Queens Car Accident Rotator Cuff Injury Attorney

Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers understands how rotator cuff tears can affect your work, your health, and your future. Our team of personal injury lawyers helps people throughout Queens, New York, who were hurt in motor vehicle accidents caused by someone else's negligence.

If you were seriously injured in a crash and are struggling to recover, we can help you file a strong personal injury claim, handle the insurance company, and work to recover the full compensation you deserve. Call us so we can explain your legal options.

Injured Your Shoulder in a Queens Car Accident?

Rotator cuff injuries are common after a serious car collision. The sudden force placed on your shoulder can tear the tissue, limit your motion, and leave you with long-term pain. The following sections explain how these injuries happen and what to do next.

Why Rotator Cuff Injuries Are Common in Vehicle Collisions

Rotator cuff injuries are more frequent than people think, especially in car accident cases where the upper body absorbs most of the impact. When you’re gripping the steering wheel or bracing yourself for a crash, the force can directly strain or tear the muscles and tendons in your shoulder. This is especially true in auto accidents, motorcycle accidents, or even fall accidents where a person lands on an outstretched arm.

If the accident occurred in a side collision or head-on crash, the shoulder may be forced out of place or pinched by the seatbelt, leading to a partial or full tear. The trauma causes inflammation, pain, and in some cases, immediate loss of function. Even minor tears can worsen without proper medical care, which is why early diagnosis is key in these injury cases.

How These Injuries Can Disrupt Work and Daily Life

Rotator cuff injuries make it difficult to lift, reach, or use your arm for any activity that involves movement at shoulder height or above. This affects both basic tasks and more active ones, from dressing yourself to playing sports or lifting things at work. If your job involves physical labor or arm movement, you may be unable to return for weeks or months.

The pain and stiffness often interrupt sleep, limit independence, and create added stress for your family members who must assist with daily needs. For many injury victims, the long-term consequences of a shoulder injury are not just physical; they also affect their earnings, independence, and emotional well-being. That’s why Queens personal injury lawyers treat these cases seriously and fight for proper compensation.

Why You Should Consult an Experienced Injury Attorney

An experienced injury lawyer can make a big difference in how your case is handled and how much you recover. Insurance adjusters often downplay shoulder injuries, arguing that they are minor or pre-existing. Without strong legal representation, you risk settling for far less than your case is worth.

Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers takes the time to understand your pain, review your medical records, and conduct a thorough investigation of the accident. We gather evidence to prove liability, identify all responsible parties, and make sure your personal injury case includes the full cost of care, recovery, and future risks. We’ll stand by your side throughout the process and work hard to help you win.

What Is a Rotator Cuff Injury?

Here is a breakdown to help you understand the basics:

Basic Anatomy of the Shoulder Joint

The shoulder joint is one of the most mobile and complex joints in the body. It includes the clavicle (collarbone), scapula (shoulder blade), and humerus (upper arm bone). The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that keep the arm bone centered in the shoulder socket, allowing you to lift and rotate your arm.

When one or more of these tendons are torn or strained, the joint becomes weak and painful. The muscles involved in the rotator cuff are small but play a major role in arm movement. That’s why even partial tears can lead to reduced strength, limited range of motion, and constant discomfort. Without treatment, the damage can worsen and lead to permanent disability.

Common Types of Rotator Cuff Injuries

• Tendonitis – Inflammation of the tendons due to overuse or trauma.
• Bursitis – Swelling of the fluid-filled sac (bursa) that cushions the shoulder.
• Partial tears – Small rips in the tendon that reduce mobility and cause pain.
• Full-thickness tears – Complete separations of the tendon from the bone.
• Degenerative tears – Wear-and-tear injuries are common in older adults, worsened by trauma.

Symptoms to Watch For

• Shoulder pain – Especially when lifting or reaching overhead.
• Weakness – Inability to raise or rotate the arm properly.
• Stiffness – Limited range of motion and trouble with daily tasks.
• Clicking or popping – Sensation of instability in the shoulder joint.
• Night pain – Discomfort when lying on the injured side, often disrupting sleep.

How Car Accidents Cause Rotator Cuff Injuries

Rotator cuff injuries in a motor vehicle accident often happen suddenly and without warning. The shoulder is vulnerable to damage during a crash, especially when the upper body is pushed, pulled, or jerked with great force. Even if the crash seems minor, the shoulder can suffer serious internal trauma.

Some of the most common ways rotator cuff tears occur during car accident cases are:

Bracing for Impact or Holding the Steering Wheel

Many people grip the steering wheel tightly right before a car collision. That instinct can lead to a sharp transfer of force into the arms and shoulders. When your muscles tense and your shoulder takes the brunt of the crash, the stress can overstretch or tear the rotator cuff tendons.

In some personal injury cases, the act of bracing alone is enough to cause serious damage, especially if your body is thrown forward during the impact. The shoulder joint isn’t built to absorb that level of sudden pressure, which is why these injuries are so common.

Forceful Jerk During a Crash

When a motor vehicle is hit from the side or rear, the body is often jerked quickly in one direction and then another. That movement can pull the arm violently at the shoulder joint, causing tears or strains. This kind of trauma is especially damaging because the rotator cuff is made up of small muscles that don’t respond well to sharp, twisting forces.

Many personal injury attorneys see clients with rotator cuff tears caused by the body’s reaction to the crash, even without direct impact. These injuries may not be immediately visible but can result in lasting damage.

Side or Rear-End Collisions

In auto accidents where the vehicle is hit from the side or behind, the shoulder can slam into the door or seat, or get caught between the seatbelt and seat. That impact often pinches or compresses the rotator cuff tendons, leading to swelling, pain, and tears.

For drivers and front-seat passengers especially, these crashes often result in serious shoulder injuries. Even if the vehicle doesn’t show much damage, the shoulder may suffer more than expected due to how the seatbelt pulls across the upper body during a sudden stop.

Seatbelt or Airbag Pressure on the Shoulder

Seatbelts and airbags are critical for safety, but they can also cause bodily injury to the shoulder during a crash. The seatbelt crosses the chest and shoulder area, so if it's pulled tight during impact, it can compress the rotator cuff and strain the muscles.

Airbags deploy at high speed and with powerful force. If your arm or shoulder is in the way, the sudden hit can cause blunt trauma to the rotator cuff area. Injury lawyers often see cases where airbags helped prevent greater harm but still caused rotator cuff injuries that required arthroscopic surgery or long-term care.

Medical Treatment and Recovery

Some of the most common treatments and recovery concerns that personal injury attorneys address when building a strong case are:

Diagnosis Through MRI or Ultrasound

To confirm a rotator cuff tear, doctors usually begin with a physical exam, but imaging is essential. An MRI gives a detailed view of soft tissue damage and can reveal whether the tear is partial or full. In some cases, an ultrasound may also be used to assess the muscles and tendons in motion.

These scans are important not just for treatment planning but also for documenting your personal injuries as part of your claim. Accurate diagnosis allows your legal team to calculate proper compensation for your pain, treatment, and recovery time.

Conservative Treatment

Some people with partial rotator cuff tears respond well to non-surgical options. This may include anti-inflammatory medication, corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, and rest. Conservative treatment works best for small tears, where strength and range of motion can be restored gradually.

While this option may cost less than surgery, it still requires repeated medical visits, time off work, and months of recovery. These medical expenses are still part of your personal injury claim, and you deserve to be compensated for both your pain and financial burden.

Surgical Options for Severe Tears

When a full-thickness tear or chronic shoulder injury doesn’t respond to therapy, arthroscopic surgery or open shoulder repair may be required. This surgery reconnects the torn tendon to the bone and helps restore movement. Post-surgery recovery can take months and often includes physical therapy and lifestyle changes.

If you require surgery, your injury lawyers will work to include the cost of the operation, post-op care, and lost wages in your personal injury case. Surgery is often seen in more severe car accident cases, especially those involving older adults or heavy-impact crashes.

Long-Term Effects and Risk of Reinjury

Even with proper treatment, some people continue to experience stiffness, weakness, or recurring pain. Heavy lifting or repeated arm movement can cause reinjury. Some clients need continued therapy or pain management.

Others may be unable to return to their previous jobs or hobbies, especially if playing sports or physical work was part of their life before the crash. These long-term effects can lead to permanent disability and must be included in your claim. Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers works hard to recover money for both current and future needs.

Take the Case to Trial if Needed

If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to take your personal injury case to trial. Our accident lawyers are experienced in handling serious shoulder injuries, and we will present strong evidence to a jury, including medical records, expert testimony, and proof of financial losses.

We represent clients across Queens, New York, and fight for full justice when the other party won’t take responsibility. Whether through negotiation or courtroom litigation, we are committed to helping you get what you deserve.

Damages You May Be Entitled To

A few of the key damages you may be entitled to receive in your personal injury case include:

Medical Bills and Future Surgery Costs

Treatment for rotator cuff tears can involve physical exams, imaging tests, medications, therapy, and sometimes arthroscopic surgery. Even after surgery, you may need long-term care. Your claim should cover both current medical expenses and any future procedures or doctor visits that relate to the personal injuries caused by the crash.

Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

Rebuilding shoulder strength takes time. Most patients need weeks or months of physical therapy after a serious tear. Rehab includes regular appointments, equipment use, and home exercises. These costs can add up fast and are considered part of your recoverable damages.

Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Potential

If your shoulder injury kept you from working, you can claim the income you lost during recovery. If the injury affects your ability to work in the future (especially for physical jobs) you may also claim loss of earning capacity. Your lawyer can use pay stubs, tax returns, and expert reports to show the financial implications.

Pain and Suffering

Not all damages are financial. The physical pain, emotional distress, and limitations caused by your rotator cuff injury are also worth compensation. This part of your case reflects how your life changed after the accident, including things like sleep loss, discomfort, or being unable to play sports or care for your family members.

Loss of Mobility or Use of an Arm

A serious rotator cuff tear can lead to permanent disability or limited use of the shoulder. If you lose full function of your arm, you may be entitled to compensation for the loss of independence and physical ability. This includes the lasting repercussions on your daily life and long-term health.

FAQs

Contact Our Queens Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

We offer a free case evaluation to review the details of your accident and determine how we can help. From dealing with the insurance company to gathering medical evidence, our law firm will handle every part of your claim so you can focus on healing. Our goal is always to fight for the maximum compensation available under New York law.

Don’t wait to get help. If your rotator cuff tear is affecting your work or daily life, let our attorneys stand up for you. Call us today to get started.