Shoulder Injury Attorney in Kansas

Man with injured shoulder

A shoulder injury can come with excruciating pain, expensive medical bills, and a lower quality of life. It can make it difficult to do daily tasks or perform your job, leading to lost wages and financial difficulties. But if your shoulder injury results from someone else’s negligent behavior, you shouldn’t be left to pay for these expenses out-of-pocket.

At Mann Wyatt Tanksley, our Wichita shoulder injury lawyers are ready to help you demand the money and justice you deserve. We have helped our clients recover millions of dollars in compensation while serving each client’s unique needs. So get in touch today for your free initial consultation and find out what we can do for you.

Symptoms of Shoulder Injuries

If you notice any of these symptoms after an accident, you may be suffering from a shoulder injury:

  • Stiffness or tenderness in your shoulder
  • Pain at night that interferes with your sleep
  • Pain when moving your arm
  • Weakness or pain in the shoulder when performing activities
  • Pain or tenderness in your shoulder when you are reaching overhead or behind your back
  • Inflammation, tingling, or numbness in your shoulder
  • Paleness, discoloration, or bluish tint to the shoulder or the surrounding area

Types of Shoulder Injuries

Shoulder injuries are not just limited to the bones and muscles in the immediate area of the shoulder joint. A few of the most common types of shoulder injuries include the following:

  • Rotator cuff injuries – The muscles and tendons surrounding your shoulder joint are your rotator cuff. Most rotator cuff injuries are caused by repetitive stress that builds over time, though they can also occur after a hard blow to the shoulder joint.
  • Separated shoulder – There are ligaments in the area that connect your collar bones to your shoulder blade. The collarbone can separate from your shoulder blade if these ligaments stretch or rupture.
  • Brachial plexus injuries – The brachial plexus is a collection of nerves that transmit signals from your brain through your spine to your shoulder, arm, and hand. If these nerves become stretched, compressed, or torn, you may experience severe pain and limited movement in your arm and shoulder.
  • Dislocated shoulder – A dislocated shoulder injury occurs when a hard blow forces the humerus out of the shoulder. The force required to cause these injuries means they are most commonly the result of hard falls or motor vehicle accidents.
  • Shoulder strains and sprains – A shoulder sprain occurs when the ligaments that connect the shoulder blade to your collarbone become stretched or torn. A strain occurs when the muscles or tendons surrounding the shoulder joint stretch or tear.
  • Tendinitis of the shoulder – Tendinitis occurs when the tendons surrounding the shoulder joint become inflamed or irritated. It can be caused by either a sudden accident or repetitive stress.
  • Fracture of the clavicle, scapula, or humerus – The clavicle is the medical term for your collarbone. The scapula is your shoulder blade, and the humerus is your upper arm bone. These are the three bones that make up your shoulder joint, any of which can fracture due to a hard blow.

Common Causes of Shoulder Injuries

Some of the most common causes of shoulder injuries include the following:

  • Traffic accidents – The impact of a car, truck, or motorcycle crash can damage the shoulder’s bones, muscles, and joints. Motor vehicle accidents can also compress the nerves in and around the shoulder, causing pain, weakness, or numbness.
  • Falls – A hard impact after a slip and fall accident can easily fracture or damage the shoulder. Falling off a ladder or other high object can have similar effects.
  • Work-related injuries – Many shoulder injuries result from repetitive work-related motions that cause trauma over time, especially for those who work in a job that requires them to use their hands or arms a lot. A work-related trauma, such as a fall or physical assault, can also cause shoulder injuries.
  • Birth injuries – Newborns sometimes suffer shoulder injuries if doctors handle the baby too roughly or aren’t careful when using specific medical instruments.
  • Sports injuries – Many people suffer shoulder injuries while playing sports, whether from traumatic impact in contact sports like football and hockey or the repetitive strain of sports like tennis, golf, and baseball. Skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and operating ATVs can also lead to a shoulder injury.
  • Accidents at nursing homes and assisted living facilities – Many older adults have trouble maintaining their balance and may have fragile bones. If they are dropped by staff or pushed by other residents, they may suffer a shoulder injury.

Evidence Needed to File a Shoulder Injury Lawsuit

You need two pieces of evidence to collect compensation for a shoulder injury after an accident. The first type is proof of the damage itself. Your medical records and testimony from expert witnesses can help establish that you have suffered an injury.

The second type of evidence you’ll need is that another party’s negligent behavior led to your accident. For example, if you were hurt in a car accident, you’ll need to prove that the accident was the other driver’s fault. Police accident reports, photos and videos from the accident scene, and eyewitness accounts can all help you build a negligence case.

Compensation Available in Kansas Shoulder Injury Claims

Depending on the circumstances of your injuries, an experienced Kansas shoulder injury attorney can help you recover compensation for losses such as the following:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost income
  • Lower earning potential due to a disability
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress

Talk to an Experienced Shoulder Injury Lawyer in Wichita, KS Today

Our Wichita shoulder injury attorneys want to help if you have been hurt in an accident that wasn’t your fault. Contact Mann Wyatt Tanksley today for a free initial consultation.