A labrum tear can be a painful and debilitating shoulder injury that affects nearly every aspect of daily life. The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the shoulder socket, providing stability while allowing the shoulder to move through an exceptional range of motion. When the labrum is torn, even routine activities such as reaching overhead, lifting groceries, driving, sleeping, or performing job duties can become extremely difficult. Many people suffer a labrum tear after a serious car accident, truck accident, slip and fall, or workplace accident, while others experience this injury because of medical negligence involving a delayed diagnosis or improper treatment. At Flynn Law, we understand that shoulder injuries often involve extensive medical care, physical therapy, lost income, and significant pain. Our attorneys proudly represent injured clients throughout New Jersey, while also serving individuals in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New York. If another person’s negligence or a work-related accident caused your shoulder injury, you may have the right to recover compensation. Contact Flynn Law today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help protect your rights while pursuing the financial recovery you deserve.
What Is a Labrum Tear?
The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint. The labrum is a thick ring of cartilage that surrounds the socket, helping keep the upper arm bone securely positioned while allowing smooth movement.
A traumatic injury may partially or completely tear this cartilage, causing pain, instability, weakness, and limited motion.
Several types of labral injuries exist, including:
- Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior (SLAP) tears
- Bankart lesions
- Posterior labral tears
- Degenerative tears aggravated by trauma
Because symptoms often resemble other shoulder injuries, an accurate diagnosis is essential.
Car Accidents and Labrum Tears
Motor vehicle collisions are a common cause of traumatic shoulder injuries.
A labrum tear may occur when:
- A driver’s shoulder strikes the door.
- A passenger braces against the dashboard.
- The seat belt violently restrains the upper body.
- Airbags force the shoulder backward.
- The steering wheel twists the arm during impact.
These injuries frequently occur in:
- Rear-end collisions
- Head-on crashes
- T-bone accidents
- Commercial truck collisions
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
Some victims initially believe they have only bruising or muscle soreness, only to discover weeks later that persistent shoulder pain is actually caused by a torn labrum requiring surgery.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Falls often place tremendous stress on the shoulder because people instinctively extend an arm to protect themselves.
Common causes include:
- Wet floors
- Uneven sidewalks
- Broken stairs
- Poor lighting
- Ice and snow
- Unsafe apartment complexes
- Grocery stores
- Retail establishments
- Restaurants
The force transmitted through the arm can tear the labrum, damage the rotator cuff, or produce multiple shoulder injuries simultaneously.
When hazardous property conditions contribute to a fall, the property owner may be legally responsible for resulting injuries.
Workplace Labrum Tears
Shoulder injuries are common in physically demanding occupations.
Workers frequently sustain labral injuries while:
- Lifting heavy boxes
- Loading freight
- Stocking shelves
- Roofing
- Construction work
- Warehouse employment
- Manufacturing
- Landscaping
- Patient lifting in healthcare settings
- Repetitive overhead work
Many of these injuries qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.
Depending upon the circumstances, an injured worker may also have a third-party personal injury claim against someone other than the employer, such as a negligent contractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner.
Medical Malpractice and Shoulder Injuries
Not every labral injury results directly from an accident.
Medical negligence may worsen or prolong a shoulder injury when healthcare providers fail to provide appropriate care.
Examples include:
- Failure to diagnose a labrum tear
- Delayed orthopedic referral
- Misinterpretation of MRI studies
- Surgical errors
- Improper rehabilitation protocols
- Failure to recognize postoperative complications
- Negligent treatment that allows the injury to worsen
Prompt diagnosis is often important because untreated shoulder instability can lead to additional cartilage damage and long-term dysfunction.
Symptoms of a Labrum Tear
Common symptoms include:
- Deep shoulder pain
- Clicking or popping
- Catching sensations
- Weakness
- Shoulder instability
- Difficulty lifting overhead
- Limited range of motion
- Pain while throwing
- Night pain
- Difficulty performing routine activities
Many patients report that the shoulder feels as though it may “slip” or “give out.”
Diagnosis
Diagnosing a labrum tear often requires more than a routine X-ray.
Physicians may utilize:
- Physical examination
- Shoulder stability testing
- MRI
- MRI arthrogram
- CT imaging when appropriate
- Arthroscopy
Because rotator cuff tears, bursitis, fractures, and arthritis may produce similar symptoms, advanced imaging is frequently necessary.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends upon the severity of the injury.
Conservative treatment may include:
- Rest
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Physical therapy
- Activity modification
- Cortisone injections
More severe tears may require arthroscopic shoulder surgery followed by months of rehabilitation before returning to work or normal activities.
Compensation Available
If another person’s negligence caused your labrum tear, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Future treatment
- Physical therapy
- Surgery
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent impairment
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Other accident-related damages permitted by law
Every claim is unique, and the available compensation depends on the facts of the case.
Why Choose Flynn Law?
Insurance companies frequently argue that shoulder injuries are age-related or pre-existing rather than accident-related.
At Flynn Law, we work to develop strong claims supported by medical records, diagnostic imaging, expert opinions when appropriate, and other evidence demonstrating how the injury occurred and the impact it has had on our clients’ lives.
Our goal is to help injured individuals pursue the compensation they need to move forward with confidence.
Contact Flynn Law
A labrum tear can interfere with your ability to work, support your family, and enjoy everyday life. Whether your shoulder injury resulted from a car accident, truck accident, slip and fall, workplace accident, or medical malpractice, Flynn Law is prepared to evaluate your claim and explain your legal options.
Our attorneys proudly represent injury victims throughout New Jersey, while also serving clients in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New York. Contact Flynn Law today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve while protecting your rights every step of the way.