Long Island Sternoclavicular Injury Lawyer

The sternoclavicular (SC) joint — where the inner end of the collarbone meets the breastbone — is the most stable joint in the human body. But in a high-energy car accident, this joint can dislocate violently, and when it does, the consequences range from chronic shoulder pain and post-traumatic arthritis to a life-threatening medical emergency requiring immediate surgery with cardiothoracic backup.

Posterior SC dislocations, in which the medial clavicle is driven backward into the superior mediastinum, can compress the trachea (airway), subclavian vessels, brachial plexus, or esophagus. This is not a routine orthopedic injury — it is a potentially fatal emergency. Even anterior SC dislocations, while not immediately life-threatening, produce significant chronic pain, instability, and loss of shoulder and arm function that can permanently impair quality of life.

Our Long Island personal injury attorneys have represented victims of SC joint injuries and clavicle girdle trauma for over 24 years, recovering substantial verdicts and settlements. We understand the Rockwood classification system, the surgical complexity of SC joint reconstruction, and how to present these often-overlooked injuries for their full legal value under New York law.

SC Joint Injury? Call Us Now.

Sternoclavicular dislocations demand experienced, aggressive representation. Free consultation — no fee unless we recover.

(516) 750-0595

SC Joint Anatomy: The Most Stable Joint in the Body

The sternoclavicular joint is the sole osseous connection between the upper extremity skeleton and the axial skeleton (the trunk). It is a saddle-type synovial joint formed by the articulation of the medial end of the clavicle with the clavicular notch of the sternal manubrium and the cartilage of the first rib. Despite its small articular surface area, the SC joint is extraordinarily stable due to its robust ligamentous complex.

The ligamentous stabilizers of the SC joint include: the anterior SC ligament (restricting anterior clavicle displacement); the posterior SC ligament (the primary restraint against posterior displacement); the costoclavicular ligament (anchoring the clavicle to the first rib cartilage, the most important secondary stabilizer); and the interclavicular ligament (connecting the medial ends of both clavicles across the top of the sternum). An intra-articular fibrocartilaginous disc is also present, dividing the joint into two compartments.

This ligamentous architecture makes the SC joint so stable that it is actually more common to fracture the medial clavicle than to dislocate the SC joint when force is applied to the shoulder — which is why SC dislocations unambiguously signal high-energy trauma. The clavicle, functioning as a lever arm, can transmit tremendous force to the SC joint when the shoulder is struck in specific vectors, particularly direct anteroposterior or posteroanterior loading of the proximal clavicle or shoulder.

Critical Anatomical Fact: The Superior Mediastinum is Immediately Behind the SC Joint

The posterior aspect of the SC joint is immediately adjacent to the superior mediastinum. The structures at risk with posterior SC dislocation include the trachea (1-2 cm posterior to the SC joint), the innominate (brachiocephalic) vein, the subclavian artery and vein, the common carotid artery, the vagus nerve, and the esophagus. There is minimal anatomical buffer between the posterior SC joint capsule and these vital structures — posterior displacement of the medial clavicle of even a few millimeters can cause life-threatening compression.

Anterior vs. Posterior SC Dislocation: A Critical Distinction

The direction of SC dislocation determines both the immediate medical urgency and the legal implications of the injury. Understanding the distinction is essential for proper evaluation.

Anterior SC Dislocation (More Common — 9:1 Ratio)

In anterior dislocation, the medial end of the clavicle displaces forward (anteriorly) relative to the manubrium. It is typically caused by an indirect mechanism: a lateral compressive force applied to the shoulder drives the proximal clavicle anteriorly. Anterior SC dislocation produces a visible and palpable bony prominence at the base of the neck near the sternum — an asymmetric bump that distinguishes the injured from the uninjured side.

Symptoms: Anterior chest pain, shoulder pain, pain with arm use or overhead activity, palpable prominence at SC joint, swelling and ecchymosis
Urgency: Not an immediate threat to life but requires orthopedic evaluation and reduction attempt
Treatment: Closed reduction under sedation or general anesthesia; figure-of-8 strap if stable; surgical stabilization if unstable or reduction fails
Long-term: Post-traumatic arthritis, chronic instability, shoulder functional limitation

Posterior SC Dislocation (Life-Threatening Emergency)

In posterior dislocation, the medial clavicle is driven backward into the superior mediastinum. The mechanism is typically a direct blow to the medial clavicle driving it posteriorly, or an indirect force applied to the shoulder from the front compressing the clavicle toward the spine. The visible deformity may be subtle — the SC prominence is absent rather than prominent — and the injury is frequently missed on initial emergency department evaluation without CT imaging.

Symptoms: Anterior chest pain, dyspnea (difficulty breathing), dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), venous congestion of the face and arm, voice changes, arm weakness or numbness
Urgency: Immediate surgical emergency — requires operating room reduction with cardiothoracic surgery on standby
Treatment: Emergency closed reduction (Buckerfield or towel-clip technique) under general anesthesia; open reduction if closed fails or vascular injury present
Long-term: Brachial plexus injury, TOS, vascular complications, CRPS

Warning: Posterior SC dislocation is a radiologic emergency. Any patient who presents after a car accident with anterior chest pain AND respiratory symptoms, voice changes, arm swelling, or upper extremity neurological symptoms should have emergency CT chest imaging to exclude posterior SC dislocation. Standard chest X-rays may appear normal. A missed posterior SC dislocation can be fatal.

Rockwood Classification of SC Joint Injuries

The Rockwood classification is the accepted orthopedic standard for categorizing SC joint injuries by severity. Each type has distinct treatment implications and different significance under New York serious injury threshold law.

Rockwood Type I — SC Joint Sprain

Stretching of the SC and costoclavicular ligaments without disruption. The joint is tender and painful but stable — the medial clavicle remains in its normal anatomic position. X-rays are normal; no dislocation or subluxation is present. Treatment is conservative: rest, ice, and a sling for 3 to 5 days followed by range-of-motion rehabilitation. Most Type I injuries resolve within 2 to 4 weeks. In litigation, Type I injuries may qualify under "significant limitation" if persistent symptoms with objective physical examination findings are documented over 90 days — but this requires consistent treatment records and a treating physician opinion on limitation and causation.

Rockwood Type II — SC Joint Subluxation

Partial disruption of the SC ligament with subluxation of the medial clavicle; the costoclavicular ligament is intact, providing some residual stability. On physical examination, the SC joint is tender and slightly prominent (anterior) or slightly depressed (posterior subluxation). The medial clavicle can be manually displaced but returns to its resting position when force is removed. CT may demonstrate mild asymmetry of the SC joint compared to the contralateral side. Treatment is conservative or may include a closed reduction attempt. Type II injuries frequently develop post-traumatic arthritis over 12 to 24 months. In litigation, Type II injuries satisfy "significant limitation" with documented range-of-motion loss and may satisfy "permanent consequential limitation" if post-traumatic arthritis or chronic instability is documented at follow-up imaging with an accompanying physician permanency opinion.

Rockwood Type III — Complete SC Dislocation (Anterior or Posterior)

Complete disruption of both the SC ligament and costoclavicular ligament with full dislocation of the medial clavicle from the manubrium, either anteriorly or posteriorly. CT imaging demonstrates complete loss of contact between the medial clavicle and the sternal clavicular notch. Treatment is operative or urgent operative depending on direction: anterior Type III dislocations may undergo closed reduction under anesthesia with surgical stabilization if reduction fails or is unstable; posterior Type III dislocations require emergency operating room management. In litigation, Rockwood Type III dislocations satisfy the "fracture" category if associated with a medial clavicle or sternal fracture (satisfying §5102(d) on the fracture ground alone); satisfy "permanent consequential limitation" with documented chronic instability, post-traumatic arthritis, brachial plexus findings, or thoracic outlet syndrome; and in posterior dislocation cases involving mediastinal compromise, the life-threatening nature of the injury commands maximum settlement value.

Diagnosing SC Joint Injuries: Why Standard X-Rays Miss Them

One of the most significant diagnostic pitfalls in SC joint injury is over-reliance on standard chest X-rays. The SC joints are among the most difficult joints in the body to visualize on plain radiographs due to overlapping bony structures — the ribs, manubrium, clavicle, and vertebrae all project over the SC joint on standard anteroposterior chest X-rays, obscuring the joint anatomy. Studies have shown that SC dislocations are missed on standard chest X-rays in a significant percentage of cases, with the finding instead being made on CT.

Serendipity View (40-Degree Cephalic Tilt X-Ray)

The Serendipity view is a specialized X-ray technique in which the X-ray beam is angled 40 degrees cephalad (toward the head), projecting the SC joints above the overlapping rib and vertebral shadows. On this view, anterior SC dislocation produces asymmetric superior displacement of the medial clavicle compared to the contralateral side; posterior SC dislocation produces asymmetric inferior displacement or apparent absence of the medial clavicle shadow at the manubrium.

While the Serendipity view is more sensitive than standard chest X-ray, it remains a 2D projection with limited sensitivity for subtle subluxation and cannot characterize the direction of dislocation as definitively as CT. In any patient with clinical suspicion for SC joint injury, CT should not be withheld on the basis of a normal or equivocal Serendipity view.

CT Scan of the Chest — Gold Standard

CT scan of the chest with thin axial cuts (1 to 1.5 mm slice thickness) through the SC joints and 3D reconstruction is the definitive diagnostic study for SC joint injuries. CT provides: accurate determination of dislocation direction (anterior vs. posterior); precise measurement of displacement distance; characterization of associated injuries (medial clavicle fracture, sternal fracture, first rib fracture); and critical evaluation of mediastinal structures at risk with posterior dislocation.

In the legal context, the CT report is the objective diagnostic document that establishes the Rockwood classification, the direction of dislocation, any associated fractures (which trigger the fracture threshold under §5102(d)), and the proximity of the medial clavicle to vital mediastinal structures in posterior dislocation cases. This report is the foundation of the medical-legal case and should be obtained and preserved immediately.

If you were in a car accident and received only a standard chest X-ray in the emergency department — and were told your chest and shoulder appeared normal — but you continue to have pain at the base of your neck near the sternum, pain with arm movement, or any breathing difficulty or arm symptoms, you should request a dedicated CT scan of the chest with SC joint cuts from your orthopedic surgeon or primary care physician. A normal chest X-ray does not exclude an SC joint injury.

Treatment of Sternoclavicular Dislocations

Anterior Type III — Closed Reduction and Surgical Stabilization

Closed reduction of an anterior SC dislocation is performed under conscious sedation or general anesthesia with muscle relaxation. The patient is positioned supine with a bolster (rolled towel or sandbag) placed between the shoulder blades to open the anterior chest. Traction is applied to the arm in an abducted, extended position while an assistant applies posterior pressure over the medial clavicle to lever it back into the SC joint. When reduction is achieved, a figure-of-8 clavicle strap is applied for 4 to 6 weeks to maintain reduction.

Unfortunately, anterior SC dislocations are inherently unstable after closed reduction — the rate of recurrent instability is high. When reduction fails or instability recurs, surgical stabilization is required. Techniques include: figure-of-8 suture reconstruction using heavy non-absorbable suture (such as FiberTape or PDS) passed through drill holes in the medial clavicle and manubrium to reconstruct the SC and costoclavicular ligaments; plate fixation with a hook plate or SC-specific locking plate; and in late post-traumatic cases, medial clavicle resection arthroplasty to remove the arthritic medial clavicle while preserving the costoclavicular ligament.

Posterior Type III — Emergency Reduction with Cardiothoracic Standby

Posterior SC dislocation requires emergency management in the operating room. Closed reduction techniques include: the Buckerfield method, in which traction is applied to the arm in 90 degrees of abduction with slight extension while an assistant applies anterior counter-pressure over the shoulders; and the towel-clip technique, in which a pointed towel clip is inserted percutaneously to grasp the medial clavicle and apply direct anterior traction to lever it out of the mediastinum. Cardiothoracic surgery must be immediately available during any posterior SC reduction attempt because manipulation of the medial clavicle in close proximity to the subclavian vessels, trachea, and esophagus carries a risk of iatrogenic vascular injury requiring immediate surgical repair.

Open reduction is required when closed reduction fails, when there is active vascular compromise (subclavian artery or vein injury), when the reduction is unstable, or when there is an associated medial clavicle fracture. Open reduction requires direct surgical exposure of the SC joint and adjacent mediastinal structures, with reconstruction of the SC and costoclavicular ligaments using suture, tendon graft, or plate fixation. The involvement of cardiothoracic surgery, the use of general anesthesia, and the proximity to the great vessels make posterior SC open reduction one of the most complex and high-risk orthopedic procedures.

Long-Term Complications Requiring Ongoing Treatment

Post-traumatic SC arthritis: Develops in a substantial percentage of patients after SC dislocation, even with successful reduction; causes chronic anterior chest pain, crepitus, and progressive loss of shoulder and arm function; treated with intra-articular corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, and ultimately medial clavicle resection arthroplasty
Chronic SC joint instability: Recurrent subluxation or dislocation despite closed treatment or even surgical repair; produces ongoing pain with arm use and a palpable clunking sensation at the SC joint; may require complex ligament reconstruction
Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS): Post-traumatic fibrosis in the retroclavicular and costoclavicular spaces compresses the brachial plexus (neurogenic TOS — arm pain, numbness, weakness), subclavian vein (venous TOS — arm swelling, heaviness), or subclavian artery (arterial TOS — arm ischemia, pallor, coldness); requires vascular surgical consultation and potentially first rib resection
Brachial plexus neuropathy: From direct compression during posterior dislocation or from post-traumatic fibrosis; produces chronic upper extremity weakness, numbness, and pain in a dermatomal distribution; documented by electromyography and nerve conduction studies
CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome): Type II CRPS (causalgia) has been reported following SC joint injuries with brachial plexus involvement; characterized by burning pain, allodynia, vasomotor instability, and autonomic dysfunction disproportionate to the original injury

Sternoclavicular Injury Case Results

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Each case is unique and depends on the specific facts, available insurance coverage, and extent of documented injury.

$2,100,000

Posterior SC Dislocation with Vascular Compromise — High-Speed Collision, Nassau County

Client sustained a posterior sternoclavicular dislocation with displacement of the medial clavicle compressing the subclavian vein and brachial plexus; emergency closed reduction failed under anesthesia requiring open reduction with cardiothoracic surgery on standby; client developed thoracic outlet syndrome and permanent brachial plexus neuropathy; settlement included future surgical costs and lifetime wage loss

$1,450,000

Posterior SC Dislocation with Tracheal Compression — T-Bone Collision, Suffolk County

Posterior sternoclavicular dislocation with medial clavicle impinging on the trachea required emergency operating room reduction with cardiothoracic surgery standby; client developed chronic SC joint instability and post-traumatic arthritis requiring eventual surgical stabilization with figure-of-8 suture construct; permanent limitation of shoulder and arm function documented

$875,000

Anterior SC Dislocation with Clavicle Fracture — Rear-End on LIE, Nassau County

High-speed rear-end collision produced anterior SC dislocation with associated medial clavicle fracture satisfying the Insurance Law fracture threshold; surgical stabilization performed using plate fixation; client developed post-traumatic SC arthritis and chronic pain syndrome — permanent consequential limitation documented by orthopedic surgeon

$620,000

Bilateral SC Joint Injuries with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome — Head-On, Route 110

Head-on collision produced bilateral anterior SC dislocations with ligamentous disruption; client developed bilateral thoracic outlet syndrome from post-traumatic fibrosis at the SC joints; chronic upper extremity pain and weakness documented by electromyography; significant limitation of bilateral shoulder range of motion with permanent physiatric rating

$410,000

Anterior SC Dislocation with Chronic Instability — Intersection T-Bone, Queens County

Client sustained anterior SC dislocation (Rockwood Type III) from driver-door T-bone impact; closed reduction with figure-of-8 strap failed; surgical stabilization with SC joint reconstruction performed; post-traumatic arthritis and chronic instability documented at 18 months; permanent consequential limitation found under §5102(d)

$275,000

SC Joint Subluxation with Post-Traumatic Arthritis — Rear-End, Southern State Parkway

Rockwood Type II SC subluxation with partial ligamentous disruption treated conservatively; post-traumatic arthritis developed within 12 months with documented loss of shoulder and arm range of motion; significant limitation threshold satisfied; full policy limits recovered based on documented permanency from treating orthopedic surgeon

New York Law and Sternoclavicular Injury Claims

Under New York Insurance Law §5102(d), SC joint injuries can qualify under several serious injury categories depending on severity. If the SC dislocation is accompanied by a medial clavicle fracture or sternal fracture — which is not uncommon in high-energy impacts — the "fracture" category is satisfied automatically. Any bony fracture in connection with the SC joint injury eliminates all threshold issues and allows the plaintiff to proceed directly to full damages recovery.

For SC dislocations without fracture, the applicable categories are "permanent consequential limitation of use of a body organ or member" and "significant limitation of use of a body function or system." Rockwood Type III dislocations — whether anterior or posterior — satisfy permanent consequential limitation when a treating orthopedic surgeon or physiatrist documents chronic SC joint instability, post-traumatic arthritis on follow-up imaging, brachial plexus findings on electromyography, or thoracic outlet syndrome on vascular studies. Objective physical examination findings — consistent limitation of shoulder and arm range of motion, persistent SC joint tenderness, and documented functional restriction — are critical to threshold satisfaction.

Our Long Island car accident lawyer team handles SC joint injury cases with the orthopedic, physiatric, and cardiothoracic expert resources these complex injuries require. We understand that SC dislocations — particularly posterior dislocations — are among the most medically significant and legally valuable shoulder girdle injuries that can occur in a motor vehicle accident.

The statute of limitations for personal injury in New York is three years from the accident date under CPLR §214. No-fault insurance applications must be filed within 30 days. Contact us immediately after an SC joint injury to preserve evidence, protect your no-fault rights, and begin building your claim.

Frequently Asked Questions — Sternoclavicular Injury Cases

What is a sternoclavicular joint dislocation and how does it happen in a car accident? +

The sternoclavicular (SC) joint is the articulation between the medial (inner) end of the clavicle and the sternal manubrium — the upper portion of the breastbone. It is the only true synovial joint connecting the upper extremity to the axial skeleton. Despite being the most stable joint in the body due to its strong ligamentous complex, the SC joint can dislocate in high-energy car accidents when the shoulder is struck directly, when the shoulder is forcefully compressed inward, or when extreme force is transmitted along the length of the clavicle toward the sternum. The SC joint can dislocate anteriorly (forward) or posteriorly (backward, into the chest). Anterior dislocations are approximately nine times more common than posterior dislocations, but posterior dislocations are life-threatening emergencies requiring immediate surgery because the displaced medial clavicle can compress the trachea, major blood vessels, or esophagus in the mediastinum.

Why is a posterior SC dislocation a medical emergency? +

Posterior SC dislocation is one of the most serious injuries that can occur in a car accident, and it is a genuine life-threatening emergency. When the medial clavicle displaces posteriorly, it enters the superior mediastinum — the narrow space behind the sternum that contains the trachea, esophagus, subclavian artery and vein, innominate (brachiocephalic) vein, and elements of the brachial plexus. Displacement of the medial clavicle against any of these structures causes: tracheal compression producing acute respiratory distress and potentially fatal airway obstruction; subclavian or innominate vein compression producing venous congestion, upper extremity swelling, and thrombosis; subclavian artery compression producing upper extremity ischemia; brachial plexus compression producing arm weakness, numbness, and pain; and esophageal compression producing dysphagia. Emergency closed reduction in the operating room — or open reduction with cardiothoracic surgery standby if closed reduction fails or vascular injury is present — is required immediately. Delayed recognition of posterior SC dislocation has resulted in deaths from airway compromise.

How is a sternoclavicular dislocation diagnosed after a car accident? +

Diagnosis of SC joint dislocation requires a high index of clinical suspicion because these injuries are frequently missed on initial evaluation. Standard frontal chest X-rays are notoriously unreliable for SC joint injuries because the overlapping bony structures of the ribs, clavicle, and spine obscure the SC joint on standard projections. A specialized X-ray view called the Serendipity view — taken with a 40-degree cephalic tilt — projects the SC joints above the overlapping structures and may reveal asymmetric clavicle elevation (anterior dislocation) or depression (posterior dislocation) compared to the contralateral side. However, the gold standard for SC dislocation diagnosis is CT scan of the chest with thin axial cuts through the SC joints and 3D reconstruction. CT provides definitive characterization of the direction of dislocation, the degree of displacement, and any associated mediastinal compression. If you were in a car accident and have pain at the base of your neck near the sternum, with or without difficulty breathing, swallowing, or arm symptoms, CT imaging is essential and should be requested.

What is the Rockwood classification of SC joint injuries and how does it affect my claim? +

The Rockwood classification categorizes SC joint injuries by severity: Type I is a mild sprain of the SC and costoclavicular ligaments without instability or dislocation — the joint is tender but stable; Type II is subluxation — partial disruption of the SC ligament with the medial clavicle displaced but not fully dislocated, with the costoclavicular ligament intact; Type III is a true dislocation — complete disruption of both the SC and costoclavicular ligaments with the clavicle fully displaced from the manubrium, either anteriorly or posteriorly. For legal purposes, Type I injuries can meet the 'significant limitation' category under §5102(d) if persistent symptoms with objective limitation are documented. Type II injuries satisfy 'significant limitation' with documented range-of-motion loss and may meet 'permanent consequential limitation' if post-traumatic arthritis develops. Type III dislocations satisfy the 'permanent consequential limitation' category with documented chronic instability, post-traumatic arthritis, or residual neurological findings, and may satisfy the 'fracture' category if an associated clavicle or sternal fracture is present.

What treatment is required for a sternoclavicular dislocation? +

Treatment depends on the direction and severity of dislocation. For anterior Type II subluxations, conservative management with a sling, ice, and physical therapy is standard; a figure-of-8 clavicle strap may assist with comfort but does not maintain reduction. For anterior Type III dislocations, closed reduction under conscious sedation or general anesthesia is attempted; the technique involves placing the patient supine with a bolster between the shoulder blades and applying traction to the abducted, extended arm. If reduction is achieved, a figure-of-8 strap is applied for 4 to 6 weeks. If closed reduction fails or is unstable, surgical stabilization with a figure-of-8 suture construct using heavy non-absorbable suture (PDS, FiberTape) or plate fixation is performed. For posterior Type III dislocations, emergency closed reduction in the operating room under general anesthesia is performed using the Buckerfield method (traction-abduction) or towel-clip technique (grasping the medial clavicle with a towel clip through the skin to pull it anteriorly); cardiothoracic surgery must be on standby in the event of vascular injury during reduction. Open reduction is required if closed reduction fails, if there is active vascular compromise, or if the reduction is unstable. SC joint arthroplasty or medial clavicle resection may be required for late post-traumatic arthritis.

What are the long-term complications of a sternoclavicular injury? +

SC joint injuries carry significant potential for long-term complications that establish legal permanency. Post-traumatic arthritis of the SC joint is the most common long-term sequela, occurring in a substantial percentage of patients even after successful reduction and healing — causing chronic anterior chest pain radiating to the shoulder and arm, particularly with overhead activities. Chronic SC joint instability, even after surgical repair, can produce a sensation of clunking, recurrent partial subluxation, and ongoing pain. Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) develops in some patients with SC joint injuries due to post-traumatic fibrosis and scarring in the retroclavicular and costoclavicular spaces, compressing the brachial plexus, subclavian artery, or subclavian vein — producing chronic arm pain, numbness, weakness, and in severe cases vascular symptoms (venous TOS producing arm swelling; arterial TOS producing ischemia). In posterior dislocation cases with any period of mediastinal compression, residual brachial plexus injury can cause permanent upper extremity neuropathy. Sympathetically mediated pain syndromes (CRPS Type II) have been reported following SC joint injuries with brachial plexus involvement.

Does an SC joint dislocation qualify as a serious injury under New York Insurance Law §5102(d)? +

Yes — SC joint dislocations and significant SC joint injuries can satisfy the serious injury threshold under New York Insurance Law §5102(d) under multiple categories. If there is an associated fracture of the medial clavicle or sternum, the 'fracture' category is met as a matter of law, eliminating the need to prove limitation, permanence, or duration. Rockwood Type III dislocations — both anterior and posterior — can satisfy 'permanent consequential limitation of use of a body organ or member' when a treating orthopedic surgeon or physiatrist documents permanent SC joint instability, post-traumatic arthritis, or restricted shoulder and arm range of motion that permanently limits use of the upper extremity. Rockwood Type II subluxations and symptomatic Type I sprains can satisfy 'significant limitation of use of a body function or system' when objective range-of-motion testing documents consistent, significant limitation over time. The key to threshold satisfaction is consistent, documented treatment with objective physical examination findings — gaps in treatment and inconsistent examination findings are the primary weapons insurance defense counsel uses to defeat threshold at summary judgment.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit for an SC joint injury from a car accident in New York? +

The statute of limitations for personal injury in New York is three years from the date of the accident under CPLR §214. However, you should not wait until the three-year deadline is approaching to retain an attorney. Valuable evidence — surveillance footage, dashcam video, EDR (event data recorder) data from the defendant's vehicle, and physical accident scene evidence — disappears within days to weeks. No-fault insurance applications in New York must be filed within 30 days of the accident date to preserve your right to no-fault medical benefits. For posterior SC dislocations involving mediastinal vascular structures, early attorney involvement is critical to preserve imaging records, surgical records, and cardiothoracic consultation reports that document the life-threatening nature of the injury. Early consultation also allows your attorney to identify all available insurance coverage — including the defendant's liability policy, any umbrella or excess coverage, your own underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, and your employer's coverage if you were working at the time.

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Jason Tenenbaum, Personal Injury Attorney serving Long Island, Nassau County and Suffolk County

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Jason Tenenbaum, Esq.

Jason Tenenbaum is a personal injury attorney serving Long Island, Nassau & Suffolk Counties, and New York City. Admitted to practice in NY, NJ, FL, TX, GA, MI, and Federal courts, Jason is one of the few attorneys who writes his own appeals and tries his own cases. Since 2002, he has authored over 2,353 articles on no-fault insurance law, personal injury, and employment law — a resource other attorneys rely on to stay current on New York appellate decisions.

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Syracuse University College of Law

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SC Joint Injury? Speak With a Long Island Attorney Today.

Sternoclavicular dislocations — especially posterior dislocations — are serious injuries that deserve full compensation. Call our Long Island office for a free, confidential consultation — no fee unless we recover for you.

(516) 750-0595 Free Case Evaluation