is vital to seek medical care right away following a shoulder injury. These injuries are often painful, and can dramatically impact your quality of life. What’s more, you could face permanent consequences, including irreversible loss of mobility, if you fail to address a shoulder injury immediately.
Seeking immediate medical care is the best way to protect your health. It is also a good option for protecting any potential civil lawsuit related to your fall injuries. When you see the doctor, you are creating a paper trail that establishes that your injury is real and serious. You can also use your record of medical treatment to prove that you took every step to prevent your injuries from worsening. This is important when you seek compensation through a slip and fall lawsuit.
Talk to an Attorney About Your Slip and Fall Injury Claim
If you suffered shoulder pain after a fall, your injuries could be more serious than you realize. You have the option to file a civil lawsuit and seek damages from the person that caused your injuries. You also have the right to seek out legal help for your pursuit of justice. Reach out to a slip and fall attorney from Salamati Law as soon as possible for your free consultation.
Do not put your right to recover damages at risk by representing yourself in negotiations with insurers or in court proceedings. Instead, reach out to our respected Los Angeles law firm about your slip and fall injuries today.
