Shoulder Injury Settlement Amounts: Rotator Cuff, Dislocation & More

Shoulder injuries from accidents can range from minor strains to complete rotator cuff tears requiring surgery. Settlement values vary widely based on the type of injury and treatment needed.

Average Shoulder Injury Settlements

Rotator Cuff Tears: The Most Common Claim

Rotator cuff injuries are the most frequently claimed shoulder injury in personal injury cases. These tears can result from car accidents, falls, or workplace incidents. The key factor in settlement value is whether the tear is partial or complete, and whether arthroscopic or open surgery is required.

How Shoulder Injuries Affect Settlement Value

Shoulder injuries are particularly impactful because they affect your ability to perform daily activities, work, and sleep. Insurance companies recognize that shoulder injuries often require months of physical therapy and may result in permanent range-of-motion limitations.

The Surgery Factor

Like most orthopedic injuries, shoulder cases with surgical intervention settle for significantly more than those treated conservatively. Arthroscopic surgery typically adds $50,000 to $100,000 to the claim value, while open surgery or shoulder replacement can add even more.

Pre-Existing Shoulder Conditions

Degenerative shoulder conditions are common, especially in people over 40. Insurance companies will review your medical history for any prior shoulder complaints. However, the eggshell plaintiff doctrine means that if the accident aggravated a pre-existing condition, you are still entitled to compensation for the worsening.

Recovery Timeline and Its Impact

Shoulder surgery recovery typically takes 6 to 12 months, with full recovery sometimes taking up to 18 months. This extended recovery period means more medical bills, more lost work time, and a higher settlement value. Physical therapy alone can cost $5,000 to $15,000 over the course of recovery.