Being involved in a car accident is a frightening experience. You may have lost control of your vehicle after another vehicle hit it, and for a few moments that likely felt like an eternity, your vehicle may have turned or flipped or moved in other gut-wrenching ways. When it finally came to a stop, you may have felt relieved.
However, that relief was likely short lived because you began to feel intense pain in your shoulder. Whether you knew it or not at the time, the crash and uncontrollable movement of your body during it dislocated your shoulder.
A serious injury
A dislocated shoulder can come with intense pain, swelling, bruising and inability to move the joint. You may have felt a sense of panic when you could not move your arm and felt that intense pain. When doctors informed you that you likely had a dislocated shoulder, they probably also indicated that other damage could have occurred as well, such as:
- Nerve damage
- Torn muscles, tendons or ligaments
- Damaged blood vessels
- Shoulder instability
The idea of having more serious injuries as a result of the dislocation may not have crossed your mind at first. Still, the amount of pain you felt let you know that something was seriously wrong. If medical professionals determined that any of these additional injuries occurred, you may have needed surgery to address them. As a result, you may need an even longer recovery time that initially suspected.
Long-lasting effects
Unfortunately, a dislocated shoulder can have long-lasting effects. The area may have a greater chance of experiencing reinjury, and you may lose some range of motion. Even if you perform the physical therapy exercises prescribed by your doctor, you may still feel the effects of the injury for years to come or even the rest of your life.
These effects can greatly affect your life, especially your ability to work. As a result, you may have concerns about your income, the medical expenses associated with your treatment, other financial setbacks stemming from the crash and additional difficulties. Fortunately, you may be able to take legal action against the driver considered at fault for the incident. Filing a personal injury claim could allow you to receive compensation for damages permitted under Alabama law. If you think this action could suit your circumstances, speaking with an attorney would be wise.
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