Experienced Portland Shoulder Injury Attorney
Portland Shoulder Injury Lawyer
Find out why we are some of the best Portland Maine shoulder injury attorneys
An Overview of Shoulder Injury
Shoulder injuries can take various forms, including torn rotator cuffs, frozen shoulder, and bone fractures in the shoulder region. These injuries can be caused by different factors, such as car accidents, slip-and-falls, and even defective medical devices or products.
Symptoms of a shoulder injury may include pain, swelling, limited range of motion, weakness, and difficulty performing everyday tasks. If left untreated, these injuries can worsen over time and lead to chronic pain.
Types of Shoulder Injuries
Shoulder injuries can be a common occurrence, especially in environments that involve heavy lifting and strenuous activities.
Rotator Cuff Injuries
Rotator cuff injuries can cause significant pain and limit the range of motion in the shoulder. There are different types of rotator cuff injuries, including strains, tears, and tendinitis.
Symptoms of a rotator cuff injury may include shoulder pain (particularly when reaching or lifting), weakness in the affected arm, difficulty sleeping on the injured side, and clicking or popping sounds when moving the shoulder.
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes stiffness and pain in the shoulder. It occurs when the tissues around the shoulder joint become thick and tight, restricting movement. Individuals with rotator cuff injuries or those who have undergone prolonged immobilization of the shoulder are at a higher risk of developing a frozen shoulder.
Dislocated Shoulders
A dislocated shoulder, which can occur due to accidents like falls or car crashes, leads to symptoms such as intense pain, swelling, bruising, and limited range of motion. The injured person may encounter difficulty moving their arm and face challenges in performing everyday tasks that require shoulder movements. The recovery time for this type of injury varies depending on the severity and individual healing process.
Torn Labrums and Other Soft Tissue Tears
Torn labrums and other soft tissue tears are common shoulder injuries that can cause significant pain and limited mobility.
The shoulder joint is a complex structure composed of tendons, ligaments, muscles, and the labrum, which is a cartilage ring that helps stabilize the joint. When any of these structures are torn, it can lead to a variety of symptoms and complications.
Bone Fractures in the Shoulder Region
Bone fractures in the shoulder region can be classified into different types depending on the location and severity of the break. The most common types of fractures include:
- Clavicle Fractures: The clavicle, also known as the collarbone, can fracture due to a direct blow or fall. These fractures are usually characterized by pain, swelling, and deformity around the collarbone area.
- Scapula Fractures: The scapula, or shoulder blade, can fracture as a result of high-energy trauma such as motor vehicle accidents or falls from significant heights. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the arm.
- Proximal Humerus Fractures: These fractures occur in the upper part of the arm bone near the shoulder joint. They can be caused by falls or direct blows to the shoulder. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and limited range of motion.
Complications related to shoulder fractures can arise, including:
- Infection: Fractures that break through the skin or involve open wounds can increase the risk of infection. Infection can delay the healing process and lead to further complications.
- Tissue Death: Fractures can disrupt the blood supply to surrounding tissues, resulting in tissue death or necrosis. This can cause long-term disability if not addressed promptly.
Treatment for shoulder fractures may involve the use of screws, wires, or plates to hold and align the fractured bone pieces.
In some cases, surgery may be required to stabilize the fracture and promote proper healing.
Prompt treatment, including management of any potential infections and tissue injuries, can help minimize the risk of permanent disability.
Causes of Shoulder Injuries
Shoulder injuries can occur due to a variety of causes, such as accidents, falls, and direct blows.
Car Accidents
Car accidents can have serious consequences, often resulting in various types of injuries, including shoulder injuries. These injuries can be caused by the forceful impact or sudden movements involved in car crashes. Whether it’s a collision between two cars or involving a truck, the shoulder is susceptible to injury due to the impact.
Shoulder injuries sustained in car accidents can range from mild to severe. Common injuries include dislocated shoulders, fractures, sprains, strains, torn ligaments, and rotator cuff injuries. The severity of these injuries depends on the force of the impact, the position of the occupant, and other factors.
Slip-and-Falls
Slip-and-fall accidents can occur in a variety of environments and often result in shoulder injuries. Common types of slip-and-fall accidents that can lead to shoulder injuries include wet or slippery floors, uneven or damaged flooring, poorly maintained stairs or handrails, and cluttered walkways.
In Maine, property owners have a legal obligation to maintain safe premises for visitors and guests. This duty, known as premises liability, means that property owners must regularly inspect and repair any potential hazards that could cause slip-and-fall accidents. If a property owner fails to meet this duty and someone sustains a shoulder injury as a result, they may be held financially responsible.
The potential financial and non-financial costs that property owners may be held responsible for include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and rehabilitation expenses. These costs can add up quickly and place a significant burden on the injured individual.
Defective Medical Devices or Products
Defective medical devices and products can pose serious risks to individuals, including the potential for shoulder injuries. These injuries can result in chronic pain, limited mobility, and the need for extensive medical treatment. Here are some types of defective medical devices or products that have been known to cause severe injuries:
- Faulty Shoulder Implants: Shoulder implants, such as prosthetic joints or screws, can be defective in their design or manufacture. This can lead to loosening, dislocation, or fracturing of the implant, causing severe shoulder pain and instability.
- Defective Surgical Tools: Surgical tools used during shoulder surgeries, such as arthroscopic instruments or suturing devices, can be defective in their construction. If these tools malfunction or break during a procedure, they can cause damage to the surrounding shoulder structures and result in shoulder injuries.
When it comes to shoulder surgeries, malpractice and related lawsuits can arise due to negligence of the medical professional like surgical errors, misdiagnosis, improper post-operative care, or failure to obtain proper informed consent.
Symptoms of a Shoulder Injury
Shoulder injuries are frequently encountered in Maine due to the physically demanding nature and strenuous activities involved, thereby necessitating people to take heed of any symptoms that may indicate a shoulder injury and seek prompt medical attention.
- Pain - Jolting hits or accidents can cause immediate sharp pain in the shoulder. Additionally, a torn rotator cuff, which is a tear in the tendons that connect the muscles to the bones in the shoulder, can cause persistent pain.
- Stiffness - Stiffness in the shoulder is another symptom of a shoulder injury. The shoulder may feel tight and restricted in movement, making simple tasks challenging. A frozen shoulder, a medical condition where the shoulder joint becomes immobile, can cause severe stiffness and limited range of motion.
Reasons to Seek a Portland, Maine, Shoulder Injury Attorney
If you have suffered a shoulder injury in Portland, Maine, seek the assistance of our skilled shoulder injury attorneys at Goldberg & Loren.
Our personal injury law firm understands the complexities of the legal system, policy limits, and statutes of limitation and has mastered how to navigate it effectively.
We have the experience and expertise to help you file a claim for compensation benefits and gather the necessary evidence to support your case. We are well-versed in dealing with insurance adjusters and auto insurance companies and can negotiate with them on your behalf.
Our experienced personal injury lawyers will work diligently to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation possible. We take into account all factors related to your injury, including physical therapy, medical care, emotional distress, unpaid bills, lost wages, and any future medical expenses or ongoing treatment you may require.
By seeking legal representation, you are also protecting your rights. Our personal injury attorneys will fight for your best interests every step of the way and ensure that you are treated fairly throughout the process.
We will handle all the intricacies of your case so that you can focus on your recovery.
Have You Recently Suffered a Shoulder Injury in Portland, Maine? Don’t Navigate the Legal Process Alone.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our Portland, Maine, shoulder injury attorneys. Don’t wait another day to get the justice and financial compensation you deserve.
Source:
[1] Shoulder Injury Statistics and Ways to Reduce the Occurrence of Injuries. (2022, March 17). UOANJ – NJ Orthopedic Associates. https://uoanj.com/shoulder-injury-statistics-and-ways-to-reduce-the-occurrence-of-injuries/
Goldberg & Loren
180 Pool St Suite 105,
Biddeford, ME 04005
(207) 977-2838
If you or someone you care about has recently experienced a shoulder injury in Portland and are looking to pursue compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, and emotional distress, don't hesitate to reach out to us. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case in detail.
We Represent Those Injured in Truck Accidents in the Following Cities and Communities Near Portland, Maine.
- Biddeford, ME
- Buxton, ME
- Cape Elizabeth, ME
- Falmouth, ME
- Freeport, ME
- Gorham, ME
- Gray, ME
- Old Orchard Beach ,ME
- Raymond, ME
- Saco, ME
- Scarborough, ME
- Standish, ME
- Westbrook, ME
- Yarmouth, ME
- Cumberland County Maine
- Sagadahoc County Maine
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