There are reasons why a car accident victim should not rush to settle a claim with an insurance company. First, insurance companies are not in business to give away money, so any offer is going to be well below the value of your case. Second, many injuries and conditions don’t present immediately. One such condition is called frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis.
Frozen Shoulder
A very common part of the body to be injured in a car accident is the shoulder. Whether it is the seatbelt or striking the car door, the shoulder seems to be among the most common car accident injuries. Injuries could include soft tissue damage, a broken bone, torn rotator cuff, torn bicep tendon, or another very painful injury.
These conditions are serious and retaining an attorney to protect your rights and benefits is important. Contact Althauser Rayan Abbarno in Centralia or Olympia at (360) 736-1301 for a Free Consultation.
In some cases surgery is prescribed. In other cases, physical therapy is prescribed. In all cases, the arm and shoulder are immobilized for some period of time. That is where the condition frozen shoulder comes. Frozen is a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in your shoulder joint. Signs and symptoms typically begin gradually, worsen over time and then resolve, usually within one to three years.
Generally, frozen shoulder develops when you’re recovering from a medical condition or procedure that prevents you from moving your arm. Treatment for frozen shoulder involves range-of-motion exercises and, sometimes, corticosteroids and numbing medications injected into the joint capsule. In a small percentage of cases, arthroscopic surgery may be indicated to loosen the joint capsule so that it can move more freely.
It’s unusual for frozen shoulder to recur in the same shoulder, but some people can develop it in the opposite shoulder. The non-injured shoulder could develop pain and discomfort from “overuse” syndrome. When one arm is immobilized the other arm and shoulder do twice the work and could be injured and develop a condition.
Frozen shoulder and many other conditions don’t develop right away. They may not develop for months or even years after a collision. That is why it is important to not settle with the insurance company too early. That is why it is important to seek the proper medical treatment. That is why it is important to hire an experienced injury attorney to help guide you through the process.
Here are some tips to consider if you are injured in a car accident:
- When involved in a car accident or a personal injury accident do not settle too early;
- Avoid speaking with the adjuster from the other insurance company until you are rested, collected, and have considered the possibility of retaining an attorney;
- If something hurts or if you “just don’t feel right”, get it checked it out;
- If you are experiencing serious discomfort or pain, do not go to work, especially if your work aggravates the pain or discomfort in any way;
- Do not presume that the pain will disappear by itself over time, sometimes it does, other times it does not;
- Go to a doctor that you like or trust to get checked out;
- Don’t be too quick to dismiss your pain or injury, it could be serious; and
- Again, don’t settle too early. You have one chance to have your injuries treated and to receive full and fair compensation for your economic damages (out of pocket expenses, loss of wages) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment).
To be fairly compensated, our attorneys will explore all possibilities for you and your family. If you or someone you know was injured in an automobile collision, call the injury attorneys with Althauser Rayan Abbarno for a FREE injury consultation in Centralia or Olympia. Personal injury cases are complicated. Be sure you understand your rights and benefits. Call (360) 736-1301 for a FREE consultation in Centralia or Olympia.
*This article does not represent medical opinions. Please seek a licensed medical provider if you are experiencing any symptoms related to a car accident or other injury.
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