A serious neck and shoulder injury can impact not just your physical health but many other aspects of your life. Whether caused by a road traffic collision, a workplace incident, or a slip and fall, these injuries can cause chronic pain, reduced mobility and other complications.

The financial strain that can follow a serious injury can be as equally overwhelming as the physical pain and suffering it causes. Loss of income, rehabilitation costs, and the need for ongoing care can quickly add up.

While every personal injury case is unique and requires personalised legal advice, our panel of personal injury lawyers are experts in assisting clients with a range of injuries to secure you the best possible outcome.

Many of our member law firms offer their expert legal advice on a no win no fee basis and can advocate on your behalf for the highest standard of medical care and any post discharge rehabilitation that you may need to move on with your life following injury. Please get in touch with us today to find out more regarding neck and shoulder injury compensation claims.

Serious neck and shoulder injuries

Serious neck and shoulder injuries can be truly life altering. They go far beyond just a bit of stiffness or soreness and can have a profound impact on every aspect of a person’s life. The pain can be excruciating and constant, radiating through the neck, shoulders, and even down the arms, limiting mobility and making everyday activities feel impossible.

Some examples of the types of injuries we see include:

• Fractured or Dislocated Shoulder: A fractured collarbone, scapula, or dislocated shoulder can cause intense pain, permanent joint instability, and a loss of full range of motion. These injuries often require surgery and extensive rehabilitation and may lead to lasting disability.
• Cervical Spine Fractures or Dislocations: Serious trauma to the cervical spine (the neck region of the spine) can cause fractures or dislocations, potentially leading to spinal cord damage. In extreme cases, this can result in partial or complete paralysis, requiring lifelong care.
• Rotator Cuff Tears (Severe or Complete Tears): The rotator cuff consists of muscles and tendons that stabilise the shoulder. A severe or complete tear may require surgical intervention and could lead to permanent weakness, reduced mobility, or chronic shoulder pain.
• Herniated or Bulging Discs in the Cervical Spine: A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner portion of a spinal disc protrudes through its outer layer, pressing on nearby nerves. In the neck, this can cause severe pain radiating down the arms, numbness, and even muscle weakness.
• Brachial Plexus Injuries: The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that controls muscle movement and sensation in the shoulder, arm, and hand. Severe injuries can cause weakness, loss of sensation, or even permanent disability in the affected arm.
• Nerve Damage (Neuropathy): Injuries involving nerve compression or severing, particularly in the neck and shoulder region, can result in chronic pain, tingling, numbness, and in severe cases, permanent loss of function in the arms or hands.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord in the neck area can lead to catastrophic consequences, including quadriplegia (paralysis from the neck down). Even less severe spinal cord injuries can cause permanent nerve damage, chronic pain, and functional impairments.

The member firms at Major Trauma Group are highly experienced in neck and shoulder injuries and understand the serious consequences these injuries can have on a victim’s life.

The solicitors on our panel are also extremely passionate about the benefits of specialist rehabilitation therapies following neck and shoulder injuries. Our solicitors work hard to ensure our clients receive access to such support during and following the claims process.

Common accidents that lead to serious neck and shoulder injuries

There are a range of accidents that can result in serious neck and shoulder injuries, such as:

Road Traffic Accidents

Car, motorcycle, and cycling accidents are some of the leading causes of serious neck and shoulder injuries. Sudden impacts, even at low speeds, can cause fractures or spinal injuries. High-speed collisions or being hit from behind can result in more severe trauma like cervical spine fractures or nerve damage.

Accidents at Work

Jobs that involve heavy lifting, repetitive motions, or working at heights can increase the risk of neck and shoulder injuries. Falling objects, slips, trips, and falls in the workplace can cause dislocations, fractures, or soft tissue injuries. In more severe cases, falls from scaffolding or ladders can lead to spinal cord damage.

Slips, Trips, and Falls

Falling on hard surfaces, whether in a public place, at home, or at work, can cause serious neck and shoulder injuries, especially if the person lands awkwardly or tries to break the fall with an outstretched arm. This can result in dislocations or fractures.

Sports and Recreational Accidents

High-impact sports like rugby, football, skiing, or cycling can lead to serious injuries, particularly when collisions occur or falls happen at high speeds. Neck strains, shoulder dislocations, and spinal injuries are common in contact sports and extreme activities.

Assaults or Physical Violence

Being struck or pushed during an altercation can lead to blunt force trauma, causing fractures, dislocations, or nerve damage in the neck and shoulder area.

Falls from Height

Falling from ladders, staircases, scaffolding, or roofs can lead to catastrophic injuries, including spinal cord damage, severe fractures, and permanent nerve damage affecting the neck and shoulders.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents

Cyclists and pedestrians are particularly vulnerable in traffic incidents. Being struck by a vehicle or falling from a bike can cause severe neck and shoulder injuries, especially if the victim lands on their upper body or head.

Construction Site Accidents

Construction workers face risks from heavy machinery, falling objects, and unstable surfaces. Accidents on construction sites often result in serious trauma, including fractures, dislocations, and spinal injuries affecting the neck and shoulders.

Should you make a neck and shoulder injury compensation claim?

If you have suffered a severe or life changing neck and shoulder injury through no fault of your own then you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim. Our member firms, comprising experienced personal injury solicitors, are passionate about advocating for their client’s best interests and securing compensation that enables them to live as full a life as possible following their accident.

The neck and shoulder injury compensation you receive can provide you with the best chance of making a full recovery and reimburse you for your pain, suffering, and any financial losses you have incurred as a consequence of being injured.

Rehabilitation for neck and shoulder injuries

At Major Trauma Group, we are passionate about early access to specialist rehabilitation treatments to further the chances of recovery for our clients.

Our solicitors can advocate for interim payments during the neck and shoulder injury compensation claims process, which can enable clients to access specialist rehabilitation therapies at the earliest possible opportunity, often before the claim is even finalised.

Therapy and rehabilitation can significantly improve both physical and mental well-being, reduce long-term pain, and enhance overall quality of life.

Major Trauma Group is dedicated to helping you overcome the challenges of a complex injury. We’ll equip you with the tools and resources you need to maximise your recovery.

How much could you expect to receive in your neck and shoulder injury compensation claim?

Compensation for neck and shoulder injuries typically falls into two main categories: general damages and special damages.

General damages refer to non monetary losses suffered as a result of your injury. These include compensation for the pain, suffering, and loss of amenity. For neck and shoulder injuries, this could encompass ongoing pain, stiffness, restricted movement, and impact on your ability to perform everyday tasks or enjoy hobbies.

The amount of compensation awarded for general damages varies based on the severity and long-term effects of the neck or shoulder injury. Courts often consider precedents set in similar cases, the Judicial College Guidelines, expert medical opinions, and the impact on your daily life when determining the appropriate injury compensation amount.

Special damages are the quantifiable financial losses incurred as a direct result of the injury. These may include:

• Loss of Earnings: Compensation for the income you have lost due to being unable to work during your recovery. This includes both past and future lost earnings if the injury impacts your long-term ability to work.
• Travel expenses: Incurred costs associated with travelling to and from medical appointments, therapy sessions, and other related treatments.
• Cost of care: If your injury requires you to hire help with household chores, personal care, or other assistance, these costs can be included in your claim.

To accurately calculate special damages, it’s important to maintain thorough records of all expenses and financial losses associated with your neck or shoulder injury. This includes keeping invoices, receipts, proof of lost earnings, documentation of missed work, and any other evidence that demonstrates the financial impact of your injury.

How can Major Trauma Group assist?

Our member firms at Major Trauma Group are highly experienced in personal injury claims for compensation and are usually able to offer their services on a no win no fee agreement, meaning that if your compensation claim is unsuccessful, then you will not need to pay your solicitors for their time spent on your claim.

If you would like to speak to a member of our team to start your neck and shoulder injury compensation claim, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us today. You can contact us at 0330 311 2578 or email us at hello@majortraumagroup.co.uk.