Do you have a shoulder injury? You are certainly not alone. A study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that approximately one in four American adults are currently dealing with some form of shoulder pain. While many people have chronic shoulder pain that has developed gradually over time, others have acute (severe) shoulder injuries from a single accident.
If you suffered a shoulder injury in an accident caused by the negligence of another party, you have the right to hold them legally responsible for your damages, including medical bills. At Kennedy Watkins LLC, we help victims get justice and compensation. Here, our Chicago personal injury lawyer provides a comprehensive overview of shoulder injury claims in Illinois.
Shoulder Injuries Require the Proper Diagnose and Rehabilitative Care
All physical injuries should be taken seriously—and shoulder injuries are certainly no exceptions. Indeed, any trauma to the shoulder demands an accurate diagnosis and the proper rehabilitative care. Early intervention by qualified healthcare professionals is key to identify the specific type of shoulder injury and tailor an effective treatment plan. Depending on the needs of the patient, rehabilitation may include physical therapy, exercises, and even surgery.
An Overview of the Most Common Shoulder Injuries
Shoulder injuries can take a wide array of different forms. A shoulder injury could be relatively minor or it could be extremely severe. Our firm handles all types of shoulder injury cases. Some of the most common types of shoulder injuries reported in Chicago include:
- Shoulder Sprains: Shoulder sprains occur when the ligaments that hold the shoulder joint together are stretched or torn. These injuries often result from a fall or direct blow to the shoulder—and they can lead to serious pain, major swelling, and limited movement.
- Shoulder Tendonitis: Shoulder tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendons in the shoulder joint, typically caused by repetitive motion or overuse. Symptoms include persistent pain and tenderness, especially during movement or activity.
- Separated Shoulder: A separated shoulder involves the partial or complete detachment of the collarbone from the shoulder blade—most often due to a blow to the shoulder or a fall. A separation of the shoulder can result in severe pain.
- Dislocation of the Shoulder: This injury occurs when the ball of the upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder socket, either partially or completely. It causes intense pain, swelling, and even immobility of the joint.
- Torn Rotator Cuff: A torn rotator cuff involves a rip in the muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint, commonly due to wear and tear or acute injury.
- Frozen Shoulder: A torn rotator cuff involves a rip in the muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint, commonly due to wear and tear or acute injury.
How to Hold Another Party Liable for a Shoulder Injury in Illinois (Proving Negligence)
How do you hold another party legally responsible for an accident that causes a shoulder injury. In Illinois, these are fault-based cases. Liability is generally based on negligence. Negligence is defined as the failure to take the appropriate care. Shoulder injuries can occur in a wide range of different accidents, including:
- Car crashes;
- Motorcycle wrecks;
- Pedestrian collisions;
- Dog bite attacks;
- Slip and falls;
- Nursing home abuse; and
- Medical malpractice.
Every bad accident in Chicago should be thoroughly investigated by an experienced attorney. Your lawyer can help you gather evidence to prove liability and help you secure the maximum financial compensation. Notably, Illinois is a comparative fault jurisdiction. Each party to an accident can be held legally responsible for their “share” of the accident.
A Two-Year Statute of Limitations for Most Shoulder Injury Claims in Illinois
You have a limited amount of time to take legal action after an accident. In Illinois, individuals who sustain shoulder injuries due to another party’s negligence typically have two years to file a claim. The statute of limitations begins on the date of the injury. Failing to file within this timeframe can result in the loss of the right to seek compensation. As there are only very narrow exceptions to the statute of limitations, you should never wait to get started with your case. Be proactive: Consult with a top-rated Chicago shoulder injury as soon as possible after a bad accident.
Recovering Compensation for a Shoulder Injury in Illinois
In Illinois, injured victims have the right to pursue compensation for the full extent of their damages from the at-fault party. Through a shoulder injury claim, you may be entitled to financial relief for out-of-pocket costs and non-economic losses. Our Chicago personal injury lawyers can help. Depending on the nature and severity of your injury, you may be entitled to recover for:
- Emergency medical care;
- Hospital bills and other costs;
- Physical therapy for your shoulder;
- Loss of wages and loss of future earnings;
- Pain and suffering;
- Long-term disability;
- Permanent shoulder impairment; and
- Loss of lifestyle enjoyment.
Why Trust Kennedy Watkins for a Personal Injury Claim in Chicago
Personal injury claims are complicated. It is normal to have a ton of questions about how things are supposed to proceed in your case. Unfortunately, there are no insurance companies that you can rely on to look out for your rights and your interests. At Kennedy Watkins LLC, our team of Chicago attorneys are with you each and every step of the way. You can review our verdicts and settlements and reach out to us directly for a free, no obligation review of your shoulder injury case.
Contact Our Chicago, IL Personal Injury Attorney for a Free Case Review
At Kennedy Watkins LLC, our Chicago personal injury lawyers handle all types of shoulder injury cases. If you or your loved one suffered a bad shoulder injury in an accident, we can help. Get in touch with us today for a free, no obligation review of your case. With an office in Chicago, we represent injured victims throughout Northern Illinois, including in Schaumburg, Naperville, Evanston, Bolingbrook, Des Plaines, Orland Park, Oak Lawn, and Downers Grove.