Torn rotator cuff + nerve damage from crash — is an attorney actually worth it for me?

The self-employed income loss thing is REAL and it's brutal to navigate alone. I'm a freelance photographer and after my accident the adjuster basically laughed at my "proof" of lost work because I didn't have pay stubs. An attorney helped me pull together tax returns, client invoices, and a statement from my accountant that actually made the case. Do not try to fight that part by yourself.

Not legal advice, but I'll say this — nerve damage that 'may not fully resolve' is exactly the kind of thing that changes a claim's value significantly. Future medical costs, ongoing impact on your ability to work, pain and suffering that extends years out... that's not something a standard adjuster is going to volunteer to calculate in your favor. The contingency structure you described is pretty standard and the walk-away piece is normal. Worth at least finishing the consultation process.

Please please please do not settle this yourself. The moment you mention nerve damage to an adjuster, they know it's serious — and their job is to close your file for as little as possible before you figure out what it's actually worth. They are NOT on your side, even if they sound sympathetic on the phone.

I used to work claims and I'll be honest with you — files with soft tissue plus documented nerve involvement plus self-employment income loss are ones we flagged as 'complicated to value.' That's adjuster code for 'we need to move this person fast before they get help.' The 'walk away anytime' clause in a contingency agreement is completely standard, not a red flag. If anything it shows they're confident enough they don't need to lock you in.

From a medical standpoint, cervical nerve impingement that's still symptomatic at 3 months needs to be tracked really carefully. Make sure your neurologist is documenting every appointment with specifics — numbness levels, strength testing, any changes. That paper trail matters enormously down the road whether you settle in 6 months or 2 years. A lot of people stop going to appointments once they feel 'a little better' and then regret it.

Get the attorney. Partial rotator cuff tear + nerve damage + you're self-employed and losing income = too many moving parts to wing it. The contingency thing is how literally every PI attorney works. Stop overthinking it.

I just want to say I'm really sorry you're going through this. Running your own business AND dealing with injuries that affect your actual ability to do the work sounds exhausting and stressful in a way most people don't understand. I hope you get some clarity soon. 💙

One thing I'll say — the fact that you caught the nerve involvement early and have a neurologist already in the picture puts you in a better spot than a lot of people who don't get that diagnosed until months later. You have documentation. That's actually a real advantage going into a claim.