April 17, 2025 | Car Accidents
If you hurt your rotator cuff in a car accident in Florida, you may wonder what kind of compensation you may be entitled to.
There are a number of factors that could influence this, including medical costs, lost wages, and more. This article will explore the different factors, timeframes, and other issues that could impact your rotator cuff settlement.
Understanding Rotator Cuff Injuries
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that hold your shoulder joint in place. This critical structure allows you to lift and rotate your arm while keeping the ball of your upper arm bone firmly within your shoulder socket. Injuries to the rotator cuff can occur from both sudden trauma and repetitive stress.
Average Settlement Values for Rotator Cuff Injuries in Florida
Settlements for rotator cuff injuries in Florida car accidents usually range from $50,000 to $250,000. But this amount can change a lot based on several factors.
The severity of your injury makes a significant difference in your settlement. Minor strains may receive less compensation, while complete tears requiring surgery can receive more. Severe injury claims often result in larger settlements due to their higher medical costs and longer recovery times.
Your settlement may include money for:
- Past and future medical bills
- Lost wages and reduced ability to earn money
- Pain and suffering
- Physical therapy costs
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Every case is different, and your specific situation will determine which of these apply to you.
Factors That Influence Your Settlement Amount
Several key factors will affect the value of your rotator cuff injury settlement:
Medical Treatment Requirements
Rotator cuff injuries often need extensive treatment. Mild cases might need rest, physical therapy, medicine, and steroid shots. More severe cases may need surgery followed by months of rehab. The more treatment you need, the higher your potential settlement.
Impact on Your Ability to Work
If your injury stops you from working temporarily or permanently, or limits the type of work you can do, your settlement should include this loss. This is especially important for people with physically demanding jobs.
Insurance Coverage Limitations
Florida is a no-fault insurance state. This means your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance first covers your medical expenses, no matter who caused the accident. However, a PIP usually only covers 80% of medical expenses and 60% of lost wages, up to a maximum of $10,000.
For worse rotator cuff injuries, you may need to make a claim against the at-fault driver’s bodily injury coverage or your own uninsured motorist coverage. The available insurance limits can significantly impact the amount you can recover.
Pre-existing Conditions
Insurance companies often try to blame rotator cuff injuries on pre-existing conditions or age-related wear rather than the accident. Having clear medical records that link your injury to the accident is crucial for obtaining the maximum compensation.
Comparative Negligence
Florida now follows a modified comparative negligence system, as outlined in the 2023 tort reform law. This means your percentage of fault can reduce your compensation in an accident. For example, if you’re found to be 20% at fault, your recovery would be reduced by 20%.
However, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover any damages. This law directly affects the amount you can recover for injuries such as a rotator cuff tear.
Timeframe for Settling Rotator Cuff Injury Claims
Most rotator cuff injury claims in Florida settle within 6-18 months after the accident.
However, this timeline can vary based on:
- How complex your medical treatment is
- Whether you reach maximum medical improvement
- Whether the insurance company offers fair compensation
- Whether you need to go to court
It’s usually best to wait until you’ve finished treatment or reached maximum improvement before settling your claim. This ensures all your injury-related expenses are included in your settlement.
Understanding Your Rotator Cuff Injury Settlement in Florida
If you’ve sustained a rotator cuff injury in a Florida car accident, it’s crucial to understand the factors that influence your settlement amount. From the severity of your injury to the impact on your ability to work, several variables can affect the compensation you’re entitled to. To ensure you receive the maximum settlement for your injury, consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney is highly recommended.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in Florida
If you’ve been injured in an accident, please contact our experienced car accident lawyers at Graves Thomas Injury Law Group to schedule a free consultation today. We have three convenient locations in Florida, including Vero Beach, St. Petersburg, and Port St. Lucie.
Graves Thomas Injury Law Group – Vero Beach
2651 20th St
Vero Beach, FL 32960
(772) 758-5735
Graves Thomas Injury Law Group – St. Petersburg
200 Central Ave Suite 304
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(772) 404-3858
Graves Thomas Injury Law Group – Port St. Lucie
10805 SW Tradition Square Unit 024A
Port St. Lucie, FL 34987
(772) 617-8814
