Did you recently sustain a shoulder injury that you suspect was caused by someone else’s negligence? If so, you may be stuck with expensive medical bills and uncertainty about whether you’ll be able to return to work. You might be owed considerable financial compensation, but you need a skilled legal advocate in your corner who isn’t afraid to demand it. 

That’s where the experienced shoulder injury lawyers from Nowlan Personal Injury Law come in. We have over 50 years of combined experience, including years when we worked for insurance companies. We know how the other side operates and the tactics they use to prevent good people like you from recovering the compensation you deserve.

We don’t let greedy insurance companies push our clients around. While other attorneys might try to settle cases as quickly as possible for a paycheck, we prepare your case for trial. We aren’t afraid to go to court to demand the fair compensation you deserve.

Call us today to get started with a free case review with one of our Wisconsin shoulder injury lawyers.

What Is a Shoulder Injury?

Shoulder injuries can take many forms, from those caused by degenerative medical conditions to those caused by external force due to a negligent action. If someone else’s negligence caused your shoulder injury, you may be able to pursue compensation for the damages you’ve suffered as a result.

Shoulder injuries can take many forms, including:

• Rotator cuff tears
• Dislocations
• Impingement syndrome
• Separations
• Fractures

Common Symptoms of Shoulder Injuries

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons identifies the following symptoms of shoulder injuries:

• Pain in the shoulder
• Limited range of motion
• Feeling like the shoulder could pop or slide out of the socket
• Weakness in the shoulder

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms following an accident, seek medical treatment.  

Types of Shoulder Injuries

Shoulder injuries can range in severity, from minor sprains to serious injuries that result in permanent disability. In some situations, shoulder injuries can make it difficult or impossible to perform daily activities. 

Common types of shoulder injuries include:

• Broken shoulders: Shoulder bones may fracture, leading to painful injuries that make it difficult to use the affected arm. These injuries often involve long recovery periods and rehabilitation. 
• Rotator cuff tears: Rotator cuff tears are one of the most common shoulder injuries, occurring when tendons that comprise the rotator cuff tear. These injuries may require physical therapy or medication. Some instances call for surgery to relieve symptoms.
• Labral tears: The labrum is a piece of cartilage that helps to cushion and stabilize the shoulder. Symptoms include pain in the affected shoulder, stiffness, clicking or popping sounds, and a limited range of motion. 

It’s best to receive prompt medical attention after an accident so that your injuries can be properly diagnosed. Your injury may be diagnosed through a combination of physical examinations, reviewing your medical history, and imaging tests that can identify the specific issue that is leading to symptoms.

Common Causes of Shoulder Injuries 

Shoulder injuries can occur as a result of various causes, including falls, overuse, and direct impact. Motor vehicle accidents that frequently lead to shoulder injuries include the following:

• Car accidents 
• Truck accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Pedestrian accidents
• Bicycle accidents
• ATV accidents
• Bus accidents
• Boating accidents 

An experienced shoulder injury lawyer from Nowlan Personal Injury Law can evaluate your case and explain the legal options available to you.

Medical Treatment for Shoulder Injuries 

The types of medical treatment you may require after sustaining a shoulder injury depend on its level of severity. Mild shoulder injuries can often be treated with the RICE method, which includes the following:

• Rest: Avoiding physical activities that aggravate shoulder pain
• Ice: Applying ice packs wrapped in a towel every 15 – 20 minutes, multiple times a day to reduce inflammation
• Compression: Using a bandage to help control swelling
• Elevation: Keeping your shoulder elevated above your heart to minimize swelling

Your doctor may recommend pain relievers to manage pain and reduce inflammation. They may also recommend physical therapy, which involves learning exercises you can use to strengthen your muscles, improve your range of motion, and relieve pain. 

In more severe cases, your treatment plan may include corticosteroid injections or surgery. Your particular treatment will depend on your medical history, type and severity of injury, and response to treatment. Seeking medical help early in the process may be able to help you avoid more serious complications. 

What Damages Can I Seek in a Personal Injury Case?

Wisconsin accident victims have the right to pursue compensation for the economic and non-economic damages they suffered due to the accident. Economic damages compensate for direct financial losses, such as:

• Doctor visits
• Surgical costs
• Hospital stays
• Ambulance charges
• Occupational therapy and physical therapy
• Rehabilitation
• Prescription drugs
• Mental health counseling 
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning potential 
• Damage to their personal property

Non-economic damages compensate for the more subjective losses accident victims suffer, such as:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Mental and emotional trauma
• Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health effects
• Loss of enjoyment of life 
• Scarring and disfigurement 

An experienced personal injury lawyer from our firm can meticulously prepare your case and determine the damages you can demand. We can gather the evidence necessary to support your claim for maximum compensation.

Deadline for Filing a Shoulder Injury Lawsuit

Each state has what is known as the statute of limitations, which sets a deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit after being injured. Wisconsin’s statute of limitations provides for three years following an accident to file a lawsuit. If you don’t file your legal claim within the applicable timeline, you can lose your right to recover compensation through the courts.

While you might think three years sounds like a lot of time, your lawyer may recommend not starting your claim until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement (MMI). This is the point at which you have recovered as much as can be expected under the circumstances. It is also when your lawyer can more accurately estimate your future damages since the full extent of your injuries is known at this time, so your medical providers can better estimate the types and costs of future medical treatments and the long-term effect of the injuries on your life, if any. There may not be much gap between reaching MMI and the deadline to file your personal injury case.

If your claim is against the government, you will only have two years to file a lawsuit. Additionally, you will have to adhere to additional procedural guidelines regarding government claims, such as providing written notice of your claim. 

Take the first step toward protecting your future by contacting an experienced attorney today.

Have You Suffered a Shoulder Injury? Call Us for Help

If you recently sustained a shoulder injury due to someone else’s negligence, you should reach out to an experienced attorney for legal help. The insurance company may try to minimize your injuries and try to push you into accepting something other than a fair settlement. Contact Nowlan Personal Injury Law for tailored advice to your situation and dedicated legal representation.