Chicago Shoulder Injury Lawyer

Shoulder injuries from car accidents can be painful, debilitating, and expensive to treat. Even minor collisions can lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility, or long-term damage requiring surgery and extensive rehabilitation. If another driver caused your accident, you have the right to hold them accountable and recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and the physical and emotional toll of your injury.

At Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C., our experienced Chicago injury lawyers help car accident victims get the compensation they deserve. We guide you through every step of your personal injury claim so you can focus on healing while we handle the complex legal process. Contact our office today at (312) 236-2900 for a free consultation and start your shoulder injury claim.

Common Shoulder Injuries From Car Accidents

Shoulder injuries are known to have delayed symptoms. You may not know you’ve suffered critical harm after a car crash, but the sooner you seek treatment, the better. Even if you feel fine, getting a medical evaluation after an accident can reveal severe injuries and help your personal injury case immensely.

Typical Symptoms of Shoulder Injuries

Some of the top symptoms associated with shoulder injuries include:

• Decreased range of motion
• Pain when lowering or lifting arms
• Arm stiffness
• Numbness or tingling in the arms or shoulders
• Shoulder swelling
• Grinding or popping sensation in your shoulder
• Weakness in the shoulders or muscle spasms in the arms or shoulders
• Pain when pulling or lifting other objects or any inability to complete daily living activities
• Discoloration or bruising in the shoulder and bulges or bumps on the shoulder or collarbone

Types of Shoulder Injuries

Car accidents can cause many kinds of shoulder injuries, such as:

• Whiplash
• Musculoskeletal injuries
• Torn rotator cuff
• Clavicle or humerus fractures, scapular fractures, and shoulder separation
• Shoulder joint dislocation and brachial plexus injuries
• Muscle damage and deep tissue bruising
• SLAP tearing (Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior), or tears in the labrum
• Soft tissue damages
• Ligament damages

Even if your injury hasn’t been diagnosed yet, reporting your symptoms to a healthcare provider is essential. Once diagnosed, a shoulder injury lawyer in Chicago can help determine the most effective legal strategy for your case.

How Shoulder Injuries Are Diagnosed

Diagnosing shoulder injuries can be complex. It will depend on the extent of your injuries, symptoms, medical history, and other factors. You can expect your healthcare provider to examine you and use the proper methods to identify your injury. Diagnostic tools may include:

• X-rays to detect fractures or dislocations
• MRI scans to evaluate soft tissue or labrum damage
• Physical examinations to assess range of motion, strength, and pain

Accurate diagnosis is crucial not only for treatment but also for calculating the full value of your personal injury claim, including medical expenses, future care costs, and lost income.

Treatment Options for Shoulder Injuries

Proper treatment for a shoulder injury is crucial if you hope to regain functionality after a car accident. The type of treatment you receive will be based on the severity of your injuries and your overall health.

Common treatment options for shoulder injuries include:

• Physical therapy
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications
• Using an immobilization sling
• Steroid injections for join inflammation
• Surgical procedures such as reconstructive surgery, anterior acromioplasty, or subacromial decompression
• Mental heath counseling to cope with trauma and lifestyle changes

The cost of health care and your medical bills may be exceedingly high. However, the liable party should cover these damages when you file a claim with the insurance company or pursue a car accident lawsuit.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

If your shoulder injury was caused by another driver, you may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are financial losses that can be documented and quantified like medical bills, receipts, bank statements, and other financial records.

Some examples of economic damages available for shoulder injury victims include:

• Medical expenses, including surgery, therapy, medications, and future treatment
• Lost income and diminished earning capacity
• Vehicle damage, rental car costs, and diminished value
• Childcare or household help expenses

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are a little more complicated since they cover less tangible losses that affect your quality of life. Your attorney must quantify them to demand fair compensation.

Some examples of non-economic damages after a shoulder injury could include the following:

• Pain and suffering or chronic discomfort
• Emotional distress, anxiety, or depression
• Loss of enjoyment in daily activities
• Scarring, disfigurement, or permanent disability
• Loss of companionship or intimate relationships

A skilled Chicago personal injury lawyer will carefully evaluate all losses to maximize the compensation you deserve.

Proving Your Shoulder Injury Was Caused by a Car Accident

Proving the car accident caused your shoulder injuries is critical. The insurance company will look for any reason to reduce your payout or avoid paying you. Your car accident lawyer must prepare sufficient evidence to prove the severity of your injuries. You must prove the car accident caused your shoulder injuries.

It is not unusual for insurance companies to argue that a pre-existing condition should be disclaimed, meaning you should not receive compensation for every loss. However, with the proper supporting documents and evidence, you can receive the compensation that is rightfully yours.

Examples of evidence that might be used to prove the car accident caused your shoulder injuries include:

• Statements and testimony from your treating physician
• Copies of your medical records
• Photos of your injuries
• Footage from dash cams, traffic cams, and surveillance cams from homes or businesses nearby
• Copies of the liable party’s driving history, medical records, blood alcohol concentration levels, and cell phone records
• Accident reconstructionist reports
• Crash data and police accident reports

Frequently Asked Questions About Shoulder Injuries From Car Accidents

What should I do if I suspect a shoulder injury after a car accident?

If you experience pain, limited mobility, or swelling after a collision, seek medical attention immediately—even if symptoms seem minor. Early diagnosis can prevent long-term complications and strengthen your car accident shoulder injury claim. A Chicago shoulder injury lawyer can guide you on documenting your injuries and preserving evidence for your case.

How long do shoulder injuries take to heal after a car accident?

Recovery time varies depending on the type and severity of the injury. Minor strains may heal in a few weeks with physical therapy, while torn rotator cuffs, dislocations, or fractures could require surgery and months of rehabilitation. Your personal injury claim may also cover ongoing medical treatment and future care costs.

Can I file a claim if I had a pre-existing shoulder condition?

Yes. Even if you had a prior shoulder issue, you can seek compensation for injuries worsened or caused by a car accident. A Chicago shoulder injury lawyer will review your medical history and gather evidence to show the accident directly contributed to your current condition.

What types of compensation can I recover for a shoulder injury from a car accident?

You may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages, including medical bills, physical therapy, lost wages, vehicle damage, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life. An experienced personal injury lawyer in Chicago can help ensure you receive fair compensation for all losses related to your shoulder injury.

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

You aren’t required to hire an attorney to file an insurance claim, but having a personal injury lawyer in Chicago can significantly improve your chances of a fair settlement. Our team can:

• Investigate the accident and collect evidence
• Identify liable parties and assign fault
• Negotiate with insurance companies to maximize your settlement
• File legal claims or pursue a lawsuit when necessary
• Handle all paperwork, deadlines, and procedural details

With a lawyer handling the legal process, you can focus on recovery while ensuring your claim is strong and fully documented.

Contact a Chicago Shoulder Injury Lawyer Today

A shoulder injury can impact your life for years, but you don’t have to bear the burden alone. At Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C., our Chicago shoulder injury lawyers are committed to helping car accident victims obtain the compensation they deserve.

Our firm proudly offers free, no-obligation consultations to car accident victims across Chicago. Claim yours by calling us at (312) 236-2900 or filling out our contact form today.