In California personal injury cases, injuries to the trapezius muscle—a large muscle spanning the neck, shoulders, and upper back—are often classified as soft tissue injuries, but they can cause severe pain, limited mobility, and functional impairment, especially in car accidents or falls. Because this muscle controls key movements in the neck and shoulders, damage to it can significantly impact daily life and work, particularly for jobs involving lifting, desk work, or driving.
🧠 What Is the Trapezius?
- A large triangular-shaped muscle that extends from the base of the skull and cervical spine down to the mid-back (thoracic spine) and out to the shoulders.
- It helps control:
- Neck rotation and extension
- Shoulder elevation and retraction
- Stabilization of the scapula (shoulder blade)
⚠️ Common Causes in California PI Cases:
- Rear-end car accidents (causing whiplash and muscle strain)
- Slip and falls (landing on the upper back/shoulders)
- Motorcycle or bicycle crashes
- Blunt force trauma to neck/upper back
💥 Types of Trapezius Injuries:
| Injury Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Muscle strain (Grade I–III) | Overstretching or tearing of muscle fibers |
| Myofascial pain syndrome | Trigger points or chronic spasms in the upper trapezius |
| Contusions | Bruising or blunt trauma to the upper back or shoulders |
| Spasms and inflammation | Common in whiplash or sudden overuse |
| Chronic tightness or postural dysfunction | Resulting from injury + prolonged inflammation |
🧾 Key Medical Evidence in PI Claims:
- Physical exam showing tenderness, limited range of motion, spasms
- MRI or ultrasound (may show muscle damage or swelling)
- Pain management reports (injections, trigger point therapy)
- Chiropractic or physical therapy records
- Documentation of activity restrictions (e.g., difficulty lifting, typing, driving)
💵 Damages You Can Recover:
✅ Economic Damages:
- Emergency room and follow-up doctor visits
- Physical therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture
- Pain medication or trigger point injections
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity (especially in physical jobs)
- Future treatment needs if chronic
✅ Non-Economic Damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress (e.g., depression from chronic pain)
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium (if relationships are impacted)
💰 Estimated Settlement Ranges for Trapezius Injuries:
| Injury Severity | Estimated Value Range |
|---|---|
| Mild muscle strain (temporary) | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| Moderate strain or chronic spasms (PT/chiro needed) | $20,000 – $75,000 |
| Severe injury with long-term pain/limited motion | $75,000 – $150,000 |
| Injury combined with whiplash or nerve damage | $150,000 – $300,000+ |
These are general estimates. Actual value depends on:
- Severity and duration of the injury
- Medical documentation
- Impact on work, hobbies, and daily life
- Whether treatment was consistent and medically necessary
📅 Time Limits (Statute of Limitations) in California:
- [Generally] 2 years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit
- 6 months if the claim involves a government entity (e.g., public property, city bus, etc.)
🔍 How to Strengthen a Trapezius Injury Case:
✅ Seek immediate medical treatment and continue care consistently
✅ Get referrals to specialists (orthopedic, pain management)
✅ Request objective tests (MRI or ultrasound if applicable)
✅ Track impact on work and daily life
✅ Keep a pain journal and document limitations (e.g., can’t drive more than 20 mins)
⚠️ Insurance Company Tactics to Watch Out For:
- Dismissing it as “minor soft tissue strain”
- Blaming the pain on posture or stress
- Offering low settlements early in the process
- Questioning the need for extended therapy
Law Offices of James R. Dickinson – 909-848-8448
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