Hidden Costs of a Car Accident Every Victim Should Know Before Filing a Claim

Shoulder injuries are a frequent but often underestimated consequence of car accidents. While visible cuts and bruises heal quickly, the complex shoulder joint can suffer lasting damage that only reveals itself days later. Without early medical care and careful documentation, these injuries can spiral into long-term pain and reduced mobility, and insurers may seize on delays to undervalue your claim.

At Harper, Evans, Hilbrenner & Netemeyer, we have decades of experience representing Missouri clients with shoulder injuries after car accidents. Whether the case involves a rotator cuff tear, a labrum repair, or months of physical therapy, we connect medical evidence to legal claims to secure fair compensation.

Key Takeaways

• Shoulder injuries from car accidents may involve torn tendons, fractures, or soft tissue damage.
  
  
• Symptoms may not appear immediately, making early evaluation crucial.
  
  
• Mobility limitations affect work, sleep, and daily independence.
  
  
• Insurers often argue that injuries are pre-existing or exaggerated.
  
  
• Strong documentation, including imaging and treatment notes, builds credibility.
  
  
• Compensation should account for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
  
  
• Surgical treatment may extend recovery and increase claim value.
  
  
• An attorney ensures insurers do not minimize or dismiss the severity of your injury.
  
  

Types of Shoulder Injuries from Impact

Car accidents generate a sudden force that can injure the shoulder joint in multiple ways:

• Rotator cuff tears: Caused when victims brace against the steering wheel during impact.
  
  
• Labrum injuries (SLAP lesions): Cartilage tears triggered by twisting or compression.
  
  
• Clavicle fractures: Often the result of seatbelt force or direct trauma.
  
  
• AC joint sprains and dislocations: Caused by impact against the dashboard or side door.
  
  
• Soft tissue injuries: Tendonitis, bursitis, nerve irritation, and bruising.
  
  

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) identifies traumatic events like car crashes as a leading cause of serious shoulder injuries. Even low-speed collisions can create lasting joint damage.

Our attorneys have seen firsthand how these injuries disrupt clients’ lives. From reduced strength to chronic pain, the impact often extends far beyond the emergency room visit.

How These Injuries Affect Mobility and Daily Life

A shoulder injury may not sound catastrophic, but it can reshape daily routines. People often struggle with reaching overhead, lifting objects, or even pushing doors. Pain can disrupt sleep and make even basic tasks, such as dressing or driving, difficult.

We have represented clients who were unable to perform their jobs due to shoulder injuries, resulting in wage loss and long-term financial strain. We highlight these real-world impacts to ensure settlements reflect more than just hospital bills.

Diagnosing Rotator Cuff and Soft Tissue Damage

X-rays frequently miss soft tissue injuries, which is why advanced imaging is crucial. MRIs and ultrasounds detect tendon and cartilage damage, while orthopedic exams reveal functional limitations. Sometimes diagnostic injections confirm the source of pain. According to NIH MedlinePlus, persistent shoulder pain following an accident should never be ignored, even when initial tests look normal.

Consistent follow-up both protects health and creates a reliable record for claims.

Insurance Company Tactics for Minimizing Claims

Insurers often attempt to minimize shoulder injury claims by blaming age-related degeneration, pointing to treatment gaps, or offering settlements before full imaging results are available. They may even monitor social media for evidence they can use against you.

We anticipate these strategies and counter them with expert medical testimony, organized records, and careful client guidance. By thoroughly preparing clients, we ensure the full value of their claims is protected.

Medical Documentation Requirements

To strengthen a shoulder injury claim, it is essential to build a clear and consistent medical record:

• Physician notes: Document pain, treatment plans, and functional restrictions.
  
  
• Imaging results, including MRIs, ultrasounds, and X-rays, confirm the injury.
  
  
• Therapy reports: Progress notes from physical therapy showing effort and limitations.
  
  
• Work restriction slips: Evidence of time missed or job modifications.
  
  
• Pain journals and medication logs: Personal records that support daily struggles.
  
  

Our attorneys help clients compile and preserve this documentation, ensuring insurers cannot dismiss the seriousness of their condition.

Claiming Compensation for Pain and Suffering

Compensation for shoulder injuries includes both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover hospital bills, surgeries, therapy costs, and lost wages. Non-economic damages reflect pain, sleeplessness, reduced independence, and emotional strain. Our firm has secured verdicts and settlements where shoulder limitations significantly raised award values. By presenting both the financial and personal toll, we ensure compensation reflects the full impact.

When Surgery Is Required

Not all shoulder injuries heal with rest and therapy. Surgery may be required for tendon repairs, labrum reconstructions, or open repairs. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) reports that orthopedic surgeries, including shoulder procedures, are among the most expensive hospital admissions.

Recovery can take anywhere from six to twelve months, and some patients may never regain full function. Our attorneys utilize this evidence to demonstrate why surgical cases warrant higher settlements, taking into account factors such as recovery time, lost wages, and long-term limitations.

FAQs

• How do I know if shoulder pain after a car accident is a serious issue? Persistent pain or limited motion should prompt immediate medical evaluation.
  
  
• What if my X-ray looked normal? Soft tissue injuries may not be visible on X-rays; MRIs or ultrasounds are often necessary for diagnosis.
  
  
• How long does recovery take for a rotator cuff tear? Non-surgical cases may heal in a matter of months, while surgical repairs can take up to a year.
  
  
• Will insurance cover MRIs and surgery? If deemed medically necessary, insurers generally cover them, though they may resist without strong documentation.
  
  
• Can I claim damages if I had prior shoulder problems? Yes. If the accident worsened your condition, you can still seek compensation.
  
  
• Do I need an attorney for a shoulder injury claim? Yes. Insurers often undervalue these claims, and legal representation ensures fairness.
  
  
• What if my shoulder injury prevents me from working? Lost wages are a component of economic damages, and medical notes support such claims.
  
  
• How does physical therapy affect my case? PT records demonstrate progress and limitations, making them valuable evidence in both settlement negotiations and trial proceedings.
  
  

Wrap-Up: Protecting Your Health and Claim Value

Shoulder injuries may not be life-threatening, but they can disrupt independence, sleep, and work. Early diagnosis, consistent care, and strong documentation are essential. With skilled legal guidance, you can ensure insurers recognize the full extent of your injuries.

At Harper, Evans, Hilbrenner & Netemeyer, we combine medical knowledge with trial-tested strategies to protect clients’ rights. We fight for both immediate needs and long-term stability.

Do not let insurers minimize your pain. Contact us today for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win.

About Harper, Evans, Hilbrenner & Netemeyer

Harper, Evans, Hilbrenner & Netemeyer is a Missouri-based law firm with decades of experience in personal injury litigation. Our attorneys have secured multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements for victims of car accidents, including those with complex orthopedic injuries.

We operate on a contingency fee basis, ensuring clients pay nothing unless we recover compensation.

Learn more about us and why Missouri victims trust us to protect their rights.