A rotator cuff injury can make everyday activities such as lifting an arm, getting dressed, driving, sleeping, or working difficult and painful. These shoulder injuries can develop gradually from repetitive use or happen suddenly in an accident, such as a car crash or fall.
If another person’s negligence causes a rotator cuff injury in Dallas, Texas, the injured person may be able to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses. Understanding how these injuries occur, how they are diagnosed, and how Texas personal injury law may apply can help you determine your next steps.
What Is a Rotator Cuff Injury?
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint. It helps stabilize the shoulder and allows you to lift and rotate your arm.
Rotator cuff injuries can range from inflammation and irritation to partial or complete tendon tears. Some develop from gradual wear and repetitive overhead activity, while others result from a sudden traumatic event, such as a fall or accident.
A traumatic rotator cuff injury may also occur alongside other shoulder injuries, such as a dislocation or fracture.
What Are the Symptoms of a Rotator Cuff Injury?
Symptoms vary depending on the location and severity of the injury. Some people experience immediate pain after an accident, while others notice worsening symptoms over time.
Common symptoms may include:
- A deep or dull ache in the shoulder
- Pain when lifting or lowering the arm
- Difficulty reaching overhead or behind the back
- Shoulder or arm weakness
- Reduced range of motion
- Pain that interferes with sleep
- Clicking or grinding sensations with movement
Immediate weakness following a traumatic injury can be a reason to seek prompt medical attention.
Shoulder pain can also result from conditions other than a rotator cuff injury, so obtaining a medical evaluation can help determine the source of the symptoms.
What Causes Rotator Cuff Injuries?
Rotator cuff injuries can result from either acute trauma or gradual degeneration. In a personal injury case, the focus is often on whether a specific accident caused or aggravated the shoulder condition.
Accidents that may lead to rotator cuff injuries include:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle crashes
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Falls from heights
- Workplace accidents
- Other incidents involving sudden force to the shoulder or arm
For example, a person may tear a rotator cuff when bracing against the steering wheel during a collision, falling onto an outstretched arm, or experiencing a forceful impact to the shoulder.
Rotator cuff injuries can also result from repetitive overhead movements or age-related wear. This can become important in an injury claim if an insurance company argues that the condition existed before the accident.
How Is a Rotator Cuff Injury Diagnosed?
Diagnosis generally begins with a medical history and physical examination. A healthcare provider may evaluate the injured shoulder’s strength, tenderness, and range of motion.
Imaging may also be used, including:
- X-rays: These generally do not directly show a torn rotator cuff, but they may reveal bone spurs, arthritis, or other possible causes of shoulder pain.
- Ultrasound: This can provide images of the tendons and other soft tissues while the shoulder moves.
- MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging can provide detailed images of the shoulder’s muscles, tendons, and surrounding structures.
Clinical examinations combined with imaging, such as MRI or ultrasound, can help identify a rotator cuff tear.
Medical records and diagnostic imaging may also become important evidence if the injury leads to a personal injury claim.
How Are Rotator Cuff Injuries Treated?
Treatment depends on factors such as the severity of the injury, whether the tear is traumatic or degenerative, the patient’s age and health, and the extent to which the injury affects everyday activities.
Treatment may involve:
- Rest or activity modification
- Physical therapy
- Medication for pain or inflammation
- Steroid injections
- Rehabilitation
- Surgery for certain tears
Not every rotator cuff tear requires surgery. Physical therapy may improve flexibility and shoulder strength in some cases, while significant traumatic tears may require surgical evaluation.
Recovery can take time, particularly if surgery and extensive rehabilitation are necessary.
What Compensation May Be Available for a Rotator Cuff Injury in Dallas?
When someone else’s negligence causes a rotator cuff injury, Texas law may allow the injured person to seek compensation for accident-related losses.
Depending on the circumstances, compensation may include:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Doctor and specialist visits
- Diagnostic testing
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Surgery
- Future medical treatment
- Prescription medications
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Physical impairment
- Disfigurement, when applicable
The value of a claim depends on the specific losses caused by the injury rather than the diagnosis alone. A rotator cuff tear requiring surgery and months away from physically demanding work, for example, may cause substantially different losses than a minor shoulder injury that resolves with conservative treatment.
What If You Had a Pre-Existing Shoulder Condition?
A prior shoulder problem does not automatically prevent someone from bringing a personal injury claim.
Accidents can aggravate or worsen pre-existing conditions. The central question may be whether the incident caused new harm or worsened an existing condition.
Because rotator cuff degeneration becomes more common with age, an insurer may argue that shoulder symptoms were caused by normal wear rather than the accident. Medical records, prior imaging, post-accident diagnostic testing, and physician opinions can help clarify whether an accident caused or aggravated the injury.
How Long Do You Have To File a Rotator Cuff Injury Claim in Texas?
Texas generally gives an injured person two years from the date of an injury to file a personal injury lawsuit.
However, different deadlines may apply depending on the circumstances, including cases involving government entities or other special situations.
Waiting too long can also make it harder to preserve evidence. Medical records, photographs, witness statements, surveillance footage, accident reports, and other documentation may be easier to obtain soon after the incident.
Contact Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers About a Rotator Cuff Injury in Dallas, TX
A serious shoulder injury can affect your ability to work, sleep comfortably, exercise, drive, and handle ordinary daily tasks. If someone else’s negligence caused your rotator cuff injury in Dallas, Texas, you may have legal options.
Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers can investigate how your injury occurred, gather evidence, assess your losses, and pursue compensation from the responsible party. Contact the firm today at (214) 556-8321 to schedule a free consultation and learn how a Dallas personal injury lawyer can help with your claim.
