Houston Shoulder Injury Lawyer

Houston Shoulder Injury Lawyer

A shoulder injury is not a minor inconvenience; it can significantly impact your ability to work, result in lost wages, and affect your personal life. If someone else’s actions contribute to your shoulder injury and you’re considering legal options, consulting with a Houston shoulder injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and work towards the compensation you’re entitled to.

At DeHoyos Accident Attorneys, we have over a decade of experience helping victims seek compensation. Our personal injury approach provides the expertise and specialized knowledge necessary to help you win your case and, most importantly, receive compensation for all the damages caused.

Understanding Shoulder Injuries and How They Occur

There are various types of shoulder injuries, ranging from minor ones, such as sprains or strains, to severe cases, including dislocations or fractures. Understanding the severity of a shoulder injury can aid you or your lawyer in building a case. Generally, the more severe the injury is, the greater the compensation you may deserve.

Injuries From Motor Vehicle Accidents

After a car accident it is important to always get checked by a doctor right away, as some injuries may appear days or weeks after the incident. Some of the most frequent injuries caused by car accidents are:

Rotator cuff tear:

This injury is caused when the tendon connecting the upper arm bone to the shoulder tears. Although it can develop gradually over time, they are frequently caused by sudden trauma, such as an automobile accident.

There are various types of tears that can affect the rotator cuff:

Partial tear: Some parts of the tendon remain attached to the bone, and the tear only affects a portion of the tendon, causing it to become thinner. However, if left untreated, it is more likely to sustain further injury, leading to more severe and possibly permanent damage.

Complete-tear: A full-thickness tear means the tendon has completely detached from the bone, often resulting in significant pain and loss of shoulder function.

Signs of a torn rotator cuff:

• Pain while you rest or try to sleep, especially when you lie on the affected shoulder.
• Pain when lifting and lowering the arm or heavy things.
• Weaknesses or soreness when moving or twisting the arm. 

Bone Fractures and Dislocations

Forceful displacement of the humerus from the shoulder blade connection results in a dislocated shoulder, causing significant discomfort and potential complications. Once a physician successfully realigns the shoulder, it’s crucial to pursue additional orthopedic treatment to prevent future dislocations and ensure lasting stability.

Bankart tears are commonly seen in kids and adolescents, often resulting from the shoulder dislocation, which leads to a tear in the labrum. This may cause instability and additional displacements.

Soft Tissue Damage and Bruising

A contusion occurs when a substantial impact—such as a kick, fall, or blow—results in tenderness, swelling, and a noticeable change in skin color due to internal bleeding in the affected area. It’s essential to recognize that bruising may indicate the presence of more severe injuries. If you’re facing limitations in your movement or experiencing symptoms like numbness, tingling, or intense pain, it’s crucial to consult a professional for guidance.

Signs of soft tissue swelling

• Pain in your shoulder and upper arm, which can manifest as a sharp sensation or a persistent ache that radiates down your arm. Activities such as lifting, driving, or reaching overhead may exacerbate this pain, making everyday tasks more challenging.
• Shoulder aches when lying down, which could get worse as you sleep.
• Minor shoulder muscular weakness that makes it hard to lift your arm easily.

Treatments

Consultation and Imaging

There are several methods your doctor can use to look for shoulder injury. When it comes to diagnosing a potential labral tear, the initial step involves a thorough physical examination. However, it’s important to note that these injuries can be particularly challenging to identify, as the cartilage resides deep within the shoulder.

When physical exams fall short in confirming a diagnosis, physicians often turn to advanced imaging techniques like MRI or CT-arthrograms. These tools are necessary for accurately identifying tears or any other underlying damage, ensuring you receive the precise care you need.

RICE Treatment

The RICE method is a frequent protocol for effectively managing musculoskeletal injuries. RICE refers to an acronym that represents Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation, key components for effective injury management. This procedure can effectively alleviate inflammation, swelling, pain, and bleeding in your soft tissues.

Although RICE offers quick relief, healthcare professionals have varying suggestions for care following the initial phase of injury.

Physical Therapy

After an injury or operation, physical therapy is a type of care that restores mobility, including activities such as standing, walking, running, or other specialized athletic movements, and alleviates discomfort. With recommended exercises and hands-on care, physical therapists can help you regain function and movement.

For patients who want to strengthen their shoulders and regain full use of them, we recommend physical therapy. It can help you with several conditions that cause pain and discomfort in the shoulders, neck, and back.

Orthopedic Surgery

Most shoulder injuries are treated with less invasive methods such as cortisone injections, physical therapy, modified activity patterns, and anti-inflammatory medications. However, surgical techniques may be used if conventional methods are ineffective or if the injuries are severe.

Shoulder replacement surgery, for instance, involves reattaching the humerus to a metal ball and stem implanted in the shoulder. This procedure, often performed on an outpatient basis, can significantly improve mobility and restore function when other treatments have failed.

Another effective procedure for shoulder joint instability is called Bankhart Lesion Repair. Usually performed as outpatient surgery, it involves minimally invasive arthroscopy. To maximize your recovery, it’s essential to engage in physical therapy for up to twelve weeks after the procedure.

Common Causes of Shoulder Injuries in Houston

Car Accidents

Shoulder injuries are a common result of car accidents, especially in rear-end or side-impact crashes. The force of the collision often travels through the seatbelt or steering wheel, putting intense pressure on the shoulder. That sudden strain can cause rotator cuff tears, dislocations, or soft tissue damage.

In Houston, the risk is even higher. Heavy traffic, frequent stop-and-go conditions, and fast-moving highways increase the likelihood of these types of collisions, making shoulder injuries a potential outcome for accident victims in the area.

Truck Accidents

These incidents often lead to more serious shoulder injuries than typical car crashes. The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks create a much greater impact. When a smaller vehicle is struck, the force can jolt the body violently, especially the upper body, which is restrained by a seatbelt. That kind of trauma can tear tendons, dislocate the shoulder, or cause deep tissue damage.

In Houston, where highways are packed with commercial traffic, these accidents are all too common. And when they happen, the risk of lasting shoulder damage is high.

Medical Malpractice

Surgical mistakes, including during shoulder replacement or rotator cuff repair, can potentially cause shoulder problems in adults. Mistakes include putting implants in the wrong area, damaging nerves, or not noticing problems, which can cause long-term pain, limited movement, or the need for more surgery.

Motorcycle Accidents

When riders fall from their bikes, particularly over the handlebars, the shoulder often bears the entire weight of the fall. This can result in broken bones, dislocations, or torn tendons. Even protective gear may not prevent injury in severe accidents. In some instances, the collarbone may fracture due to the force, or the upper arm bone may dislocate. These injuries are painful, limit mobility, and can take months to heal. In some cases, they may require surgery and extensive rehabilitation.

Legal Rights of Shoulder Injury Accident Victims in Texas

If you suffer a shoulder injury in a Texas car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation. This compensation may cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages.

Whether your injury involves a torn rotator cuff, dislocation, or another serious condition, you are entitled to financial recovery to assist in your healing and recovery. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the full compensation you deserve.

Determining Liability in a Shoulder Injury Case

To establish liability in a shoulder injury case in Texas, it’s crucial to prove negligence on the part of the other party involved. This means to prove that the other person failed to act with reasonable care, and that failure directly caused your injury.

To determine who is at fault, it’s important to consider these elements:

1. Duty of Care: The other person had a legal obligation to act safely and reasonably. For example, drivers must follow traffic laws.
2. Breach of Duty: that duty was violated. This could be anything from texting while driving to failing to yield or running a red light.
3. Causation: The breach directly caused your shoulder injury. 
4. Damages: You suffered actual harm, such as medical bills, lost income, or pain and suffering.

Proving these elements often requires strong evidence and legal guidance. That’s why working with an experienced personal injury attorney can make a big difference in the outcome of your case.

What Is My Shoulder Injury Case Worth?

The value of a shoulder injury case in Texas depends on several key factors. These include the severity of the injury, whether surgery is required, the cost of medical treatment, and how it affects your ability to work and enjoy daily life.

However, every case is unique. That’s why speaking with a personal injury attorney is the best way to get a clear picture of what your case may be worth.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Shoulder Injury Caused By An Accident in Houston?

Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003, if you suffer a shoulder injury due to an accident, such as a car, truck, or motorcycle crash, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Failing to file within this time frame could result in losing your right to seek compensation, regardless of the severity of your injury.

Why You Need a Houston Shoulder Injury Lawyer in Texas

An experienced Houston shoulder injury lawyer understands the complexities of Texas personal injury law and can accurately assess the full value of your claim, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future rehabilitation costs.

At DeHoyos Accident Attorneys, we can gather critical evidence, consult with medical experts, and build a strong case to prove liability. Whether your injury was caused by a car accident, workplace incident, or slip and fall, having a dedicated legal advocate ensures your rights are protected every step of the way.

Can I Recover Compensation if I’m Being Blamed for Someone Else’s Shoulder Injury in Texas?

Being blamed for someone else’s shoulder injury doesn’t automatically bar you from recovering compensation in Texas. Under the state’s comparative fault rule, you can still recover damages if you’re less than 51% at fault. However, your share of the blame will reduce your compensation.

Contact DeHoyos Accident Attorney to Speak With a Houston Shoulder Injury Lawyer for a FREE Consultation

We specialize in offering tailored support to accident victims across Texas. If you’re seeking expert guidance and want to ensure your rights are protected, don’t hesitate to reach out. Call us at (832) 639-1122 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with an experienced injury lawyer who can provide you with the dedicated assistance you deserve.

Houston Shoulder Injury Lawyer Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do after a shoulder injury?

Seek medical attention immediately, document the incident, and avoid speaking to insurers before consulting a lawyer.

2. How do I prove someone else caused my shoulder injury?

Evidence like medical records, witness statements, and accident reports can help establish liability.

3. Will my case go to court?

Most shoulder injury claims settle out of court, but a trial may be necessary if a fair settlement isn’t reached.