How a Car Accident Injury Can Lead to Frozen Shoulder & Its Effect on a Claim

Some injuries that car accident victims in Arvada might sustain can lead to complications or secondary conditions. An example of this is frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis. This can develop after someone has sustained an injury to the shoulder and must immobilize the shoulder during the healing and recovery process.

How a Car Accident Injury Can Lead to Frozen Shoulder

This condition occurs when the shoulder capsule—which is the connective tissue surrounding the joint—thickens and tightens. Different diseases are associated with the risk of frozen shoulder, but it can also happen when the shoulder has been immobilized for a period of time, particularly if someone has undergone surgery or sustained a fracture.

It is important to make sure that this condition is addressed in a claim. The damages will depend on the nature and severity of the injury.

Signs of Frozen Shoulder and the Types of Treatment That May Help

The most common signs are pain and stiffness, to the point where it’s very hard to move the shoulder. It usually starts off in the first few weeks with diminished range of motion and increased pain. By the time it reaches the frozen stage, the tightness can seriously impede range of motion. This can last a few months, making it difficult to perform basic daily activities.

Nonsurgical treatment helps most people with frozen shoulder:

• medication (to reduce pain and swelling);
• physical therapy; and
• steroid injections.

When these don’t work, it could require surgery. Some procedures are done arthroscopically to reduce invasiveness; this requires a smaller incision and small, thin instruments that are inserted through the incision. The objective of any of the surgeries is stretching and releasing the tightened joint capsule.

How an Injury Claim Can Address Long-Term Car Accident Injuries

When it finally starts to heal, the timeframe to return to normal function (or close to it) is anywhere from several months to even a couple of years. Much of this depends on the type of treatment and its success. For some, the range of motion never fully returns to what it was.

When an injury causes long-term discomfort and impairment, it’s important to address this in a car accident claim. Proving that someone else was at fault is just one step in the process. It will also be necessary to establish the extent of injuries and the impact they have had (and may continue to have) on an individual’s life.

The insurance claim or lawsuit will also address the medical costs associated with the original injury from the accident, as well as any secondary conditions to which it leads, such as frozen shoulder.

Of course, with a long-term injury there are other damages to consider:

• severe pain and suffering;
• mental anguish; and
• disability.

Those injured in car accidents in the Arvada, CO area can consult D.J. Banovitz to make sure they account for all of their damages when filing insurance claims or lawsuits against the at-fault driver. Set up your consultation today by filling out our online contact form or call us at 303-300-5060.