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Shoulder injuries · Established 1960
Connecticut Shoulder Injury Lawyers
Shoulder injuries can take months to heal and often get worse before they are fully diagnosed. We listen to how your injury has affected you and help you understand your options.
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Advocates For Injury Victims
With over five decades of proven results, our personal injury attorneys in Connecticut continue to deliver results by holding negligent parties accountable. We offer free consultations to help you understand your rights and legal options. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
Helping Injury Victims Recover After Serious Shoulder Injuries
A shoulder injury can make even the simplest daily activities painful. Reaching overhead, lifting groceries, driving, getting dressed, or performing your job may become difficult or impossible. If your shoulder injury was caused by a car accident, slip and fall, workplace accident, dog attack, or another act of negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. At McCoy & McCoy, our Connecticut shoulder injury lawyers help accident victims pursue the financial recovery they need for medical treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care.
Understanding Shoulder Injuries After an Accident
The shoulder is one of the most complex joints in the human body, providing a greater range of motion than almost any other joint. Unlike a simple hinge joint, the shoulder is made up of multiple bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and nerves that must work together seamlessly. The joint consists of the humerus (upper arm bone), clavicle (collarbone), and scapula (shoulder blade), along with the rotator cuff, labrum, and surrounding soft tissues that provide strength and stability. Damage to any one of these structures can significantly affect the shoulder’s ability to function properly.
One of the challenges with shoulder injuries is that they often worsen over time. Immediately after an accident, adrenaline and shock may mask pain and other symptoms. As inflammation develops in the days and weeks that follow, victims may begin to experience increasing pain, weakness, stiffness, limited range of motion, or difficulty performing routine tasks. What initially appears to be a minor strain or sprain may later be diagnosed as a torn rotator cuff, labral tear, nerve injury, or another serious condition.
Common Causes of Shoulder Injuries
Car Accidents
A violent collision can force the shoulder into a seatbelt, steering wheel, door, or window, causing significant damage. Our Connecticut car accident lawyers help victims pursue compensation after serious crashes.
Truck Accidents
Commercial truck collisions frequently result in severe shoulder trauma due to the tremendous forces involved.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists often land directly on a shoulder during a crash, resulting in fractures, dislocations, and torn rotator cuffs.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Many slip and fall victims instinctively extend an arm during a fall, placing significant stress on the shoulder joint.
Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians struck by vehicles often suffer shoulder injuries when thrown onto the roadway.
Workplace Accidents
Heavy lifting, falls, repetitive motion injuries, and construction accidents can all lead to serious shoulder damage.
Types of Shoulder Injuries
Shoulder injuries can range from relatively minor soft tissue damage to severe traumatic injuries requiring surgery and long-term rehabilitation. Because the shoulder relies on a complex network of bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage, even a seemingly minor accident can result in significant pain and functional limitations. Some shoulder injuries heal with conservative treatment, while others may lead to permanent impairment.
Rotator Cuff Tears
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint and allow the arm to move in multiple directions. A sudden impact during a car accident, fall, or other traumatic event can partially or completely tear these tendons. Victims often experience pain, weakness, limited range of motion, and difficulty lifting objects overhead. Severe tears may require surgical repair. Learn more about torn rotator cuff injuries from car accidents.
Shoulder Dislocations
A shoulder dislocation occurs when the upper arm bone is forced out of the shoulder socket. This injury frequently occurs in falls, motorcycle accidents, and high-impact vehicle collisions. A dislocated shoulder can cause intense pain, swelling, instability, and damage to surrounding ligaments, nerves, and cartilage.
Labral Tears
The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the shoulder socket and helps keep the joint stable. Trauma from an accident can tear this cartilage, leading to pain, catching sensations, popping sounds, weakness, and recurring shoulder instability. Some labral tears require arthroscopic surgery to restore proper function.
Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
Shoulder impingement occurs when tendons within the shoulder become compressed or irritated during movement. Accident-related inflammation can narrow the space within the joint, causing pain when lifting or reaching. Without treatment, shoulder impingement may eventually contribute to rotator cuff damage.
Fractured Collarbone (Clavicle Fracture)
The collarbone is one of the most commonly fractured bones in motor vehicle accidents, bicycle accidents, and falls. A fractured collarbone can cause severe pain, visible deformity, bruising, and difficulty moving the affected arm. Some fractures heal with immobilization, while others require surgical intervention.
Frozen Shoulder
Some accident victims develop frozen shoulder after trauma or prolonged immobilization. This condition causes progressive stiffness, pain, and loss of motion that can last for months or even years. Treatment often includes physical therapy, injections, and occasionally surgery.
SLAP Tears
A Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior (SLAP) tear is a specific type of labral injury that affects the top portion of the shoulder socket. These injuries can result from sudden trauma, such as a motor vehicle accident, and may cause pain, weakness, clicking sensations, and reduced shoulder function.
Shoulder Arthritis Following Trauma
Not all shoulder injuries appear immediately after an accident. Damage to cartilage, bones, or supporting structures can accelerate the development of post-traumatic arthritis, leading to chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility years after the initial injury.
Regardless of the specific diagnosis, shoulder injuries should never be ignored. What may initially feel like soreness or stiffness can develop into a more serious condition that affects your ability to work, perform daily activities, and enjoy life. Prompt medical evaluation is often critical to protecting both your health and your legal rights after an accident.
Can a Shoulder Injury Require Surgery?
Yes. While some shoulder injuries can be treated with rest, physical therapy, medication, or injections, more severe injuries may require surgery to restore function, reduce pain, and prevent long-term complications. The need for surgery often depends on the type of injury, the extent of the damage, the victim’s age and activity level, and how well the injury responds to conservative treatment.
Compensation Available in a Connecticut Shoulder Injury Claim
A shoulder injury can result in more than just temporary discomfort. For many accident victims, the financial, physical, and emotional consequences can continue long after the accident. If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, Connecticut law may allow you to recover compensation for both your economic and non-economic damages.
Medical Expenses
- Emergency room treatment
- Ambulance transportation
- Diagnostic imaging
- Doctor & specialist appointments
- Physical therapy & rehab
- Chiropractic treatment
- Prescription medications
- Pain management procedures
- Future medical care and treatment
Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity
- Lost wages from missed work
- Lost overtime opportunities
- Used sick leave or vacation time
- Reduced earning capacity
- Future lost income if the injury affects long-term employment
Pain and Suffering
- Chronic shoulder pain
- Physical discomfort during daily activities
- Emotional distress
- Anxiety and depression
- Frustration caused by ongoing symptoms
- Reduced quality of life
Future Damages
- Ongoing medical treatment
- Future rehabilitation expenses
- Future lost earning capacity
- Long-term pain and suffering
- Permanent physical limitations
How a Connecticut Shoulder Injury Attorney Can Help
A serious shoulder injury can affect nearly every aspect of your life. Medical treatment, physical therapy appointments, missed work, and ongoing pain can quickly become overwhelming. Unfortunately, insurance companies often attempt to minimize shoulder injury claims by arguing that the injury is minor, pre-existing, or unrelated to the accident. A Connecticut shoulder injury lawyer can help protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
At McCoy & McCoy, we understand that shoulder injuries are often far more serious than they initially appear. Conditions such as rotator cuff tears, labral tears, shoulder dislocations, and nerve injuries can require surgery, months of rehabilitation, and long-term medical care. Our goal is to ensure that every aspect of your injury is fully documented and accounted for before any settlement is considered.
A Connecticut shoulder injury lawyer can help by:
- Conducting a thorough investigation into the accident
- Gathering police reports, witness statements, and other evidence
- Obtaining and organizing medical records
- Working with medical providers and experts to document the full extent of your injuries
- Calculating current and future damages
- Communicating with insurance companies on your behalf
- Negotiating aggressively for a fair settlement or verdict
- Representing you throughout litigation and trial
The sooner an attorney becomes involved, the better positioned they may be to preserve evidence, document your injuries, and build a strong case on your behalf.
Why Choose McCoy & McCoy?
Choosing the right law firm after a shoulder injury can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. At McCoy & McCoy, we understand that you are not just dealing with an injury—you may be facing mounting medical bills, missed time from work, uncertainty about the future, and pressure from insurance companies. Our team is committed to providing personalized legal representation and direct support throughout every stage of your claim.
Over 50 Years of Serving Connecticut Injury Victims
Our firm has been helping injured individuals and families throughout Connecticut since 1960. We have decades of experience handling motor vehicle accident claims and understand the challenges accident victims face.
Recognized and Respected in the Legal Community
Our attorneys have earned recognition from some of the most respected organizations in the legal profession for their dedication to personal injury law and commitment to achieving results for clients.
Our accolades include:
- Recognition in Best Lawyers in America
- Included in Best Law Firms rankings
- Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer (Attorney Frank McCoy)
- Super Lawyers and Super Lawyers Rising Stars selections
- Members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- Members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- AVVO Highly Rated Attorney Profiles
- Decades of recognition for excellence in personal injury litigation
Trial-Ready Advocacy
Attorney Frank McCoy is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by the NBTA. This rigorous credential is held by less than 0.5% of all Connecticut lawyers, signaling the highest level of courtroom expertise. Insurance companies know which law firms settle for the first offer and which law firms – like ours – have the credentials to take a case to trial. Our courtroom reputation gives our clients a level of leverage that most firms simply cannot provide.
The “Insurance Insider” Edge
We know their playbook. Attorney Brian Parrott previously worked as an insurance adjuster, so he knows exactly how they evaluate claims and minimize payouts, giving our firm a unique advantage.
Proven Results
Our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for injured clients throughout Connecticut. We know how to build strong cases, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, and pursue maximum compensation when litigation becomes necessary. Because the insurance companies know our record, they are forced to take your case seriously from day one. See our case results.
Limited Caseload & Direct Attorney Access
When you hire McCoy & McCoy, you will have direct access to the attorney handling your case. Unlike high-volume firms that handle hundreds of cases at a time, we intentionally limit the number of cases we accept. This allows us to devote more time, attention, and resources to every client we represent.
No Fees Unless We Win
After an accident, the last thing you should have to worry about is how you will afford an attorney. Your focus should be on recovering from your injuries and taking care of yourself and your family – not paying legal fees.
At McCoy & McCoy, we offer free legal consultations to discuss your case and answer your questions. If we agree to represent you, you do not pay any upfront costs, retainers, or hourly fees. We handle your case on a contingency fee basis, meaning our fee is paid only if we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.
Under Connecticut law, contingency fees in personal injury cases are regulated by statute and are based on a percentage of the recovery obtained. If there is no recovery, you do not owe us an attorney’s fee.
We believe every injury victim should have access to experienced legal representation regardless of their financial situation. Our goal is to make the legal process as stress-free as possible so you can focus on your recovery while we focus on your case.
Learn All About the CT Shoulder Injury Lawyers
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When you choose McCoy & McCoy, your case is handled by experienced Connecticut personal injury attorneys who are committed to helping injury victims recover the compensation they deserve. Our legal team has earned a reputation for delivering results, providing personalized attention, and fighting tirelessly for clients throughout Connecticut.
Attorney Frank McCoy: Frank McCoy is a Board Certified Civil Trial lawyer, a distinction earned by only a small percentage of attorneys nationwide. With decades of experience representing injury victims, Frank has successfully handled complex personal injury and wrongful death cases and is recognized for his trial advocacy, legal knowledge, and commitment to achieving justice for his clients.
Attorney Brian Parrott: Attorney Parrott has spent more than two decades helping individuals navigate insurance claims and personal injury matters. Before becoming an attorney, Brian worked as an insurance adjuster for nearly 10 years, giving him valuable insight into how insurance companies evaluate and defend claims. Brian is a member of both the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, honors reserved for attorneys who have achieved significant results for their clients.
Attorney Angela Edwards: Attorney Edwards has more than 20 years of legal experience and has helped recover hundreds of millions of dollars for injured individuals and consumers. Known for her compassionate approach and relentless advocacy, Angela has earned recognition from Super Lawyers and is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. She is dedicated to helping clients navigate difficult circumstances while pursuing the maximum compensation available under the law.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a shoulder injury claim worth in Connecticut?
The value of a shoulder injury claim depends on several factors, including the severity of the injury, whether surgery is required, the cost of medical treatment, lost wages, future medical expenses, and the impact the injury has on your daily life. More serious injuries such as rotator cuff tears, labral tears, fractures, or permanent loss of mobility often result in higher settlements than minor soft tissue injuries.
Can a car accident cause a shoulder injury?
Yes. Shoulder injuries are common in car accidents due to the force of impact. Drivers and passengers may strike the steering wheel, door, window, seatbelt, or other parts of the vehicle during a collision.
What if my shoulder pain did not start until days after the accident?
It is not uncommon for shoulder pain to appear hours or even days after an accident. Adrenaline and shock can temporarily mask symptoms immediately following a crash. As inflammation develops, victims may begin experiencing pain, stiffness, weakness, or reduced range of motion.
Will I need surgery for my shoulder injury?
Not every shoulder injury requires surgery. Some injuries improve with physical therapy, medication, injections, and other conservative treatments. However, severe rotator cuff tears, labral tears, fractures, recurrent dislocations, and certain nerve injuries may require surgical intervention.
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