St. Louis car accident lawyer for shoulder surgery after car accident

Being involved in a car accident and sustaining a shoulder injury can be debilitating. If your injury requires surgery, seeking compensation for medical expenses and other damages is crucial. Here's a breakdown of the medical and legal aspects involved, along with guidance on finding a qualified St. Louis car accident lawyer specializing in shoulder surgery cases.

Medical Considerations:

Types of Shoulder Surgery: Depending on the nature and severity of your shoulder injury, different surgical procedures might be necessary. These could include:
- Rotator cuff repair: This surgery addresses tears in the rotator cuff tendons, which stabilize the shoulder joint.
- Labral repair: The labrum is a ring of cartilage that cushions the shoulder joint. A torn labrum might require surgery.
- Shoulder arthroscopy: This minimally invasive surgery allows for diagnosis and treatment of various shoulder problems.
- Shoulder replacement: In severe cases with extensive joint damage, shoulder replacement surgery might be necessary.
Documentation: Maintain detailed medical records documenting your shoulder injury, diagnosis, treatment plan, and the need for shoulder surgery. This includes X-rays, MRIs, physical therapy progress notes, and any specialist reports.

Legal Considerations:

Establishing Liability: To receive compensation, you need to prove the other driver's negligence caused the car accident and your subsequent shoulder injury. Evidence like police reports, witness statements, and accident scene photos can support your claim.
Damages: Compensation can cover various damages, including:
- Medical Bills: This includes past and future medical expenses related to the car accident and shoulder surgery.
- Lost Wages: Recover compensation for wages lost due to the injury and recovery from surgery.
- Pain and Suffering: This includes compensation for physical and emotional pain caused by the accident and ongoing injuries.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: If your shoulder injury limits your ability to work in the future, you might be entitled to compensation for lost earning potential.

Building Your Case:

Evidence: Gather evidence linking the accident to your shoulder injury and the need for surgery. Medical records, diagnostic test results (X-rays, MRIs), and expert opinions from a qualified orthopedic surgeon supporting the surgery's necessity are crucial.
Causation: Your lawyer will establish a clear connection between the car accident, your shoulder injury, and the need for surgery. Medical evidence demonstrating the injury wouldn't have occurred without the accident is vital.

Comparative Negligence in Missouri:

Missouri is a pure comparative negligence state. This means that if you are found partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of fault attributed. For example, if you're deemed 10% at fault, your total compensation award would be reduced by 10%.

Finding the Right St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer

Here are some key factors to consider when searching for a qualified lawyer in St. Louis specializing in car accident cases involving shoulder surgery:

Experience: Seek a lawyer with a proven track record of handling car accident cases with shoulder injuries and surgeries. Look for information on their website or online profiles regarding past case results involving similar situations.
Focus on Personal Injury: Prioritize lawyers specializing in personal injury law, as they will have a deep understanding of Missouri accident laws, insurance regulations, and injury compensation.
Medical Expertise: Look for lawyers who have experience working with medical professionals and understanding the complexities of shoulder injuries and surgeries.
Location: Consider a lawyer's location for convenience during consultations and meetings.
Communication Style: Choose a lawyer who can clearly explain legal matters and keep you informed throughout the process. Feeling comfortable communicating openly with your lawyer is crucial.

Online Resources:

Bar Associations: Contact the Missouri Bar Association or St. Louis County Bar Association for referrals to lawyers specializing in car accident and personal injury cases.
Online Directories: Search online directories like Avvo or Martindale-Hubbell to find St. Louis car accident lawyers with experience in shoulder injury cases.
Client Reviews: Read client reviews on lawyer profiles to get insights into their communication style, responsiveness, and overall client satisfaction.

Benefits of Legal Representation:

Case Evaluation: An experienced lawyer can evaluate your case, assess its merits, and advise you on the potential for compensation.
Investigation and Evidence Gathering: They can conduct a thorough investigation of the accident, gather evidence to support your claim, and work with medical professionals to understand the extent of your injuries and the need for surgery.