Rotator Cuff Tears and SLAP Tears from a Car Accident in California

Shoulder injuries are common injuries in a car accident. Because the body automatically braces for impact, shoulders can absorb a huge amount of force which can lead to rotator cuff tears and SLAP (Superior Labral Anterior Posterior) tears. This is particularly true based on the way that seatbelts brace a person.  While a seatbelt can save your life in an auto accident, it can place extreme stress on the shoulder and result in serious personal injuries to the shoulder.  If you suffered a serious rotator cuff injury or SLAP tear from a California auto accident, call our Los Angeles shoulder injury lawyer for a free consultation to learn what your rights to compensation may be.

Rotator Cuff Anatomy

The rotator cuff tendons surround the shoulder joint that protect it and allow for its range of motion.  There are four rotator cuffs that help move and stabilize the shoulder.  They work along with several ligaments and major muscle groups.  While the rotator cuffs are very thick bands of tissue, they are not indestructible.  Even if one rotator cuff is torn or damaged, the entire arm may become unable to move properly.

SLAP Tears

A SLAP tear is a large tear to the labrum in the shoulder.  The labrum is the cartilage that connects the bones in the shoulder area. The labrum is formed by the proximal point of the bicep’s longhead tendon.  This tendon extends up your arm and in the shoulder region, where it curls into a “cup” of the “ball and cup” system in your arm.  When there is a SLAP tear, that cup is damaged which means any movement of the arm will be painful and even blocked.

Shoulder Injuries After an Auto Accident and Treatment

After an accident, it is critical to get treated by a healthcare provider who is trained to understand and treat shoulder injuries. Your provider may order imaging tests to detect an injury and its severity.

Some injuries are treated conservatively at first to reduce pain and inflammation. But some injuries don’t respond to conservative approaches and may further require physical therapy or even surgery. These injuries may go on to become lasting issues causing pain and reduced range of motion, significantly impacting your ability to work or even perform daily activities. If you have suffered shoulder injuries in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical costs, physical therapy costs, and even lost wages. It’s important to get the advice of a Los Angeles shoulder injury lawyer to understand your rights to any financial compensation you may be due after an accident. For more information and a FREE case review, contact us today at (888) 588-1777.  We are ready and willing to help.