Although a relatively common injury, a dislocated shoulder can still prove a serious enough problem for those injured in an accident. Considering that treatment generally consists of immobilizing the affected arm, any job requiring intense physical labor or use of both arms becomes practically impossible. Depending on the treatment style, the arm may actually be immobilized behind the back, making even computer work difficult.

The possible causes for a dislocated shoulder injury are extremely diverse. A driver or motorcycle rider can be injured in a traffic accident. After slipping and falling, a person can pop their shoulder out of its socket. Rare as it is, a seizure or injury from electrocution can lead to an uncommon type of dislocation. In addition to these accidents, extension above the head can dislocate the shoulder, leading to an unusual dislocation that fixes the arm's ability to rotate vertically.

The symptoms associated with a dislocated shoulder are relatively straightforward. The injured shoulder and arm may not be able to rotate fully, limiting the person's ability to move their arm around. Pain and discomfort may occur through the arm and around the area of the shoulder. The affected arm can become numb due to damage done to the nerves. Finally, the shoulder may actually visually appear different. This is not always the case, but can be noticed for certain injured individuals.

The seriousness of a dislocated shoulder ultimately comes from the limitations of its treatment. Placing the arm and shoulder into an immobile position is the most common form of treatment, which can leave the injured person without considerable use of that arm for work. If more substantial damage has been done to the surrounding tissue, namely the tendons, surgical procedures may be required.

If you have been injured in an accident, causing your shoulder to become dislocated, contact the Charleston personal injury attorneys of the Steinberg Law Firm today for more information regarding your legal options.