Rotator Cuff and Shoulder Injuries

Shoulder injuries can be particularly devastating. Part of that is because we don’t realize how much a shoulder does until we can’t use it anymore. We often think that unless we’re a quarterback or a pitcher, a shoulder isn’t really something that we use or injure very often.

That can't be further from the truth.

What is the Rotator Cuff?

The Rotator Cuff is the collection of muscle and tendons that keep your shoulder bone in place. Like the hip, your arm bone connects to your clavicle with a ball and socket. The rotator cuff includes the muscles that move the shoulder, and the ligaments that keep the ball from falling out of the socket.

How do Rotator Cuffs Become Injured?

There are essentially two ways that these types of shoulder injuries occur;

1. Repetitive Motion: If you use your shoulder over and over, the ligaments in your shoulder can suffer from wear and tear. Like in the Karate Kid, Daniel’s shoulders ached after his training involved sanding the floor and painting the fence in an up and down motion all day. When a person does any activity like that for many years, the shoulder wears down. That is why many painters and other people in the trades end up with rotator cuff injuries as they get older.
2. Acute Injury: You can also suffer an injury from a single event. There are many ways that this can happen.

What are the Symptoms of a Rotator Cuff Injury?

Obviously, symptoms will depend on the severity of the injury. However, some of the common symptoms include:

• An ache in the shoulder
• Weakness in the shoulder and arm
• Difficulty or inability to make certain movements with the arm and shoulder.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should see a doctor before any of your issues get worse.

What Are the Treatment Options for a Rotator Cuff Injury?

Again, the severity of your injury will dictate the treatment options. Even so, some options include:

• Physical Therapy: For relatively minor injuries that don’t include a tear, physical therapy can help alleviate some of the pain and discomfort that many feel
• Injection: A doctor might offer you a steroid injection, which may make your injury less painful. However, there are risks involved, and any relief will likely be temporary
• Surgery: If conservative treatment does not work, there are several surgical options. They range from an arthroscopic procedure to a full shoulder replacement.

Insurance Companies Do Not Have Your Interests In Mind

Insurance companies do their best to avoid making fair payouts. Our attorneys hold insurance companies responsible when securing compensation for the past, current and future losses caused by your rotator cuff or another shoulder injury, including:

• Medical bills
• Rehabilitative care
• Past lost wages
• Future wage losses
• Pain and suffering

If your insurance company has already provided you with an offer, discuss that offer with one of our skilled lawyers. It is always better to understand your options before making any final decisions about an insurance claim settlement.

You Need an Experienced Attorney

There are many situations where someone can injure a shoulder or rotator cuff. They can be injured in a car accident, on someone’s property due to a fall, or at a construction site, No matter the situation, you need an attorney who can ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.

Most people who suffer a rotator cuff injury cannot work for a period of time. If the injury is serious enough to require surgery, an injured worker can be out of work for 12 months or more. When you add medical expenses to an already stretched budget, losing income for any period of time can result in missed bills and a lack of food on the table.

Whether you’re making a negligence claim or a workers compensation claim, the attorneys at Marcotte Law Firm know how to get you through this tough time. We know what benefits are available, and we know how to make sure you get them.

If you’ve injured your shoulder or had a rotator cuff injury, regardless of the circumstances, call the attorneys at Marcotte Law Firm for a free consultation.

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