Shoulder injuries are common after an auto accident, but the shoulder is very complex and injuries are not always diagnosed in a timely manner because it can be difficult to determine the source of pain. But shoulder injuries need to be treated, and your treatments can be compensated through insurance.
There are several problems with shoulder injuries after a car accident:
- Sometimes the pain doesn't appear for several days.
- You might think the pain will go away, so you wait to see a doctor (worst idea!).
- Your doctor may not realize there is something wrong until months later.
But none of these problems are unsolvable.
- See a doctor as soon as you feel pain.
- Make sure you tell your doctor about every detail of the pain, and ask about an MRI.
- Keep your primary care physician updated on your progress, even if you are seeing a massage therapist, chiropractor, or physical therapist - it doesn't hurt to have two sets of eyes on the injury.
Here are some common shoulder injuries after a car accident:
- A shoulder bone could be fractured.
- The shoulder could be separated.
- Rotator cuff damage could be damaged.
- A tear could occur in the cartilage.
- A muscle could tear.
- Pain could be caused by whiplash.
It is very common for the insurance company to deny claims, saying that your pain is from previous injuries or that you aren't really hurt. But remember, the best way to prove your case is to get medical treatment for your shoulder pain, and make sure your doctors understand how you were feeling before and after the car accident.
