Shoulder trauma is a common injury resulting from a car accident. Different options exist for treatment when fractures or dislocations occur following a collision, depending on the nature of the injury.
Three bones comprise the shoulder: the arm bone (humerus), collar bone (clavicle) and shoulder blade (scapula). General symptoms of fractured shoulder bones include bruising, swelling, pain, experiencing a grinding sensation when moving the affected bone(s), or having difficulty moving the shoulder.
Treating a Injury
Many shoulder injuries do not require surgery when the bones break. One nonsurgical method used in treating the scapula involves icing the injury, using a sling or other immobilization device, and prescribing pain medication. 10-20% of such injuries require surgery, including a procedure using screws and plates to affix fragments of the scapula back in place.
Clavicle surgeries may need plates and rods to fix breaks within the bone. Clavicle surgery is also necessary when the bone is very out of place or sticking out through the skin. Similarly, surgery may be required if the humerus is no longer in the correct position. If plates and pins cannot fix a fracture, shoulder replacement is an option.
Paying For Medical Bills
Whether one needs surgery or not to correct shoulder fractures, these injuries are still costly and require time off work. When negligent drivers cause a car accident resulting in injury to others, they are financially responsible. Victims may file personal injury suits against the responsible parties. Any evidence indicating a motorist was distracted or impaired while driving could help show negligence.
For further information or to schedule a consultation please contact Merdes Law Office, P.C. at 866.452.3741 or visit www.merdes.com. The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do.
