Torn Rotator Cuff Settlement Value

Article Updated February 28, 2022

Understanding Torn Rotator Cuff Settlement Value

Torn rotator cuffs can have a significant impact on your life, causing you to miss work, family events, and personal activities. Seeking a settlement for a rotator cuff injury is crucial for addressing the financial consequences that come with it. These financial losses may include medical bills, lost wages, compensation for pain and suffering, and more.

If you are curious about the potential settlement value for your torn rotator cuff injury, continue reading to learn about average settlement amounts, as well as:

• What is a rotator cuff injury?
• Common treatments for rotator cuff injuries
• Recovery outlooks
• Settlement averages
• Strategies to maximize your settlement amount

Rotator Cuff Injuries

The rotator cuff, consisting of muscles and tendons in the shoulder, is susceptible to damage during accidents that subject the upper body to intense force. The seat belt and the impact of the accident can result in severe damage to the rotator cuff area.

Named after its cuff-like structure connecting the shoulder joint, the rotator cuff plays a crucial role in stabilizing and enabling the use of the shoulder and arm. Composed of four major muscles (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, and teres minor) attached to the scapula, the rotator cuff tendon provides support to the shoulder blade, holding the shoulder joint together.

The supraspinatus tendon is the most commonly injured muscle in the rotator cuff, often tearing in accidents. Variables such as age can influence the severity of these injuries.

Rotator Cuff Injury Treatments

Seeking appropriate treatment is essential for a rotator cuff injury as the tendons and muscles cannot heal on their own. The intensity of the required treatment depends on the initial severity of the injury. Common treatments include:

Medication and Physical Therapy

Milder injuries can often be managed through techniques like applying heat and cold to reduce swelling. Medications may also be prescribed to aid healing. Wearing a sling helps immobilize the arm, reducing pain and allowing for rest to prevent further strain on the muscles and tendons. Physical therapy exercises can restore and enhance the range of motion of the rotator cuff and the surrounding area.

Injections for Injured Rotator Cuff

In some cases, additional treatment is necessary. Injecting cortisone steroid shots into the affected area helps alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.

Rotator Cuff Surgery

Severe cases may require surgery to repair the rotator cuff. Settlement values are influenced by the need for surgery due to its invasive nature and varying success rates. Surgery aims to restore blood flow and reattach the rotator cuff if the tear is severe or other non-invasive methods of recovery are ineffective.

Rotator Cuff Injury Recovery Outlooks

Recovering from a rotator cuff injury can take several months. Minor injuries may heal within 2-4 weeks, but more serious cases can require 6-8 months of recovery time. When the rotator cuff tear reaches a significant percentage (80%-90%), surgery is typically necessary. However, even with surgery, a complete return to normal function may not be possible. Such cases have a higher settlement value, often exceeding six figures.

Recovery outlooks depend on various factors, including age, gender, existing medical conditions like diabetes, and prior injuries. These factors, categorized into demographic, clinical, rotator cuff integrity, and surgical success/failure factors, can impact the likelihood of a positive recovery outcome.

Determining Rotator Cuff Settlement Value

Multiple factors affect the settlement value of a rotator cuff injury. The most significant factor is the severity of the injury itself; cases requiring surgery often result in more substantial settlements. However, the need for surgery alone does not guarantee a large payout. Insurance companies may leverage pre-existing rotator cuff issues and previous injuries to reduce the settlement amount. Even the type of surgery performed, such as open or arthroscopic, can impact the settlement value.

In cases where surgery is not needed, the impact and inconvenience to your life can still be significant. Extended periods of downtime, an inability to work or perform daily tasks, and the emotional and financial toll must be factored into the settlement value.

Evaluating Your Rotator Cuff’s Worth

Understanding the worth of your rotator cuff injury involves considering various factors that can influence the value of your case. By presenting arguments based on clinical evidence and assessing pain and suffering, you can enhance your torn rotator cuff settlement value. Some key considerations include:

• The seriousness and extent of the rotator cuff tear
• Your age at the time of the accident
• Past medical history and injuries
• The necessity and type of surgery required
• Co-occurring medical conditions

These variables, along with your responses, contribute to the average ranges observed for rotator cuff injury settlements, typically ranging from $30,000 to over $300,000. Average settlement values for rotator cuff surgery repair cases across different states tend to remain consistent.

Rotator Cuff Injury Verdicts & Settlements

Here are a few examples of rotator cuff injury verdicts and settlements:

VERDICT: $600,000.00. The plaintiff’s vehicle was hit from behind at an intersection, resulting in numerous injuries, including a rotator cuff tear. After arbitration, the settlement was nearly tripled from the initial offer.

VERDICT: $76,500.00. A vehicle struck the plaintiff’s car while they were stopped at a stop sign, causing a torn rotator cuff that required surgery. The settlement included compensation for medical costs, emotional distress, mental anguish, and the inability to resume daily activities for a period of time after surgery.

VERDICT: $175,000.00. The plaintiff’s vehicle was rear-ended while waiting to make a left turn at an intersection, leading to a torn rotator cuff and other injuries. The defendant was uninsured, and the plaintiff pursued compensation through a third-party insurance company.

VERDICT: $525,000.00. The plaintiff’s car was struck when the defendant’s vehicle crossed the center line while under the influence of drugs and alcohol. The accident caused bilateral rotator cuff tears and resulted in pain and suffering, medical costs, and lost wages.

Rotator Cuff Injury Q&A

• What is the average settlement for a torn rotator cuff? Settlement amounts for torn rotator cuff injuries vary due to factors such as age, previous injuries, and the need for surgery. Settlements range from lows of $30,000 to highs of $500,000+.
• Does having rotator cuff surgery impact the settlement value? Yes. Rotator cuff surgery, whether open or arthroscopic, significantly influences settlement values. Surgery indicates a more severe tear and results in longer recovery times and higher medical expenses.
• Which variables have the most significant impact on rotator cuff injury settlements? The severity of the tear and the necessity for surgery are crucial variables affecting settlement amounts. Previous injuries to the rotator cuff also play a role.
• Does age affect the settlement value of a rotator cuff surgery claim? Age can influence the settlement of a rotator cuff injury. Insurance companies may offer lower settlements due to the natural degeneration of muscles and tendons in the rotator cuff.
• Are rotator cuff injuries common in accidents? Yes, vehicle collisions frequently cause rotator cuff injuries due to the intense pressure and trauma experienced by the upper body. The affected muscles and tendons in the shoulder and arm can sustain damage.
• What is the average recovery time for rotator cuff injuries? Recovery times vary based on the severity of the injury and the need for surgery. Cases requiring surgery can take up to 8 months, while non-surgical cases can heal in a few months.

Our Los Angeles Lawyers Can Help with Your Rotator Cuff Injury Claim

If you have suffered a rotator cuff injury and need legal assistance, our Los Angeles legal team is here to help. We offer free consultations and can guide you through the legal process, ensuring you receive the maximum settlement possible. Our expertise covers Los Angeles, California, and surrounding counties.

With extensive experience in maximizing rotator cuff injury settlements, we consider all relevant factors to secure the highest compensation for our clients. Contact our attorneys through phone, email, or the provided contact form to discuss your case.

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Our lawyers serve clients both locally and nationally. If you are in Los Angeles, California, or any of its surrounding counties, we are available to assist you. Additionally, we work on a case-by-case basis with clients across all 50 states, leveraging our national network and Pro Hac Vice arrangements.