Shoulder & Rotator Cuff Injuries

Michigan Shoulder & Rotator Cuff Injury Claims

Shoulder injuries — particularly rotator cuff tears, labral tears, and shoulder dislocations — are among the most debilitating injuries that result from car accidents, falls, and workplace incidents. These injuries severely limit a person's ability to work, perform daily tasks, and enjoy life. Insurance companies routinely attempt to minimize shoulder injury claims, but Koussan Law ensures our clients receive full compensation for these life-altering injuries.

Types of Shoulder Injuries

The shoulder is the body's most mobile and most vulnerable joint. Common accident-related shoulder injuries include rotator cuff tears (partial and full-thickness), superior labrum anterior and posterior (SLAP) tears, shoulder dislocations and instability, acromioclavicular (AC) joint separations, fractured clavicle and humeral head fractures, frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) developing after trauma, and brachial plexus injuries affecting the nerve network from the neck to the arm.

Proving Causation

A key challenge in shoulder injury claims is proving the injury was caused by the accident and not a pre-existing degenerative condition. Insurance companies routinely argue that rotator cuff tears and labral injuries are age-related degeneration rather than trauma-related. We counter this with MRI evidence, surgical findings, medical expert testimony, and the legal principle that a defendant takes the plaintiff as they find them — meaning if the accident aggravated a pre-existing condition, the defendant is liable for the aggravation.

Treatment and Recovery

Many shoulder injuries require surgical repair — arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, labral repair, or shoulder replacement in severe cases — followed by months of physical therapy. Recovery timelines are long (often 6-12 months), and some patients never regain full function. Under Michigan law, these injuries qualify for pain and suffering claims in auto cases when they constitute a "serious impairment of body function" under MCL § 500.3135.

Call Koussan Law at (313) 800-0000 for a free shoulder injury consultation.