Santa Fe Shoulder Injury Attorney

Suffering a severe shoulder injury in New Mexico can have a devastating impact on one’s life. Shoulder injuries include fractures, upper arm strains, and sprains. Injuries can happen anywhere, including at work, or they can occur as a result of a car accident, a sudden blow, or a severe fall. Many people who suffer severe shoulder injuries require surgery and a significant time off of work. Everyday activities such as cooking, getting dressed, and driving can become incredibly painful. 

At Hunt Law, we understand how difficult it can be to recover from a severe shoulder injury. If your shoulder has been injured in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Our New Mexico personal injury lawyers are ready to advocate for you to obtain the compensation you deserve. We will review your case and advise you on your best option for recovering compensation for your shoulder injury. Contact our New Mexico personal injury law firm today to schedule your initial consultation. 

Shoulder Injuries Are Common in New Mexico

Unfortunately, shoulder injuries are a common occurrence. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, 7.5 million people seek medical care for shoulder injuries every year. The shoulder joint is particularly vulnerable for fractures and torn muscles and ligaments, due to its location and structure. Three different bones make up the shoulder joint: the clavicle (collarbone), humerus (upper arm bone), and the scapula (shoulder blade). The shoulder also includes multiple tendons, muscles, and ligaments that help anchor the shoulder bones to the rest of the body. 

The shoulder can quickly become unstable, making it especially vulnerable. Instability is more likely when the soft tissue found in the tendons, muscles, and ligaments of the shoulder become injured. Typically, doctors categorize shoulder injuries into two different types: impingement and instability. Impingement happens when the shoulder muscles rub against the top of the shoulder blade, causing pain. Instability occurs when one of the shoulder joints falls out of alignment. Depending on the severity of the shoulder injury, surgery and extensive rehabilitation may be required. 

Common Causes of a Shoulder Injury

Shoulder injuries are incredibly common, and they can happen to anyone. The shoulder is especially vulnerable to injury, and a person’s shoulder bones can fracture due to force from falling, or in a car accident. Common types of accidents that cause serious shoulder injuries include the following:

Types of Shoulder Injuries

The shoulder includes many muscles, bones, and tendons. Every shoulder injury is unique. If you’ve suffered a shoulder injury, your doctor will likely order an x-ray to determine the specific type of shoulder injury. Overcoming a shoulder injury often takes significant time and effort. Many people who suffer serious shoulder injuries need to endure expensive surgery and go through months of rehabilitation. Shoulder injuries come in many forms, including the following:

  • SLAP tear
  • Shoulder separation
  • Rotator cuff injury
  • Shoulder impingement
  • Broken clavicle
  • Broken scapula
  • Dislocated shoulder
  • Broken shoulder

A Shoulder Injury Can Have a Devastating Impact 

In many cases, those who’ve suffered shoulder injuries may not be aware of the severity of their injuries right after the accident. Shoulder injury warning signs include pain throughout the shoulder, especially when lifting things, decreased range of motion, shoulder instability, loss of strength, and popping, grinding, or catching sensations. If you’re feeling pain in your shoulder or experiencing any other symptoms of a shoulder injury, it’s crucial to speak to a medical professional immediately. 

Shoulder injuries can impact every aspect of a person’s life. We use our shoulders for nearly every daily activity, including writing, eating, sleeping, and driving. Parents use their shoulders to pick up their small children, and we all use our shoulders to balance and move throughout the day. Severe shoulder injuries can even make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Seeking Compensation Through an Insurance Claim

Many shoulder injuries happen due to a motor vehicle accident. In many cases, it’s advantageous to seek compensation through the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Insurance companies are for-profit businesses, and their most important goal is to make a profit, not to compensate injured individuals fairly. 

At Hunt Law, we can represent your best interests to insurance companies. It is wise to speak to a lawyer before accepting any settlement amount from the insurance company. Typically, insurance companies do not offer a fair amount of money. We will negotiate with the insurance company to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries. 

Recovering Compensation Through a Personal Injury Lawsuit

If you’ve suffered a shoulder injury in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Under New Mexico law, injured individuals have a right to seek compensation from those whose negligence caused their injuries. For example, if an intoxicated driver runs a red light and slams into your vehicle, causing your shoulder injury, you can file a lawsuit against that driver. 

If you’ve suffered a shoulder injury at work due to unsafe working conditions, you may have a right to bring a lawsuit against your employer. Or, if you suffered a shoulder injury due to a slip and fall caused by dangerous conditions at a retail or business location, you may have a right to bring a lawsuit against the business. Successful personal injury plaintiffs are entitled to the following types of compensation:

  • The cost of surgeries
  • The cost of diagnostic tests, including x-rays
  • The loss of income due to taking time off work to recover
  • Therapy and rehabilitation costs
  • The cost of medication
  • The cost of necessary medical equipment for your car and home
  • Compensation for pain and suffering

Contact Our New Mexico Shoulder Injury Lawyers Today

If you’ve suffered a shoulder injury due to an accident, we can help. The sooner you speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer, the better. Contact Hunt Law today to schedule your initial consultation.