A sudden jolt at a downtown intersection. A crushing blow from a side-impact collision on I-5. A seatbelt that saves your life—but leaves your arm tingling for weeks. If you’ve been in a crash like this in Seattle and now feel numbness, weakness, or pain in your shoulder or arm, you may be facing more than just muscle soreness.
Nerve damage in your shoulder can dramatically affect your ability to work, drive, or even dress yourself. At Kode Law, Seattle car accident lawyer Preet Kode helps clients understand these complex injuries, pursue proper medical care, and fight for the compensation they deserve.
What Is the Brachial Plexus—and How Does a Crash Injure It?
The brachial plexus is a cluster of nerves that starts in your neck and controls movement and sensation in your shoulder, arm, and hand. During a car accident, this delicate nerve network can be stretched, compressed, or torn.
In Seattle crashes, brachial plexus injuries often result from:
- Seatbelt pressure across the shoulder. Seatbelts help prevent fatalities, but injuries due to seatbelts are particularly common in T-bone or high-speed freeway collisions.
- Sudden, violent movement. Rear-end crashes on I-405 or SR-520 can whip your neck and shoulder sharply enough to strain nerves.
- Bone or joint trauma. A fractured collarbone or dislocated shoulder from the crash may compress or sever nearby nerves.
You don’t have to lose consciousness or break a bone to suffer serious nerve damage. Even what seems like a “minor” collision can cause lasting shoulder issues.
What Are the Symptoms of Shoulder Nerve Damage After a Car Accident?
Many crash survivors don’t immediately realize they’ve suffered nerve damage—until symptoms start disrupting their daily lives. Watch for:
- Tingling or “electric” sensations. Especially in your shoulder, down your arm, or into your fingers.
- Weakness in lifting, pushing, or gripping. Simple tasks like turning a doorknob or carrying groceries may become difficult.
- Numbness or reduced sensation. You might lose awareness of temperature or touch in certain parts of your arm or hand.
- Chronic pain. Sharp, burning, or stabbing pain that worsens with movement is common in brachial plexus injuries.
If you’re noticing any of these signs in the days or even weeks after your crash, don’t ignore them. Early diagnosis is crucial to protect both your health and your legal right to compensation.
How Are These Injuries Diagnosed and Treated?
Standard X-rays may rule out fractures, but they won’t detect nerve damage. To properly evaluate a suspected brachial plexus injury, your doctors may use:
- MRI scans. An MRI is used to visualize soft tissues and check for nerve compression or tears.
- EMG and nerve conduction studies. These tests measure how well your nerves are sending signals to your muscles.
- Physical exams. Your doctor may test strength, reflexes, and range of motion to pinpoint nerve involvement.
Depending on the severity, treatment could range from physical therapy and medication to nerve graft surgery.
What’s the Long-Term Outlook for Shoulder Nerve Damage?
Some brachial plexus injuries heal within months, especially if the nerves are only stretched. But more severe cases—like torn or avulsed nerves—can lead to permanent impairment.
Long-term effects may include:
- Chronic nerve pain. Many patients experience long-lasting or even lifelong pain.
- Partial or full loss of function. Severe injuries can paralyze the shoulder, arm, or hand.
- Muscle atrophy. Muscles that aren’t used because of nerve damage can weaken and shrink over time.
- Lost earning capacity. Your wages are most likely to be limited in the future if your job requires physical activity, typing, or lifting.
How Can a Seattle Car Accident Lawyer Help With a Nerve Injury Claim?
Insurance companies often downplay “invisible” injuries like shoulder nerve damage. They may argue your symptoms are unrelated to the crash or suggest you’re exaggerating.
Our dedicated legal team knows these tactics—and how to counter them. When you work with Kode Law, we:
- Document your medical diagnosis thoroughly. We’ll gather specialist reports, imaging, physical therapy records, and other relevant evidence to show the severity of your injuries.
- Demonstrate the impact on your daily life and income. We work with vocational experts when necessary.
- Negotiate with insurers from a position of strength. We don’t let adjusters bully you into lowball settlements.
- Prepare for trial if necessary. While many claims settle, we’re ready to take your case to court if that’s what it takes to get justice.
You didn’t ask for this injury—and you shouldn’t have to bear the financial burden of someone else’s negligence. We’re here to help.
