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What’s the Recovery Time for a Shoulder Injury?

Dawn Pinnisi

September 19, 2024

The shoulder is crucial for most movements and tasks, so an injury can significantly limit one’s ability to perform routine tasks, work, or engage in sports and hobbies. That is why people who sustain shoulder injuries from accidents are always concerned about recovery time. A shoulder injury recovery time is key, especially because it paints a picture of the impact on the victim’s life.

If you have sustained a shoulder injury from an accident caused by another person’s negligence, you have legal options. You need to consult a personal injury lawyer from Varcadipane & Pinnisi, P.C., to evaluate your injuries and seek accurate compensation. Your attorney will take into account the amount of time it may take for you to fully recover and return to good health so that you can seek full compensation for your pain and suffering.

Causes of Shoulder Injuries

Shoulder injuries are common and can result from various incidents, with slip-and-fall accidents being the primary causes. These occur when a person loses their footing and falls, often landing on their shoulder or using an outstretched arm to break the fall. The sudden impact and awkward positioning of the shoulder during the fall can lead to dislocations, fractures, or tears in the rotator cuff.

Car accidents can also cause significant shoulder injuries. The force and impact of a car collision can cause significant trauma to the shoulder. This might happen due to the shoulder being jolted against the car’s interior, the seatbelt’s restraint, or the airbag deployment. Depending on the severity of the impact, such accidents can result in dislocations, fractures, or soft tissue injuries.

What Can You Do to Ease Shoulder Pain?

Dealing with shoulder pain can be challenging, but several strategies can help alleviate discomfort and promote healing.

  • Rest and immobilization. Allowing the shoulder to rest from activities that strain it to prevent further damage. Sometimes, wearing a sling is recommended to keep the shoulder immobilized and reduce pain.
  • Cold and heat therapy. Applying ice packs to the injured shoulder can reduce inflammation and numb pain. After the initial swelling subsides, heat therapy can be used to relax muscles and improve blood flow to the area.
  • Physical therapy. Engaging in a tailored physical therapy program can strengthen the shoulder muscles, improve the range of motion, and accelerate recovery. A recent study reports that physical therapy treatments after car accidents can lead to a 71% improvement in symptoms. A physical therapist will guide you through exercises designed to restore shoulder function.
  • Over-the-counter pain relief. Non-prescription pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. However, it’s essential to follow the dosage instructions and consult a healthcare provider if the pain persists.

Do I Need Surgery?

Whether surgery is necessary depends on the severity of the shoulder injury. Minor injuries, such as mild sprains or strains, typically do not require surgical intervention and can be managed with conservative treatments like rest and physical therapy. However, more severe injuries, such as complete rotator cuff tears, fractures, or dislocations, may necessitate surgery to repair the damage.

Surgery is usually considered when conservative treatments fail to provide relief or if the injury is severe enough to impair shoulder function. We recommend consulting an orthopedic surgeon, who can help determine the best course of action based on your specific injury.

When a shoulder injury from an accident requires surgery, it significantly increases the overall cost of the incident. This includes not only the surgical procedure itself but also related expenses such as hospital stays, anesthesia, post-operative care, physical therapy, and any necessary medications.

Your personal injury attorney will take these costs into account when calculating the compensation to seek. This ensures that the compensation sought adequately covers the financial and personal toll of the injury.

How Long Can a Shoulder Injury Take to Heal?

The length of time a shoulder injury takes to heal is key. Usually, your lawyer will wait until you reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) before filing a claim. This is the time when your shoulder injury has recovered as much as possible, and there is a clearer picture of any permanent disabilities or ongoing medical needs to factor in when seeking compensation.

For mild strains or sprains, recovery can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Rest, physical therapy, and proper care can expedite the healing process.

Moderate injuries, such as partial rotator cuff tears or moderate dislocations, may require a few months of recovery. Physical therapy plays a significant role in regaining strength and mobility during this period.

However, severe injuries, such as complete rotator cuff tears or fractures, often require surgery and an extended recovery period. Healing can take several months to a year, with physical therapy being an integral part of the rehabilitation process.

What If I Damaged My Shoulder Due to a Car Accident?

If your shoulder injury resulted from a car accident, it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately. Even if the pain seems minor at first, shoulder injuries can worsen over time. A thorough medical evaluation will help diagnose the extent of the injury and guide your treatment plan.

In addition to medical care, it’s advisable to consider the legal implications of your injury, especially if someone else’s negligence caused the accident. Shoulder injuries can lead to substantial medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term physical limitations. Therefore, you should take legal steps to pursue compensation for these damages to alleviate the financial burden.

Consult a New Jersey Car Accident Lawyer

A winning shoulder injury claim requires robust strategy and admissible evidence. If you have suffered a shoulder injury due to an accident in New Jersey, you need to call a car accident lawyer immediately. Our personal injury team at Varcadipane & Pinnisi, P.C. will evaluate your case and determine the next appropriate steps to pursue compensation for your injuries. Call us at (201) 588-1500 and begin your journey to justice and well-being.

Dawn M. Pinnisi

Dawn M. Pinnisi is a distinguished attorney with a track record of excellence in advocating for victims of injury and negligence. Dawn is a Founding Partner of the Firm, a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and has been awarded by the National Trial Lawyers.

University: J.D. Brooklyn Law School

Bar Number: 33771999

Locations: New Jersey and New York.

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This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partners, Jeffrey W. Varcadipane & Dawn M. Pinnisi, with more than 40 years of combined legal experience as personal injury attorneys.

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