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770-626-7895A single moment on Prince Avenue in Athens, Georgia changed everything for our client. After being hit by a negligent driver in Clarke County, she faced not only immediate pain but a long and difficult medical journey; a journey that ultimately required shoulder surgery to repair a serious injury caused by the crash.
Our Athens car accident lawyers are proud to have secured a $390,000 settlement on her behalf, helping her regain stability after months of pain, treatment, and disruption to her life.
The Collision on Prince Avenue
Prince Avenue is one of Athens’ most traveled corridors, connecting homes, businesses, and the heart of the city. Unfortunately, heavy traffic and distracted driving often lead to preventable crashes.
In our client’s case, she was driving on Prince Ave. when another driver carelessly caused a violent rear-end collision. Rear-end collisions are among the most frequent types of car accidents in Athens, largely due to the city’s busy roadways and the volume of daily commuters. Factors such as stop-and-go traffic, distracted or inattentive drivers, and sudden braking contribute to a high incidence of these crashes, especially on main corridors like Prince Avenue. Local law enforcement and traffic reports consistently list rear-end impacts as a leading cause of injury accidents in the area, underscoring the importance of attentive driving and proper following distances to help reduce these preventable incidents.
She immediately felt intense pain in her shoulder, neck, and back, pain that only intensified in the days that followed.
The Injury: A SLAP Tear Requiring Surgery
Following the wreck, diagnostic imaging revealed a significant SLAP (Superior Labrum Anterior-Posterior) tear in her right shoulder. A SLAP tear is a tear of the labrum, which is the cartilage that stabilizes the shoulder joint. The following best illustrates a SLAP tear:
For our client, the pain was severe, persistent, and life‑altering.
Medical Care for Her SLAP Tear
After the collision, her right-shoulder pain steadily worsened, leading to advanced imaging that confirmed a significant SLAP tear. Conservative measures were not enough to resolve the pain or restore her mobility, ultimately forcing her to undergo surgical repair of the torn labrum.
Conservative treatment, a phrase used often in the medical community, typically refers to non-surgical approaches aimed at managing pain and improving function. These methods may include
- Rest
- physical therapy
- anti-inflammatory medications
- activity modification
- and sometimes injections to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
The goal is to alleviate symptoms and restore mobility without resorting to surgery, though some injuries may ultimately require more invasive intervention if conservative measures prove insufficient.
In our client’s case, even after surgery, the buildup of scar tissue limited her range of motion and required a second procedure, a manipulation under anesthesia, to break up adhesions and restore function. Her recovery included continued orthopedic follow-up and physical therapy, but she continued to struggle with pain, stiffness, and ongoing limitations that affected her daily life.
Outline of Medical Care for Her SLAP Tear
- Conservative medical care.
- MRI confirmed a significant SLAP tear in her right shoulder.
- Orthopedic evaluation and treatment
- Shoulder surgery to repair the SLAP tear.
- Manipulation under anesthesia when postoperative scar tissue restricted motion.
- Physical therapy and follow-up care to address ongoing pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
Building a Strong Case
Our team documented every detail: medical records, imaging, physician narratives, proof of pain and limitations, lost wage evidence, and confirmation that she had no pre‑existing shoulder issues.
The absence of any pre-existing shoulder issues played a crucial role in establishing the full impact of the collision on her health and in maximizing the value of her case. By demonstrating that her right shoulder was healthy prior to the accident, our legal team was able to clearly link her pain, limited mobility, and need for multiple surgeries directly to the injury sustained in the crash. This evidence eliminated doubt about causation and helped ensure she received appropriate compensation for her suffering and ongoing losses.
$390,000 Settlement Achieved
This settlement reflects the seriousness of her injuries, the surgery she endured, and the long‑term effects she continues to battle. It helps relieve the financial burden caused by surgery, follow‑up care, therapy, medications, lost wages, and ongoing medical needs.
Supporting Injury Victims Across Athens & Clarke County
When Athens and Clarke County residents are injured due to someone else’s negligence, our experienced attorneys at Larrison Law Firm stand ready to fight for them — just as we did here. Contact us today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a SLAP tear, and how does it happen in a car accident?
A SLAP tear is damage to the cartilage (labrum) that stabilizes the top of the shoulder joint. In a crash—especially a rear‑end collision—the sudden force can jolt the arm or shoulder forward, causing the labrum to tear.
Q: How do I know if my shoulder pain after a crash is a SLAP tear?
Symptoms often include deep shoulder pain, clicking or popping, reduced range of motion, difficulty lifting objects, and pain when reaching overhead. Only an MRI can confirm a SLAP tear.
Q: Does a SLAP tear always require surgery?
Not always—but many accident‑related SLAP tears do. Some mild tears respond to physical therapy or injections, but more severe injuries typically require arthroscopic repair.
Q: How long is recovery after SLAP tear surgery?
Recovery timelines vary, but many victims experience months of pain, stiffness, and limited use. Some require a second procedure if scar tissue forms.
Q: Can a shoulder injury like this increase my settlement value?
Yes. Injuries requiring surgery, therapy, time off work, and long‑term limitations typically increase settlement value.
Q: Should I hire a lawyer for a SLAP tear from a car accident?
Absolutely. These cases involve complex medical evidence and high medical costs. A lawyer can gather proof, negotiate with insurers, and fight for full compensation.
Q: What if the crash happened in Athens or Clarke County?
Local knowledge matters. Our firm routinely handles cases involving Athens corridors like Prince Avenue and understands local traffic patterns and insurers.
