Shoulder Injuries After a Car Accident in Pennsylvania: Rotator Cuff and Labrum Tears
Shoulder injuries are common in car accidents and often overlooked at first. Drivers brace against the steering wheel. Seat belts lock across the shoulder. Arms strike the door or window in a side impact. The result can be a torn rotator cuff, a labrum tear or another injury that makes everyday tasks painful for months.
Common shoulder injuries from car accidents
Rotator cuff tears. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that holds the shoulder in place. Tears can be partial or complete and may need surgery.
Labrum (SLAP) tears. The labrum is cartilage that lines the shoulder socket. A tear can cause clicking, catching and a feeling that the shoulder is unstable.
Dislocations and separations. The force of a crash can push the shoulder out of joint or damage the joint where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade.
Fractures. Broken collarbones and upper arm fractures are common, especially in side-impact crashes.
Impingement and bursitis. Swelling after an injury can pinch tendons and cause lasting pain.
Symptoms to watch for
Shoulder injuries do not always hurt right away, especially when neck or back pain gets the attention first. See a doctor if you notice:
Pain when lifting your arm overhead or reaching behind your back
Weakness carrying groceries, a child or a bag
Pain that wakes you up when you lie on that side
Clicking, popping or a feeling that the shoulder might slip out
Reduced range of motion
Tell your doctor about your shoulder at your first visit, even if it seems minor. If it is not in your records early, the insurance company may argue it was not caused by the crash. Our page on delayed symptoms after an accident explains why this matters.
The "wear and tear" argument
Insurance companies often claim a rotator cuff tear is degenerative, meaning it came from age or years of use, not the accident. MRI reports may mention "degenerative changes," and adjusters seize on that language.
Pennsylvania law does not let a negligent driver off the hook because you had an older shoulder. If the crash caused a new injury or made an existing condition worse, you can recover for that harm. Proving it usually takes your doctor's opinion, your treatment history and evidence of how your shoulder worked before the accident. Read more about pre-existing conditions and your claim.
Treatment and recovery
Treatment may include rest, physical therapy, injections or arthroscopic surgery. Recovery from rotator cuff surgery often takes many months, and some people never regain full strength. A fair settlement should account for:
Medical bills, including future treatment and surgery
Lost wages and reduced ability to work, especially in physical jobs
Pain and suffering and loss of everyday activities
Permanent limits on motion or strength
Protect your shoulder injury claim
Report shoulder pain to your doctor as soon as you notice it.
Follow through with imaging, therapy and specialist referrals.
Avoid gaps in treatment.
Keep notes on what you can no longer do, like lifting, sleeping or working overhead.
Do not accept an early settlement before you know whether you need surgery.
Talk to Joyce, Carmody & Moran
Shoulder injuries are often worth more than insurers first offer, and less than they should be paid when no one pushes back. If you hurt your shoulder in a car accident anywhere in Pennsylvania, call Joyce, Carmody & Moran at 570-602-3560 for a free consultation. We will handle the insurance company so you can focus on getting better.
Let’s Work Together
When you work with us, you can expect clear communication, thoughtful strategy, and a team that is fully invested in your goals. We take the time to understand your needs, tailor our approach, and stand with you through every step of the legal process. Let’s move forward — together.