Shoulder injuries are quite common and they affect the shoulder joint. The shoulder joint is composed of three bones – the clavicle (collar bone), the scapula, and the humerus. As the shoulders are the most mobile joints of the human, they are also perhaps the most unstable. Sprains, strains, dislocations, tendinitis, and bursitis can be extremely painful and leave the shoulder immobile. Rotator cuff tears, torn ligaments or muscles, dislocated or separated shoulders, fracture of the collar bone, and frozen shoulder are some other conditions.

Accidents, falls, or work that involves frequent heavy lifting may lead to shoulder injuries. If you have been hurt as a result of negligence or fault, consult a good Louisiana personal injury lawyer at the earliest. There are statutes of limitations on accidents and you cannot file a lawsuit after the expiration date. Work place injuries may make you eligible to claim worker’s compensation which can be negotiated with the insurance company. Third party fault can also be contested in such cases.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Shoulder injuries sustained in accidents can give rise to neck problems and vice versa. Whiplash can result in problems much after the accident has occurred and it may be difficult to diagnose that this is an effect of the accident. X-rays and MRIs are essential to determine the exact cause of a shoulder injury. An arthrogram or an ultrasound may also be recommended to arrive at an exact diagnosis of the injury.

Rest and cold compresses are usually sufficient to heal most shoulder injuries. More severe damage will require splints or a brace, medications, physical therapy, and even trigger-point injections in some cases. Extreme cases or badly damaged muscles may have to be repaired through surgery. Extensive physical therapy will be required to ensure that the joint is back to functioning normally.

Damages and Compensation

A good attorney will be able to help you get the compensation that you are entitled to. Even if the injury is not too serious, recuperation will take days to weeks and this can mean that you have to stay home from work for this period. The medical bills racked up by the injured can run into thousands of dollars. Even after therapy, you may have to be careful when participating in certain activities such as sports or other types of recreation.

Compensation must take into account current and future medical expenses, lost wages, cost of therapy, as well as non-economic damages including pain and suffering or loss of quality of life. Long term disability must also be considered in exceptional instances. However, most insurance companies do not take all these factors into consideration and compensation is determined by certain preset formulas.

Records of medical evaluations, doctor’s reports, accident reports, and all other accident-related information must be documented and preserved to support your claim for compensation. Experienced attorneys are aware of the ploys used by insurance companies to minimize the payouts that they have to make.

Call a Qualified and Experienced Professional

Experienced and hardworking attorney Price McNamara handles shoulder injury cases across New Orleans, Kenner, Lafayette, Mandeville, Lafourche, Terrebonne, Jefferson, Orleans, East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, Ascension, and St. John Parishes. If you think that you have a basis for a personal injury claim, or have been hurt or injured due to someone’s negligence or fault, call Louisiana personal injury attorney Price McNamara at his Baton Rouge office (225-201-8311) or his Metairie office (504-458-8455) to have your queries answered or to schedule a free consultation. His extensive trial experience of over 20 years, proven track record and limited caseload philosophy ensure that you will obtain excellent personal attention and a patient hearing on a consistent basis.