Shoulder Injury cases from motor vehicle accidents can vary significantly in severity and outcome. These cases involve injuries that may require medical treatment, rehabilitation, and can impact quality of life. Settlement values depend on injury severity, medical expenses, recovery time, and long-term effects on the victim's daily activities and ability to work.
Last updated: November 2025
One driver was proceeding along a roadway when the other driver pulled out from a side street, causing a collision. The injured driver was taken to the hospital and later developed pain in their neck, back, wrist, and shoulder. An MRI revealed a tear in the rotator cuff tendons. The injured driver required injections and suffered from emotional distress. The jury found the defendant mostly liable for the accident.
A 4-year-old passenger was injured when the vehicle they were in was struck by another vehicle. The driver of the second vehicle made an improper left turn at an intersection, hitting the plaintiffs vehicle. The child sustained a forehead contusion and shoulder contusion and abrasion.
One driver was turning left when their SUV collided with the side of a minivan carrying a passenger. The SUV driver was arrested for driving while intoxicated. The passenger claimed neck and shoulder injuries.
One driver was leaving a stop sign in a parking lot when they collided with another vehicle. The first driver claimed head and shoulder injuries. The other driver stated they were inching out of a parking space and the first driver was speeding. The police report indicated the second driver admitted to hitting the first driver.
A passenger in a car was broadsided at an intersection when the other driver ran a red light. The injured person claimed a shoulder injury and sought damages for medical bills, lost earning capacity, and pain. The defense argued the injury was a sprain and not necessarily related to the accident. The case went to a jury for a determination of damages.
Shoulder injuries from motor vehicle accidents include rotator cuff tears, labral tears, shoulder dislocations, fractures of the clavicle (collarbone), scapula (shoulder blade), or humerus (upper arm bone), and acromioclavicular (AC) joint separations. The shoulder's complex ball-and-socket joint and surrounding soft tissues are vulnerable to injury from seatbelt forces, airbag deployment, side-impact collisions, and bracing against the steering wheel. Symptoms include pain, weakness, limited range of motion, grinding or popping sensations, and inability to lift the arm or perform overhead activities.
Seatbelt forces during frontal or rollover collisions commonly cause rotator cuff tears and AC joint injuries as the strap digs into the shoulder. Side-impact collisions directly strike the shoulder, causing fractures, dislocations, or labral tears. Drivers and passengers often instinctively brace against the steering wheel or grab the handle during collision, transmitting extreme forces through the shoulder joint. Airbag deployment can strike the shoulder with significant force, particularly in older or improperly positioned occupants. Pre-existing shoulder conditions like arthritis or prior injuries can make the joint more susceptible to traumatic damage.
Conservative treatment begins with rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy focusing on range of motion and rotator cuff strengthening. Corticosteroid injections may provide temporary pain relief and reduce inflammation. Surgical intervention becomes necessary for complete rotator cuff tears, displaced fractures, recurrent dislocations, or labral tears not responding to conservative care. Common procedures include arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for fractures, labral repair, and in severe cases, shoulder replacement. Recovery from surgery typically requires 3-6 months of rehabilitation, with return to heavy labor or overhead work often taking 9-12 months or requiring permanent restrictions.
Shoulder injury cases in Dallas and Tarrant counties require MRI confirmation of soft tissue damage (rotator cuff or labral tears) or X-rays/CT scans showing fractures or dislocations. Insurance companies frequently argue shoulder problems are degenerative rather than traumatic, particularly in claimants over age 40. Strong cases establish causation through immediate post-accident medical evaluation documenting shoulder pain and limited motion, MRI showing acute rather than chronic changes, orthopedic surgeon testimony explaining how accident forces caused injury, and functional capacity evaluations demonstrating work restrictions. Surgical cases typically result in higher settlements due to medical costs ($20,000-$60,000 for arthroscopic repair), lost wages during 3-6 month recovery, and permanent impairment ratings affecting ability to perform overhead work, heavy lifting, or repetitive arm motions. Documentation of how shoulder injury impacts daily activities and employment is critical for maximizing compensation.
Common questions about motor vehicle accident cases in Dallas-Fort Worth
Important: The information provided on this page is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Case outcomes vary significantly based on individual circumstances. Past results are not guarantees of future outcomes. Always consult with a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your situation.