Hopefully they checked the joint with a dial indicator. Some states have inspection laws that cover suspension clearances and the shops know how to check the ball joints. I've seen some cars back in PA hit a pot hole and pop a joint, the car will land flat on the ground. Toe-in, broken engine/tranny mount and sub-frame alignment will make it veer left too. Also, a bad tire (radial pull or bad belt) can draw it off course. These cars are touchy on the toe-in settings.
