Shoulder and Rotator Cuff Injury After a Car Accident
NYC Car Accident Lawyers Representing Victims Across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx & Staten Island
Shoulder and rotator cuff injuries are some of the most painful and disabling consequences of car crashes. Even a low-speed collision in New York City traffic can cause severe shoulder trauma – affecting your ability to work, sleep, and perform daily activities.
At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, our New York City car accident attorneys help victims recover full compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering after serious shoulder and rotator cuff injuries.
Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) or contact us online for a free consultation.
Why Shoulder Injuries Are Common After NYC Car Accidents
The shoulder is one of the most complex and mobile joints in the body, which makes it highly vulnerable in a car crash. It’s composed of the humerus (upper arm bone), scapula (shoulder blade), and clavicle (collarbone), all held together by ligaments, cartilage, and the rotator cuff, a group of four muscles and tendons that stabilize and move the arm.
During a motor vehicle collision, violent impact or restraint can cause extensive shoulder damage, including:
- Bracing on the steering wheel or dashboard at impact
- Seat belt or airbag pressure across the chest and shoulder
- Shoulder-to-door impact in a side-collision
- Twisting or jerking during a rear-end crash or whiplash
Even a “minor” fender-bender can result in a torn rotator cuff, fracture, or nerve injury that worsens over time.
Common Shoulder and Rotator Cuff Injuries in NYC Car Crashes
- Rotator Cuff Tear (Partial or Full): Deep shoulder pain, weakness, and limited range of motion. Often requires arthroscopic surgery.
- Labral Tear (SLAP/Bankart): Cartilage tear causing clicking, catching, or instability.
- AC Joint Separation: Torn ligaments between the collarbone and shoulder blade, creating a visible bump.
- Shoulder Dislocation or Subluxation: The upper arm bone pops out of its socket, stretching or tearing tissues.
- Shoulder Impingement & Bursitis: Inflammation that causes sharp pain and stiffness, often aggravated by seat belt trauma.
- Fractures: Clavicle, scapula, or humerus fractures caused by steering wheel, door, or airbag impact.
- Brachial Plexus Injury: Nerve trauma causing burning pain, numbness, or weakness down the arm.
Symptoms of Shoulder or Rotator Cuff Injuries After a Car Accident
If you experience any of these symptoms after a NYC crash, seek immediate medical care:
- Persistent shoulder or upper-arm pain
- Weakness, instability, or stiffness
- Grinding, clicking, or popping noises
- Numbness or tingling radiating down the arm
- Visible deformity or swelling
- Trouble sleeping on the injured side
Adrenaline may mask pain for hours or days – but delaying treatment can worsen your injury and affect your legal claim.
Diagnosis and Treatment for Shoulder Injuries
Medical Diagnosis
Doctors diagnose shoulder and rotator cuff injuries using:
- Physical exams and range-of-motion testing
- MRI, X-ray, or ultrasound imaging
- Orthopedic evaluations
Non-Surgical Treatment
- Rest and immobilization with a sling
- Ice and anti-inflammatory medication
- Corticosteroid injections
- Physical therapy and strengthening exercises
Surgical Treatment
- Arthroscopic tendon repair or labral reconstruction
- Shoulder stabilization surgery
- Fracture fixation using plates or screws
Recovery may take several weeks to months. Surgical repairs often require long-term rehabilitation to restore strength and flexibility.
Compensation for Shoulder & Rotator Cuff Injuries in New York City
Under New York’s No-Fault Insurance Law, your PIP benefits cover initial medical care and partial lost wages. However, if your injuries meet the Serious Injury Threshold, you can pursue a personal injury claim against the negligent driver.
You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Hospital, imaging, surgical, and therapy costs
- Future medical care and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and loss of quality of life
Typical NYC Shoulder Injury Settlement Ranges
| Injury Type | Treatment | Typical Settlement Range |
| Mild sprain/strain | Physical therapy | $20,000 – $50,000 |
| Partial rotator cuff tear | Therapy + injections | $50,000 – $150,000 |
| Complete tear with surgery | Arthroscopic repair + rehab | $150,000 – $300,000+ |
| Shoulder replacement / permanent disability | Multiple surgeries | $500,000+ |
Every case is unique. Settlement values depend on injury severity, recovery time, long-term impairment, and available insurance coverage.
How Greenstein & Pittari, LLP Builds Winning Shoulder Injury Cases
Insurance companies often argue that shoulder injuries are age-related or pre-existing. Our NYC personal injury lawyers counter with substantial medical evidence and expert testimony to prove that the crash caused your shoulder injury.
We use:
- Orthopedic and radiology expert reports distinguishing acute trauma from degeneration
- MRI and surgical evidence linking injury to impact
- Documentation of work restrictions and disability
- Wage loss and pain-and-suffering calculations
- Aggressive negotiation or trial advocacy to demand full compensation
What to Do After a Car Accident in New York City
- Seek immediate medical care – even mild pain can signal a serious injury.
- Report all symptoms to your doctor and follow your treatment plan.
- Do not give recorded statements to insurers before consulting an attorney.
- Preserve evidence – photos, police reports, medical records, and witness contacts.
- Contact Greenstein & Pittari, LLP right away to protect your rights and meet filing deadlines.
Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari, LLP
- Top-rated New York City personal injury lawyers focused exclusively on accident cases
- Offices conveniently located in Harlem, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Nassau County
- No Fee Unless We Win – Our Fee Guarantee
- Bilingual legal services available
- Hundreds of satisfied client testimonials
- Recognized by Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers
Don’t Be a Victim Twice. Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) now for your free consultation.
Free Consultation – Talk to a NYC Shoulder Injury Attorney
Shoulder and rotator cuff injuries from car accidents can take months or years to heal. Don’t let an insurance company minimize your pain or delay your recovery.
Call or text Greenstein & Pittari, LLP 24/7 for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
We represent clients across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island.
Home, hospital, and virtual consultations are available.