I Tore My Rotator Cuff in A Car Wreck – How Much Is My Case Worth?

Elizabeth is a stay-at-home mom who often shuttles her three kids between ballet, soccer, and band. In those moments of free time, she tries to find some sanity by visiting with her friends or shopping at a local boutique she loves. She even tried her hand at cutting vinyl and making shirts, but she found it easier just to buy them from friends of friends.

Unfortunately, one day between all her errands and car service duties (at least it often feels that way to her), she was hit from behind while waiting at a red light. As a Louisiana personal injury lawyer, I often see clients like Elizabeth, whose lives are disrupted by someone else’s negligence. The impact caused her car to lurch forward suddenly, which in turn caused her body to accelerate forward. Luckily, Elizabeth was wearing her seat belt, so she did not seriously injure her head, but she felt some pain in her left shoulder, where her seatbelt crossed her body.

Many people are surprised to learn that seat belts can cause shoulder injuries during a collision. While seat belts save lives and prevent far more serious injuries, the force of a crash can cause the shoulder to absorb a significant amount of energy. In rear-end and frontal collisions, the shoulder strap may place sudden stress on the rotator cuff tendons, leading to strains, partial tears, or complete tears.

Because the initial pain often feels like nothing more than soreness or bruising from the seat belt, many crash victims assume the discomfort will resolve on its own. Unfortunately, some later discover that what seemed like a minor shoulder ache was actually a torn rotator cuff requiring months of treatment, injections, or even surgery.

She thought it would go away, but when her shoulder continued hurting a week later – Elizabeth was having pain while brushing her hair, washing her hair, trying to put on clothes and it seemed the pain was just getting worse – she went to her doctor. After some discussion, a negative X-ray that did not show any fractures or breaks, and a painful bout of physical therapy, she had an MRI done. The MRI revealed a partial thickness tear of her rotator cuff.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of a Rotator Cuff Tear

A rotator cuff injury often manifests through a variety of symptoms. While Elizabeth noticed pain during daily tasks, others may experience:

• Persistent pain when lifting or lowering the arm.
• Discomfort while resting, especially noticeable at night.
• Muscle weakness that makes it difficult to perform simple actions.
• Pain while moving the shoulder in certain positions, such as reaching overhead or behind the back.
• Cracking noises in the joint during arm or shoulder movement.
• Pain after an injury, such as a fall or car accident, that doesn’t subside.
• Radiating pain that travels down the affected arm.

These symptoms can significantly disrupt everyday life, much like they did for Elizabeth. Identifying these signs early and seeking medical advice is crucial for effective treatment and recovery.

What is the Rotator Cuff?

A rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that keep the shoulder steady. The four muscles of the rotator cuff are the Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres minor, and the Subscapularis.

What is a Rotator Cuff Tear?

A rotator cuff tear occurs when one of the tendons is torn from overuse or injury.

A rotator cuff tear weakens the shoulder, which makes it harder or more painful to engage in your activities of daily living, such as putting on your clothes, brushing your hair, and more.

Can a Seat Belt Cause a Torn Rotator Cuff?

Yes. Although seat belts are essential safety devices and greatly reduce the risk of severe injury or death, the shoulder belt can sometimes contribute to shoulder injuries during a collision.

When a vehicle suddenly stops or changes direction during a crash, the seat belt restrains the body while the shoulder continues moving forward. This force can place significant stress on the muscles and tendons that make up the rotator cuff.

Many people initially believe they simply have a sore shoulder from the seat belt. They may notice discomfort when reaching overhead, brushing their hair, fastening a seat belt, or putting on clothing. Because these symptoms often seem minor at first, people frequently delay treatment.

How is a Rotator Cuff Tear Diagnosed?

A rotator cuff tear will not show up on an x-ray.

This is one reason rotator cuff injuries are frequently missed after car accidents. Many crash victims visit an emergency room or urgent care center where X-rays rule out fractures, but soft tissue injuries cannot be seen on those studies.

When shoulder pain persists despite a normal X-ray, you should get an MRI or ultrasound to determine whether a torn rotator cuff or another soft tissue injury is present.

These tests can show the rotator cuff tear, as well as where the tear is located inside the tendon and the size of the tear. With a larger tear, there is decreased room for argument by the insurance company and/or its doctors. If the tear is very small, there is a chance that the insurance company and/or its doctor will deny that a tear even exists. This influences the value of the case.

An MRI can also give your doctor a better idea of whether the tear is old or new because it may show the quality of the rotator cuff muscles.

Unfortunately, some crash victims later learn that what they thought was ordinary soreness was actually a partial or complete rotator cuff tear. In some cases, the injury may not be fully diagnosed until an MRI is performed weeks or months after the collision. Injuries that initially go undiagnosed after a wreck can cause people to accept a quick settlement that doesn’t begin to cover their full medical costs, physical therapy, pain and suffering, and time off of work.

Causes of Rotator Cuff Tears

The two primary causes of rotator cuff tears are traumatic injuries and degeneration. Some tears happen suddenly during an accident, while others develop gradually over time as the tendons wear down.

Acute Tears (Traumatic Injuries)

An acute rotator cuff tear occurs when a sudden force causes one or more of the shoulder tendons to tear. These injuries can happen in many different situations, including:

• Car accidents, especially when the shoulder is restrained by a seat belt during a collision
• Slip and fall accidents where a person lands on an outstretched arm
• Trip and fall incidents
• Workplace accidents involving lifting, pulling, or sudden jerking movements
• Sports injuries
• Falls from ladders or elevated surfaces
• Heavy lifting that places excessive stress on the shoulder

Many people are surprised to learn that seat belts can contribute to shoulder injuries during a crash. While seat belts save lives and prevent far more serious injuries, the force of a collision can place significant stress on the shoulder and rotator cuff tendons. Some crash victims initially believe they have only suffered bruising or soreness from the shoulder strap, only to learn weeks later through an MRI that they actually sustained a torn rotator cuff.

The strongest personal injury cases are often those where another person’s negligence caused the injury and an orthopedic specialist is able to connect the rotator cuff tear to the incident in question.

Degenerative Tears

Many rotator cuff tears occur because the tendon gradually wears down over time. Degenerative tears become more common as we age and may also develop in people whose jobs, hobbies, or sports activities require repetitive overhead shoulder movements.

Some people have a degenerative tear without knowing it because it causes little or no pain. Then an accident occurs, such as a car wreck or fall, and the previously asymptomatic tear suddenly becomes painful and disabling.

Insurance companies often try to blame shoulder pain on age-related degeneration rather than the accident itself. However, the fact that a tear may have existed before an injury does not necessarily mean the accident did not make it worse. If you were functioning normally before the incident and began experiencing significant pain and limitations afterward, your treating physician’s testimony can be critical in establishing how the accident changed your condition and negating the insurance company’s pre-existing condition claim.

How Long Does It Take for a Torn Rotator Cuff to Heal?

Healing from a torn rotator cuff can be a lengthy process, influenced by several critical factors such as the injury’s severity, the type of treatment, and the patient’s age. The length of recovery time can be a large factor in the value of a rotator cuff injury.

Factors Affecting Recovery

1. Severity and Location: A complete tear is more serious than a partial one, often requiring more intensive intervention.
2. Time to Treatment: Prompt medical attention can significantly speed up recovery.
3. Age Considerations: Those over 60 may experience prolonged recovery times due to natural tissue aging.

• Surgical Intervention: Severe tears might necessitate surgery, which involves reattaching tendons to the upper arm bone. Recovery from such procedures can take several months, with some patients not fully regaining movement.
• Non-Surgical Approaches: Partial tears may be treated through physical therapy or small interventions like debridement, which encourages healing by removing dead tissue.

• Minor Injuries (Bursitis or Tendonitis): Generally, these conditions improve within 3 to 6 months with treatments including rest, physical therapy, and possibly steroid injections.
• Major Tears: Full recovery can take about 6 months after surgery, though gaining complete range of motion can be challenging, particularly for older adults. In some cases, about 60% of patients may not fully heal, even with surgical repair.

Each recovery journey is unique, so consulting with a healthcare professional is essential to determine the best treatment plan and set realistic expectations for healing.

How Much Can I Get for a Torn Rotator Cuff Injury?

If you are trying to estimate what your car accident case is worth, there are several factors you must consider.

The main factors that will affect the amount of your rotator cuff injury settlement are:

1. The severity of your injury, how much treatment you receive, and how long you receive treatment
2. If you are fully or partially at fault for the incident
3. How much insurance the other party holds

First, there is not a “settlement formula” that can accurately predict how much you will receive for your case. Estimates are practically useless prior to a thorough examination of your case and all relevant factors. Additionally, it is difficult for any attorney to give an estimate due to unpredictable factors, such as the particular jury for your case or without knowing the full extent of your injury or treatment.

Other critical considerations include:

• Whether the accident was clearly caused by the other party or if there’s a dispute over fault
• Whether your injury is directly linked to the accident or if there are questions surrounding its cause
• The total amount of medical expenses incurred due to the injury
• The income lost during your recovery period
• Your overall recovery progress—whether you’ve fully healed or continue to experience issues
• The jurisdiction where your lawsuit will be filed, as some areas may yield higher settlements due to local laws or jury tendencies

These factors combined will give a more comprehensive view of what influences your settlement amount, highlighting the importance of a detailed assessment by a legal professional.

In one torn rotator cuff case I handled, the client had one surgery a few weeks after an accident, did some physical therapy for a few months, and then returned to work without issue.

In another case, my client had physical therapy, then surgery followed by more physical therapy, followed by another surgery when the shoulder did not heal, followed by more physical therapy and ultimately a third surgery on the same shoulder before she could return to work – which she did at a lower level than she was working before the injury.

In yet another rotator cuff tear case, a surgeon recommended that my client have rotator cuff repair surgery, but my client decided against the surgery.

These types of scenarios make it difficult to accurately estimate the value of any such case. However, understanding these factors can provide a clearer picture of what might influence the settlement process and help you manage expectations accordingly.

Real Client Story: $86,000 Recovery After A Torn Rotator Cuff From A Car Crash

In one case we handled, a 66-year-old St. Charles Parish grandfather was rear-ended while merging from I-55 South onto I-10 East near LaPlace. He first went to the emergency room with neck, back, and shoulder pain, but the early imaging did not show the full extent of his injuries.

When his shoulder pain did not improve, further treatment and an MRI revealed a torn rotator cuff. The insurance company argued the injury was chronic and tried to downplay the claim. After our team built the evidence, sent a policy limits demand, and filed suit when the insurer did not respond, the case resolved for more than $86,000.

This result shows why it is important to keep treating, get the right testing, and avoid accepting a quick settlement before you know the full extent of your injury. Read the full client story about this torn rotator cuff car accident recovery.

What Factors Determine The Value Of A Torn Rotator Cuff Injury Case?

An experienced personal attorney will learn about your case and instruct you on the process of a personal injury/car accident case. Understanding the intricacies of a torn rotator cuff injury, especially when caused by an accident, is crucial. Such injuries can be debilitating, affecting your daily life and requiring extensive medical care.

Here’s why contacting a lawyer can be beneficial:

• Medical Evaluation and Legal Guidance: A lawyer can help you navigate medical evaluations to determine the extent of your injury and the necessary treatment.
• Compensation Recovery: They can assist in pursuing compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages, ensuring you are not financially burdened by someone else’s negligence.
• No Upfront Fees: Many personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay no fees unless your case is successful, making legal help more accessible.

For those grappling with the aftermath of an injury, seeking legal counsel can provide peace of mind and pave the way for recovery.

Additionally, there are several resources that will help you determine what juries in your area are awarding car crash victims. You can look at sites (for a fee usually) like VerdictSearch which archive trial verdicts and can be good resources if want to see what juries are awarding for cases like yours. You should note that specific factors in any reported case may be different than your case and you should not use any results as an indication of what you will receive.

If you have been injured in a car accident, seek medical treatment first. A doctor will evaluate your case and decide the best course of treatment. This is crucial because rotator cuff injuries, in particular, can be serious and affect your ability to perform daily tasks.

By combining medical assessment with legal expertise, you can ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the support necessary to navigate the aftermath of a car accident effectively.

What is the Average Settlement for a Rotator Cuff Injury?

Determining an average settlement amount for rotator cuff injuries can be tricky because each situation is unique, and influenced by multiple factors.

Key Factors Affecting Settlements

1. Fault Determination: Who was responsible for the incident plays a critical role. In cases where clear negligence is proven, the settlement amount could be higher.
2. Nature of the Injury: Whether it is a complete or partial tear significantly affects the compensation. Full tears often lead to more severe consequences, thus potentially higher settlements.
3. Medical Interventions:
   • Was surgery necessary?
   • How effective was the surgery in restoring function?

   These questions are crucial, as outcomes of surgical repairs often impact the settlement size.

4. Rehabilitation Success: The effectiveness of physical therapy in recovering mobility and function also influences the compensation amount.
5. Economic Impact: Loss of income due to the injury accounts for a considerable part of the settlement. This includes both past and anticipated future earnings that are affected.
6. Severity and Impact: The overall severity and the personal impact of the injury, including pain and suffering, are weighed heavily during settlement discussions.

Ultimately, while there isn’t a one-size-fits-all figure, settlements generally aim to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and any loss of quality of life. Consulting with legal professionals and medical experts often provides the most accurate estimate tailored to individual circumstances.

3 Main Factors that Reduce Your Rotator Cuff Tear Settlement

The three main obstacles to achieving full financial compensation for a rotator cuff tear resulting from a car accident are:

1. Insufficient Insurance Coverage:
   • If the other party involved in the accident doesn’t have insurance or has minimal insurance coverage, it can significantly limit your ability to recover the costs associated with your injury. Without adequate insurance, covering the extensive costs of surgery, treatment, and rehabilitation for a rotator cuff tear can be challenging. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM) coverage on your policy can help, but without it, you might face difficulties.
2. Liability Issues:
   • If you are found to be at fault for the accident, you generally won’t be able to recover compensation for your injuries. This includes situations where you caused the accident by running a red light, rear-ending another vehicle, or other negligent actions. Liability determines who is responsible for covering the damages, and if you are the liable party, your ability to seek compensation is severely restricted.
3. Delayed or Inadequate Medical Treatment:
   • Rotator cuff injuries can sometimes start as minor tears that worsen over time or can present as general “soreness” that you think will go away with time. If you delay seeking medical attention or fail to get proper treatment promptly, it can complicate your ability to link the injury directly to the accident. Delayed treatment can also lead to questions about the cause of the injury, making it harder to prove that the accident was the direct cause of your rotator cuff tear. Timely medical evaluation and treatment are crucial for establishing a clear connection between the injury and the accident, which is necessary for securing compensation.

Oh – and Elizabeth, she was able to be treated conservatively with physical therapy and an injection and returned to full function in a few weeks. I am thankful her injuries were not more serious. As she said, her carpool depended on her!

Is Consulting a Lawyer Necessary for a Rotator Cuff Injury Claim?

Seeking advice from a personal injury lawyer can be beneficial. Legal experts can evaluate the need for ongoing medical care and help you pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost earnings, and other damages related to the injury caused by another’s negligence.

Understanding these critical aspects can guide you in navigating the legal avenues available for seeking compensation for a rotator cuff injury.

Have you or a loved one suffered a rotator cuff tear in a car accident? Don’t wait—get the compensation you deserve. For experienced, dedicated legal representation in St. Charles Parish, the River Parishes, and the greater New Orleans area, call New Orleans car accident lawyer Loyd J. Bourgeois today at (985) 240-9773.

Your recovery starts with a simple click—reach out now for a free case evaluation!

Please note that names are changed and circumstances may be combined for illustration purposes!

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