You don’t think about how vital your shoulder is until you hurt it. Shoulder and rotator cuff injuries can disrupt your life, leaving you in extreme pain and unable to perform everyday tasks. If someone else is to blame for your injuries in Georgia, it’s crucial to seek legal help to protect your rights and seek fair compensation.
The Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C. has the experience and dedication to handle your shoulder and rotator cuff injury case in Albany. Whether the injury occurred on or off the job, we know how to fight for maximum compensation and can help you pursue the money you need to rebuild your life. Contact us today and get a free consultation with a shoulder and rotator cuff injury attorney in Albany.
Understanding Shoulder and Rotator Cuff Injuries
The shoulder is one of the human body’s most complex and flexible joints. It consists of two joints that connect three main bones: the humerus (upper arm bone), scapula (shoulder blade), and clavicle (collarbone). These bones come together at the shoulder joint, where the ball of the humerus fits into the socket of the scapula. Muscles, tendons, and ligaments surround this joint to provide stability and enable movement.
The rotator cuff consists of four muscles and their tendons. These parts work together to keep the head of the humerus firmly within the shallow socket of the shoulder. They also allow you to lift and rotate your arm.
Common Causes of Shoulder and Rotator Cuff Injuries
Shoulder injuries and rotator cuff tears happen due to various reasons. Some of the most common causes include:
- Accidents – Car crashes, a slip and fall accident, and other incidents can tear muscles or tendons in the shoulder or dislocate the shoulder joint.
- Workplace incidents – Jobs that require repetitive overhead motions, such as painting or lifting heavy objects, can strain the shoulder and rotator cuff, leading to injuries over time.
- Sports injuries – Baseball, tennis, football, swimming, basketball, and hockey are a few of many sports that can cause wear and tear on the shoulder and rotator cuff.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Common symptoms of shoulder and rotator cuff injuries include:
- Pain
- Weakness
- Limited range of motion
- Swelling and bruising
Doctors diagnose shoulder and rotator cuff injuries through physical exams and imaging tests. X-rays, MRIs, or ultrasounds can provide doctors with detailed pictures of the shoulder’s internal structures. This information helps medical providers identify tears, inflammation, or other damage.
Legal Aspects of Shoulder and Rotator Cuff Injuries
Your legal options after a shoulder or rotator cuff injury depend on what caused it. If the accident happened at work, you could be entitled to Georgia workers’ compensation benefits, which cover medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages. These benefits are provided regardless of fault, which means you can access them without having to prove your employer caused the injury.
Alternatively, you could have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit if your rotator cuff injury occurred off the job or because of something someone other than your employer did.
To win a personal injury case, you must prove that another party caused your injury. Building a personal injury claim involves gathering evidence to support your case, such as accident reports, witness testimony, and medical records. An experienced personal injury lawyer can guide you through the legal process and demand maximum compensation from the at-fault party(s).
What to Do After a Shoulder Injury
Here’s what to do if you suffer a shoulder injury in Georgia:
- Consult a shoulder and rotator cuff injury lawyer – Contact an attorney as soon as possible to learn your legal rights and the timeline to file a claim. The deadlines and requirements to file a workers’ compensation claim versus a personal injury case differ in Georgia.
- Investigation – Your lawyer will gather compelling evidence to analyze what happened, determine liability, and build a persuasive case on your behalf.
- File a claim – After collecting the evidence, your lawyer will file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. This claim outlines the extent of your shoulder or rotator cuff injury and the compensation you seek.
- Settlement negotiations – The insurer will review your claim. It may dismiss the claim or accept liability and make a settlement offer. Be prepared that the initial settlement offer will be too low. Your lawyer can negotiate with a counteroffer demanding full and fair compensation. It could take several rounds of offers and counteroffers to reach an acceptable deal.
- Sign the settlement agreement – If you and the liable party come to a mutual agreement, you will sign the settlement agreement and receive your compensation. Your personal injury lawyer will draft or review the document to confirm it is properly executed.
- Trial (if necessary) – If you and the liable party cannot reach a personal injury settlement, your lawyer may advise to file suit and take your case to trial. They will represent you during the trial, presenting evidence and arguing your case to obtain a favorable verdict.
While the specific amount you can recover for a shoulder or rotator cuff injury depends on your situation, a knowledgeable personal injury attorney can help you seek compensation for losses like:
- Past, current, and future medical bills
- Physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Reduced future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
How Our Albany Shoulder and Rotator Cuff Injury Lawyers Can Help
At the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C., we put people first. Our attorneys have extensive experience helping shoulder injury victims people recover financial compensation after a job incident or other accident in Albany. We understand the physical, financial, and emotional burdens shoulder injuries can cause, and the right legal representation can improve your chances of recovering maximum compensation.
You won’t have to worry about anything with our law firm on your side. From gathering evidence and speaking with witnesses to filing your claims and negotiating with insurance companies, we’ll handle all the legal work in your case while you rest and heal.
Contact Our Shoulder and Rotator Cuff Injury Lawyers in Albany, GA
Don’t let serious shoulder injuries keep you down. Contact the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C. today for a free initial consultation with a shoulder and rotator cuff injury lawyer in Albany.
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