Have you suffered a shoulder injury due to someone else's negligence? Contact Goldberg & Loren now to schedule a free consultation and discuss your shoulder injury case.
Our Oregon shoulder injury lawyers will help you navigate the legal process and get the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering.
Types of Shoulder Injuries
The shoulder is a complex joint that is susceptible to a variety of injuries, ranging from minor strains to severe tears. Here are some of the most common types of shoulder injuries that can occur:
- Rotator Cuff Injuries: The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, providing stability and allowing for a wide range of motion. Rotator cuff injuries can occur due to overuse, repetitive motion, or trauma, and can range from mild inflammation to complete tears. A rotator cuff tear is one of the most common shoulder injuries to occur in a car accident. [1]
- Shoulder Dislocation: A shoulder dislocation occurs when the upper arm bone pops out of the socket in the shoulder blade. This often happens as a result of a fall or direct blow to the shoulder and can cause severe pain and limited mobility.
- Labral Tears: The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the socket of the shoulder joint, providing stability and cushioning. Labral tears can occur due to repetitive overhead motions or sudden trauma, and can cause pain, weakness, and a feeling of instability in the shoulder.
- Shoulder Fractures: Fractures of the shoulder can occur in the clavicle (collarbone), the upper arm bone, or the shoulder blade. These injuries are often the result of a fall, direct impact, or high-energy trauma, and can cause significant pain and limited range of motion.
- Bursitis: The bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac that helps to reduce friction between the bones, tendons, and muscles in the shoulder joint. Bursitis occurs when the bursa becomes inflamed, often due to overuse, repetitive motion, or trauma, and can cause pain and limited mobility.
Of work-related musculoskeletal disorders claims, the back was the most commonly injured body part (44 percent), followed by the shoulder (12 percent). [2]
Causes of Shoulder Injuries
Shoulder injuries can occur from a variety of causes, ranging from overuse or repetitive motion to sudden accidents or trauma.
A primary cause of shoulder injuries is motor vehicle accidents, where the impact can cause significant trauma to the shoulders. Slip and fall accidents, especially those that involve landing on the shoulder, can also result in shoulder injuries such as dislocations, fractures, or soft tissue damage.
Treatment for Shoulder Injury
The treatment for a shoulder injury will depend on the specific injury and its severity. The following are common treatments for shoulder injuries:
- Rest: Resting the shoulder and avoiding activities that aggravate the injury can help reduce pain and promote healing.
- Ice and Heat: Applying ice in the initial stages after injury helps to reduce inflammation, while heat can help improve blood flow and decrease muscle tension in later stages.
- Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain and reduce inflammation.
- Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can provide exercises and stretches to improve flexibility, strength, and range of motion in the shoulder.
- Immobilization: Using a sling, brace, or other immobilization devices may be necessary to stabilize the shoulder and prevent further injury.
- Steroid Injections: Injections of corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation and pain in the shoulder joint.
- Surgical intervention: For more severe injuries, such as fractures, severe ligament tears, or rotator cuff tears, surgery may be necessary to repair the damage.
Compensation From a Shoulder Injury
The type and amount of compensation you may receive for a shoulder injury can vary depending on factors such as the cause of the injury, the severity of the injury, the impact on your daily life and work, and the legal regulations in your location.
Compensation for a shoulder injury might include:
- Medical Expenses: The cost of medical treatment, including doctor's visits, surgery, physical therapy, and medication, may be covered.
- Lost Wages: If your shoulder injury prevents you from working, you may be eligible to receive compensation for the income you have lost during your recovery.
- Pain and Suffering: Pain and suffering compensation is meant to address the physical and emotional distress caused by the injury, and the impact it has on your quality of life.
- Long-Term Disability: If the shoulder injury leads to a long-term or permanent disability, you may be entitled to compensation for the impact on your ability to work and perform daily activities.
- Disability Accommodations: If your job requires special modifications or accommodations due to your shoulder injury, your employer may be required to provide these under disability laws.
- Rehabilitation and Retraining: If the shoulder injury prevents you from returning to your previous job, you may be entitled to compensation for rehabilitation and retraining to help you find new work.
Statute of Limitations in Oregon For Shoulder Injury Claims
In Oregon, the Statute of Limitations for personal injury claims, including those related to shoulder injuries, generally lasts two years from the date of the injury or from the date the injury was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered. (ORS 12.110)
Statute of Limitations can vary based on the circumstances of the case, the type of injury, and other factors. Consult with our qualified attorneys who are familiar with Oregon law to determine the specific time limits applicable to your shoulder injury case and to ensure that you take timely action to protect your legal rights.
Oregon Shoulder Injury Attorney Goldberg & Loren
At Goldberg & Loren, our dedicated shoulder injury lawyers in Oregon understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a shoulder injury can take on your life.
We are committed to advocating for the rights of injured individuals and helping them obtain the compensation they deserve.
We:
- Have a deep understanding of Oregon's personal injury laws and will work tirelessly to build a strong case
- Will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your shoulder injury
- Are prepared to take on insurance companies and hold negligent parties accountable
- Have the expertise to navigate the complexities of your case and pursue maximum compensation
- Provide you with compassionate and personalized legal representation
- Understand the challenges that come with dealing with a shoulder injury
You don't have to suffer alone.
Our personal injury lawyers in Oregon can answer any questions you may have about your shoulder injury claim.
Contact Goldberg & Loren today to schedule a free consultation and let us help you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Shoulder injury claims in Oregon may arise from various incidents such as car accidents, workplace accidents, slips, and falls, or medical malpractice. If you've sustained a shoulder injury due to someone else's negligence or wrongful actions, you may have a valid claim.
If you've sustained a shoulder injury in Oregon, it's important to seek medical attention promptly and follow your healthcare provider's treatment plan. Document the details of the incident, and gather evidence such as medical records and witness statements.
Sources:
[1] Alexanderortho. (2023, April 21). 5 Common Shoulder Injuries from a Car Accident. Alexander Orthopaedics. https://alexanderorthopaedics.com/blog/shoulder-injury-car-accident-treatment/
[2] Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). (n.d.). https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/HEALTHYENVIRONMENTS/WORKPLACEHEALTH/Documents/Edition9MSDs.pdf
