You may have known how badly you were hurt at the scene of the motorcycle wreck or the realization may have come days or weeks later. Either way, it became clear to you that the shoulder injury that you suffered in the crash was serious, that you required medical treatment, and that it would impact your daily life. Now you need to understand the injury that you suffered and how to protect your recovery and your future.
Motorcycle Accident Shoulder Injuries
Not all shoulder injuries are the same. If you suffer any pain, if your ability to move your shoulder or your arm is limited, or if you notice any physical deformities, then it is important to see a doctor immediately for a diagnosis and treatment plan. Some of the potential shoulder injuries that you may suffer in a motorcycle crash include a:
- Broken bone. If your shoulder hits the pavement, your bike, or another vehicle then you may suffer from a break on your clavicle, proximal humerus bone, or another bone in your shoulder area. Symptoms of a broken bone may include pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
- Dislocated shoulder. If you land on your shoulder after a bike crash, then your shoulder may become dislocated at the acromioclavicular joint. Pain or a physical deformity may be your first sign that you have suffered an injury.
- Torn rotator cuff. The rotator cuff is found at the top of your arm and helps you move your shoulder. A tear in this tendon can be very painful and significantly limit your ability to move your arm.
- SLAP tear. The Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior (SLAP) is cartilage that surrounds the shoulder joint. When it tears you may experience pain and difficulty moving.
- Different tendon, muscle, or ligament injuries. When any tendon, muscle, or ligament is injured in a bike wreck, the symptoms can be similar to those of a torn rotator cuff or SLAP tear and medical treatment is usually required.
- Frozen shoulder. If an injury prevents you from moving your shoulder for a period of time, then frozen shoulder may develop. It is difficult, or impossible, to move your shoulder if you suffer from frozen shoulder and medical intervention is important.
Your treatment will depend on your unique injuries but may include:
- Immobilization in a sling.
- Pain medication.
- Anti-inflammatory medication.
- Steroid injections.
- Surgery.
- Physical therapy.
As you go through treatment, you may incur medical costs, lost income, out-of-pocket costs, physical pain, and emotional suffering.
Act Now to Protect Your Fair Motorcycle Accident Recovery
Liability may clear. You may know exactly which driver caused your motorcycle crash. However, your recovery will not be automatic. Instead, you are going to have to take specific steps to make sure you get the fair recovery that you deserve.
You have probably already taken the first step by getting a diagnosis for your injury and by starting your treatment plan. You did this so that you could feel better and prevent your injury from worsening. Those are the most important reasons for getting medical help. However, prompt medical attention can also provide important evidence in your legal case by establishing causation between the accident and your injury and by providing documentation about the extent of your injuries.
The next step that you should take to protect your fair motorcycle injury recovery is to contact an experienced lawyer. Our lawyers, who are also riders, know how to investigate claims, how to gather evidence, and how to make convincing arguments to insurance companies and the court. We will make sure that you are treated fairly and that you do not make any mistakes that could hurt your case.
To learn more, please schedule a free consultation with us today. We would be pleased to meet with you at your home, hospital, office, or location of your choice or we will welcome you at any of our Illinois offices in Bloomington, Gurnee, or Rockford. Additionally, you can learn more about how to protect your rights by reading a free copy of The Ultimate Guide for Motorcycle Accident Victims.