SLAP tears and other shoulder injuries can and do occur in car and truck accidents in Georgia even though the insurance company will frequently deny it was caused by the collision. I can help. Please call now at (404) 474-0804 or toll free (866) 455-4709.
Why is an experienced lawyer important for my SLAP tear case?
Without an experienced attorney representing you, it's possible that:
• the insurance company will deny your SLAP tear claim,
• the insurance company will ignore your calls, hoping you will just go away,
• the insurance company's paltry offer will offend you and your sense of justice,
• the insurance company will tell you that your SLAP tear didn't happen due to the accident, or that there is no physical evidence to support your injury claim.
DO NOT believe them.
A SLAP tear is a legitimate shoulder injury that can be caused by a car or tractor trailer accident. Peachtree City injury attorney Jason R. Schultz PC understands SLAP tear injuries, their treatment, and the insurance company's defense in these injuries.
What is a SLAP tear?
A SLAP (Superior Labrum from Anterior to Posterior) tear is an injury to your shoulder joint, specifically the labrum. Your labrum is a cuff of cartilage that forms a cup at the end of your arm bone that allows it to move inside. Your shoulder joint is a ball and socket joint, and because the socket of your shoulder joint is extremely shallow, it is much more unstable than other joints, leaving it vulnerable to injury.
Though SLAP tears are commonly associated with lifting, repetitive overhead motion, and falls, is is just as likely to sustain this type of injury due to a car or truck crash.
Where does the injury occur?
A SLAP tear occurs at the point where the tendon of the biceps muscle inserts on the labrum.
How can an auto accident lead to a SLAP tear?
Unfortunately, the impact of any auto accident must be absorbed, in part, by your body. If you are aware that you are about to be in a wreck, your immediate reaction might be to tense up and brace your hands against the steering wheel. Unfortunately, this often leads to severe injury. Because your shoulder is now in a non-relaxed state, it absorbs a large amount of force upon impact. A SLAP tear is the possible result from this type of collision.
What treatment is available for a SLAP tear?
A large number of people with SLAP tears may require arthroscopic surgery. Because there is very little blood flow to this area of your shoulder, traditional means of healing can be difficult to achieve. However, some people may respond to a more traditional, non-evasive form of treatment. Non-surgical forms of treatment may include:
• non-prescription and prescription strength pain relievers
• cortisone injections
• supervised physical therapy
• period of rest and inactivity to allow inflammation to subside