Many people do not realize how much they use certain parts of their body until they cannot. For example, reaching for objects and generally moving your arm may seem like an involuntary movement because it is so natural. However, after a car accident dislocated your shoulder, you understood how difficult things can become when you cannot move your arm.
Some people may not think that a dislocated shoulder is a serious injury. After all, it is a relatively common injury because the shoulder moves more than any other part of the body. However, dislocation due to a traumatic event, like a car accident, can lead to complications.
Additional injury
While a dislocated shoulder on its own can cause serious setbacks, it can also lead to other injuries. Some issues that you may have experienced as a result of your injury include the following:
- Nerve damage in the surrounding area
- Shoulder instability, meaning you become more prone to shoulder injuries or repeated dislocations
- Blood vessel damage
- Torn ligaments, muscles or tendons around your shoulder joint
Any of these additional injuries can cause serious issues. You may have needed to undergo surgery in order to have some of these injuries addressed.
Treatment
As mentioned, you may have needed surgery for some of the more serious effects of the dislocated shoulder. You may also have to keep your shoulder immobile for a set period of time in order to allow it to heal properly, which can cause major setbacks as you may not be able to work or perform other activities. Even after you can move your shoulder again, you may need to perform strength and stability exercises to lessen the likelihood of your shoulder dislocating again in the future.
Unfortunately, even with proper treatment, you could have lasting effects from your dislocated shoulder. As a result, some aspects of your life may never be the same.
Seeking compensation
If another driver is considered at fault for the accident that led to your injury, you may have reason to seek compensation for damages resulting from the incident and your injury. Discussing this option with a California personal injury attorney may allow you to better understand your legal options, what a case may entail and what types of damages you may pursue as part of your civil case.
