Shoulder injuries are among the most common injuries seen after road traffic accidents. The force involved in a collision can place sudden strain on the shoulder joint, muscles and surrounding soft tissue, even in lower-speed impacts. Drivers, passengers, cyclists and pedestrians can all be affected, and injuries may range from soft tissue damage to more complex joint or nerve problems.

Symptoms do not always present straight away. Some people feel pain, stiffness or reduced movement immediately after the accident, while others notice symptoms developing hours or days later as inflammation increases. If shoulder injuries have interfered with everyday activities such as driving, lifting, dressing or sleeping, and affected your ability to work or care for others, you may be able to claim compensation, no matter how minor or severe your symptoms.

This guide from JMW's road traffic accident compensation experts explains how shoulder injury claims after a car accident work, including when compensation may be available, how compensation is assessed, and the steps involved in making a personal injury claim. It is intended to help people understand their options and what to expect if they decide to explore a claim following an accident that was not their fault.

Can You Claim Compensation for a Shoulder Injury After a Car Accident?

You may be able to bring a claim for medical negligence or personal injury if they have a shoulder injury following a road traffic accident caused by another party’s actions or negligence. Eligibility depends on showing that the other driver breached their duty of care, for example through careless driving, failing to follow traffic signals or not paying proper attention, and that this directly led to the accident and the shoulder injury.

Evidence such as accident reports, witness accounts, vehicle damage, and medical records from a doctor or physiotherapist can demonstrate how the injury occurred and how it has affected daily life, work and mobility. Fault is a key part of the claim, and you will only be entitled to compensation if we can prove that another party was legally responsible for the accident.

There are also strict time limits for claiming shoulder injury compensation. In most cases, the UK limitation period is three years from the date of the accident or from when the injury was first diagnosed, although different rules can apply for children or people who lack mental capacity. Acting within this timeframe helps protect the right to pursue a claim and allows evidence to be gathered while it is still available. By contacting JMW at your earliest opportunity, you can find out whether you are in a position to make a claim and get the process started within the relevant time limits.

How Much Compensation Do You Get for a Shoulder Injury From a Car Accident?

The final compensation amount for a shoulder injury depends on several factors, including the severity of the injury, the recovery time, and the overall impact on your life. 

Shoulder injury compensation amounts are calculated based on two categories of damages for shoulder pain after a car accident. Compensation types include:

• General damages: This is compensation for the pain, suffering and loss of amenity (the impact on your ability to perform daily tasks, work, and enjoy hobbies) caused by the shoulder injury.
• Special damages: This covers any specific financial losses and out-of-pocket expenses you have incurred as a direct result of the injury.

Guideline amounts for general damages are based on the Judicial College Guidelines. Our compensation calculator can also provide an initial estimate for shoulder injury payouts. However, every shoulder injury claim is unique, and our solicitors will provide a more accurate valuation after reviewing the details of your case and the medical evidence.

Common Shoulder Injuries Caused by Car Accidents

The force and impact of a road traffic accident can cause a wide range of shoulder injuries. The sudden jolt or direct impact against a car door, dashboard, or steering wheel can strain or tear the complex network of muscles, tendons, and bones in the shoulder joint. A seatbelt, while vital for safety, can also cause soft tissue damage to the shoulder and collarbone during a collision.

Some of the most common shoulder injuries sustained in car accidents include:

• Soft tissue injuries: This includes sprains, strains and deep bruising to the muscles and ligaments around the shoulder.
• Rotator cuff tears: A tear to the group of tendons and muscles (the rotator cuff) that stabilise the shoulder. This is one of the most common shoulder injuries and can cause significant pain and weakness. A torn rotator cuff may require extensive physiotherapy or surgery.
• Dislocated shoulder: The top of the upper arm bone (humerus) is forced out of the shoulder socket.
• Broken collarbone (clavicle fracture): A fracture of the bone connecting the shoulder blade to the breastbone.
• Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis): A condition causing pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint, which can develop after an injury.
• Brachial plexus injury: Damage to the network of nerves that sends signals from your spine to your shoulder, arm and hand. This can result in weakness, loss of sensation or even paralysis.

It is vital to seek medical attention for any shoulder pain following a car accident, as symptoms may not appear immediately. A medical professional can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan, and your medical records will form a key part of the supporting evidence for your shoulder injury claim.

Shoulder Pain After a Car Accident - What Should You Do?

Anyone who experiences shoulder pain after a car accident should seek medical attention as soon as possible. A doctor, nurse or physiotherapist can assess the injury, arrange scans if appropriate and advise on treatment or a referral. Even where pain feels manageable at first, an early assessment within the shoulder injury claims process helps identify injuries that may become more problematic over time.

Medical records play a central role after a road traffic accident. Notes made by a GP, hospital doctor or physiotherapist provide a clear timeline of when symptoms began, how the injury presented and how it developed. These records can later help link the shoulder injury to the accident and show the effect it has had on mobility, work and daily activities.

The accident itself should be reported to the relevant authorities. This may involve contacting the police, notifying an insurer or completing an accident report, depending on the circumstances. Reporting creates evidence that establishes how the accident occurred and supports any later investigation into fault.

Keeping a personal record of symptoms can also be helpful. Writing down pain levels, restricted movement, sleep disruption, time off work and difficulties with everyday tasks can show how the shoulder injury affects day-to-day life and how those effects change over time.

What Can Shoulder Injury Compensation Cover?

Compensation for a shoulder injury following a car accident is intended to reflect both the physical impact of the injury and the practical consequences it has caused. This takes into account the severity of the injury, the level of ongoing pain, and how long recovery is expected to take. Shoulder injuries can restrict movement and independence, which can affect many aspects of daily life and result in more compensation.

A claim may also take account of financial losses. This can include loss of earnings if the injury has required time off work, reduced hours, or affected the ability to return to the same role. Where the injury has longer-term effects on your ability to work, future loss of income may also be considered.

The cost of medical treatment can form part of a claim. This may include appointments with a doctor, physiotherapy, recommended rehabilitation, or other treatment required to manage pain and improve function. Related travel costs, such as journeys to the hospital, your GP or physiotherapy appointments, can also be included.

Where a shoulder injury has meant relying on help from others, compensation may reflect care and assistance needs. This can cover support from a partner, family member or professional carer with tasks such as dressing, washing, cooking or childcare, where the injury has reduced your independence.

How Long Does a Shoulder Injury Claim Take?

The time it takes to resolve a shoulder injury claim varies depending on the circumstances. Some claims progress within a matter of months, particularly where the other party accepts responsibility early and the injury recovers within a clear timeframe. Other cases may take longer, especially where the injury is more complex or recovery is ongoing, as it can be necessary to understand the full extent of the injury before the claim concludes.

Several factors can affect how long a shoulder injury claim takes. These include how quickly medical evidence is available, the severity of the injury, whether liability is disputed, and how long recovery takes or whether further treatment is required. Shoulder injury compensation claims can also take longer if court proceedings are issued, although many cases continue to progress through negotiation alongside this process.

Do You Need a Solicitor to Make a Shoulder Injury Claim?

It’s important to speak to a specialist personal injury solicitor, as they have the expertise needed to handle your claim properly and secure the best possible outcome. If you're thinking about making a shoulder injury claim, contact JMW as soon as possible. Having expert legal representation from the start makes a significant difference. Without it, claims can be complex, time-consuming, and difficult to navigate.

At JMW, we provide the legal support you need throughout the entire process. We gather evidence, obtain medical reports, manage negotiations with insurers, and handle all correspondence and deadlines. From day one, our goal is to ease the pressure on you and help you access the treatment and support you need while we focus on securing the compensation you deserve.

We offer all shoulder injury claims on a no win, no fee basis. That means you won’t pay any legal fees upfront - and if the claim is not successful, you won’t pay us at all. There is no financial risk in seeking our help.

Our specialist personal injury solicitors have years of experience handling shoulder injury claims, particularly those caused by road traffic accidents. We understand how to assess your injury, establish liability, and present strong medical evidence. If disputes arise, we know how to resolve them quickly and effectively.

Speak to us today for clear, expert advice and immediate legal support.

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