One of the most common large joints to dislocate in the body is the elbow. It is composed of articulations of mainly the proximal ulna and the distal humerus, but others may exist between the ulna and proximal radius in addition to the humerus and proximal radius. The distal humerus is made up of the capitulum laterally and trochlea medially. The ulnotrochlear joint composes the medial aspect of the elbow and assumes the primary responsibility of extension and flexion. Supination and pronation fall under the scope of the proximal radioulnar joint and the lateral radiocapitellar joint. From this anatomy, there is a combination created for a pivot joint and a hinge joint. While the elbow is considered a stable joint, a dislocation from a significant force may involve an injury to all or any of these structures in varying degrees. The long-term goal of treatment in elbow dislocation cases is the restoration of range of motion without residual pain and stiffness.

When an accident in California has left you with an elbow dislocation, you need the best personal injury lawyer to seek the fair compensation you need for medical bills, wage loss, and more. Call our law firm today to get started with free, friendly case advice at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400.

At AutoAccident.com, we have represented clients injured in accidents throughout California since 1982. Our law firm has obtained successful outcomes in cases that have involved a wide array of injuries, including elbow dislocations. If you are considering legal representation, it is essential to meet with an attorney that has qualities such as availability, compassion, expertise, professionalism, and reputation. You will receive just that when you turn to our legal team for assistance. Get started today with a free consultation to learn about your rights and options for recovery. Our clients never have to worry about upfront fees as we handle cases on a contingent fee basis. This means you owe us nothing unless we secure financial compensation for you. There is nothing to lose and so much to gain when you work with our team of skilled accident attorneys, so do not hesitate to reach out today for free, friendly advice on your case.

As with any injury, there are risk factors involved. In the case of a dislocated elbow, this may include:

• Age: Given that the elbows of young children are more flexible than those of their adult counterparts, a dislocation of the elbow often occurs.
• Heredity: Some individuals may be born with elbow ligaments that are more loose than usual.
• Participation in Sports: Many dislocated elbow cases are often attributed to sports, particularly those that require weight-bearing with the use of the arms.

In the adult population, a dislocated elbow is most often caused by a traffic collision where occupants in a motor vehicle reach forward as a way of bracing themselves for impact. Conversely, an elbow dislocation may also occur from a fall onto an outstretched hand, sports-related injuries, or overuse. This may cause the bones of the forearm to be shifted out of place within the elbow joint. In teenagers or children, a slip and fall accident is a common cause of this type of injury. For toddlers, a dislocated elbow may occur from sudden pulling or improper lifting.

The symptoms of elbow dislocation may include:

• Difficulty moving the elbow
• Inflammation, bruising, and swelling
• Instability of the elbow feeling as if it is slipping out of place
• Pain in the elbow
• Tingling and numbness
• Visible deformity

If you believe that you may have dislocated your elbow, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately. A physician will decide on an appropriate treatment plan for your elbow injury.

Non-surgical management of a dislocated elbow will generally involve a reduction maneuver in an emergency room setting with pain medications and sedatives administered beforehand. In simple elbow dislocation cases, a physician will generally recommend immobilization in a sling or splint for 1-3 weeks, followed by light exercises to restore range of motion. Physical therapy may also be suggested to help a patient move during their recovery from the elbow injury.

While some cases may involve the dislocated elbow returning to its original position by itself, others may require an orthopedic surgeon for the manipulation of the bones into proper alignment. This surgical procedure is known as a reduction. A patient may require surgery if there is a need for repair of damaged blood vessels or nerves, reattachment of torn ligaments, and breaks in any of the bones that have been dislocated. To restore motion to an elbow with stiffness, a late reconstructive surgery may be recommended for the removal of excess bone growth and scar tissue.

Among the most common complications of a dislocation of the elbow are residual pain and stiffness. Others may include:

• Fracture: When a force is significant such that it causes the elbow to become dislocated, it may also have the potential to result in a fracture in one of the bones that composes the elbow. The break tends to occur in the ulna and radius, the bones that make up the forearm. Studies have suggested that consistent poor outcomes have been found to occur in cases involving the combination of a dislocated elbow, a fracture of the coronoid process, and a break in the radial head. Such cases have earned the name “terrible triad.” This constellation tends to occur mostly in the adult population.
• Neurovascular Injury: A dislocated elbow may be subject to complications, such as neurovascular damage, because of the anatomical proximity of the median nerve and the brachial artery. Studies have suggested that damage to this artery was primarily found to be related to an open dislocation of the elbow or a penetrating wound within the elbow. In some rare cases, a simple closed dislocated elbow was found to have resulted in a rupture of the brachial artery. Immediate medical treatment and diagnosis are key to the prevention of damages associated with irreversible ischemia.
• Osteoarthritis: Also known as degenerative joint disease or degenerative arthritis, it occurs because of the wear and tear on a particular joint and its cartilage over a lifespan. It is considered the most common form of arthritis. This medical condition has been found to develop in the geriatric population but may also occur because of a previous injury like dislocation of the elbow or a bone fracture.

Accidents are common in the state of California. When involved in one, it may change your life and that of your loved ones in an instant. The incident may leave you with traumatic injuries that require time off work to attend extensive medical treatment that may result in mounting expenses. If the crash was the result of someone else’s negligence, a personal injury claim may be filed against them and their insurance company for damages incurred. This may be in the form of economic damages for financial losses like medical bills and lost earnings in addition to non-economic damages for intangible harms like pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and lost quality of life.

Such cases are subject to strict filing deadlines known as the statute of limitations. Under the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, there is a maximum time frame of two years to file a lawsuit in civil court. Other factors may have an influence over the statute of limitations, such that they can be shortened in those cases naming public agencies as defendants. Under these circumstances, a notice of claim must be brought with the appropriate government entity within 180 days, as outlined in the California Government Code Section 911.2. Filing a case after the statute of limitations has expired may result in its dismissal by the court. That is why it is crucial to have a skilled personal injury lawyer on your side to ensure that the filing criteria and deadlines applicable to your elbow dislocation case have been met accordingly.

Drivers in California are required by state law to carry liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage caused in an accident. The state minimum limits are $15,000 for one injured individual, $30,000 in total for all parties involved in a crash, and $5,000 for damage to property. What is unfortunate is that not all motorists abide by this and may be out on the road without liability insurance. This may put others at significant risk, particularly if a crash occurs, resulting in serious injuries. That is why our law firm recommends carrying at least $100,000 in uninsured and underinsured motorist protection. Regardless of whether the at-fault party has state minimum limits or no active auto insurance policy, you will have $100,000 in UM and UIM coverage available to you.

Remember that first-party insurance claims are often challenging to navigate, just like third-party claims, as the insurer may be unwilling to make things right with an injured party. When a fair settlement cannot be negotiated with the insurance carrier, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit in civil court to protect the statute of limitations and proceed with litigation. Failure to meet the deadline may result in the forfeiture of the right to take legal action against the other side. That is why it is suggested for those with accident-related injuries such as a dislocated elbow to retain legal counsel. An experienced elbow dislocation lawyer will know the best way to proceed in the case by working with experts in the field, negotiating a fair offer, and standing up for the rights of their client. When unsure of what qualities to look for in a top injury lawyer, watch this video for suggestions and tips.

An accident is something we all try to avoid getting into. However, they may occur when least expected. Those facing such situations may not be prepared to deal with the challenges that may arise after the incident, like dealing with difficult insurance companies and extensive paperwork. What is most unfortunate is that the insurer may be looking to take advantage of the injured party by paying as little as possible on their elbow dislocation case. Although it may be tempting to accept an initial settlement offer from the insurance carrier, it is best to not do so until you have discussed your case with an experienced elbow dislocation lawyer. Remember that the goal of a personal injury attorney is to seek the maximum compensation their client needs and deserves after a life-changing crash.

Our accident attorneys at our law firm have successfully represented clients in California in personal injury cases for over three decades. When you have suffered a traumatic injury in a crash, such as a dislocated elbow, you deserve a fair financial recovery for your losses. However, accomplishing that may be challenging when insurance companies and defense counsel prove difficult to work with. That is why you need an attorney who is well-versed in California personal injury law and knows how to secure successful results. Fortunately, you can depend on our legal team to use our experience, skills, and resources to investigate your case, prove liability, and seek the fair compensation to which you are entitled.

We understand that the legal process may seem daunting, but we are here to handle all aspects of it from start to finish. This way, you can shift your focus to the healing process and rebuilding your life, all while we work toward a favorable resolution on your behalf. Our legal team attributes our history of successful settlements and verdicts to our hard work and dedication in personal injury cases we handle on behalf of our clients. Learn more about how we can help by calling (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. We are available anytime to provide free, friendly advice on your injury case.

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