When Can Shoulder Injuries Qualify for Workers’ Compensation?

 Posted on April 19, 2023 in Workers' Compensation

Work-related injuries can happen to anyone at any time, including in workplace accidents or due to repeated use of different parts of the body. Shoulder injuries are a common occurrence in California workplaces, and they can affect workers in numerous ways. These injuries may require treatments such as surgery, medications, or rehabilitative therapy, and medical expenses can add up quickly. They can also affect a person's ability to work, resulting in a potential loss of income. Fortunately, workers' compensation is available for those who have suffered work-related injuries. By understanding the different types of shoulder injuries that can occur in the workplace, injured workers can make sure they are taking the correct steps to receive workers' comp benefits.

Common Work-Related Shoulder Injuries

Some types of shoulder injuries that can occur in the workplace include:

• Dislocated shoulder - A dislocation may occur if the upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder's socket. This injury can occur in the workplace because of falls or getting hit by an object, and it can cause severe pain, numbness, and immobility.

• Rotator cuff injuries - The rotator cuff is made up of four muscles that are attached to the upper arm bone and shoulder blade, and they allow the arm to be lifted and rotated. When injuries occur to the rotator cuff, they can result in symptoms such as pain, weakness, and limited motion. This type of shoulder injury often occurs in jobs that involve overhead motions, such as painting, construction, and warehouse work involving heavy lifting.

• Torn labrum - The labrum is a piece of cartilage that lines and stabilizes the socket of the shoulder joint. A tear in this cartilage can lead to shoulder pain, instability, and decreased range of motion. Workplace activities that involve throwing, lifting, or other overhead movements can cause this type of injury.

• Shoulder fractures - The bones in the shoulder may be broken in workplace accidents such as falls or being hit by objects. Shoulder fractures can be severe, and it can be difficult to immobilize the bones to ensure that they can heal correctly. In some cases, surgery may be necessary, and bones may need to be held in place using rods, pins, or screws. These fractures can limit a person's range of motion and lead to other long-term complications.

• Bursitis - In some cases, workers may experience inflammations of the bursae, which are fluid-filled sacs that help to cushion the joints in the shoulders. This type of shoulder injury can occur because of repetitive motions, such as typing or assembly line work.

• Tendinitis - Due to the work a person has performed, they may experience an inflammation of the tendons in the shoulder, resulting in stiffness or pain. Repetitive tasks or the performance of physical tasks in awkward positions, such as digging and lifting, can lead to tendinitis. This can be a common issue for professionals who work long hours on computers, such as office workers.

Contact Our Morgan Hill Workplace Shoulder Injury Lawyers

If you have sustained a shoulder injury in a workplace accident or because of work-related activities, you will likely be eligible for workers' compensation benefits. The workers' compensation system can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other issues related to your injury. At Cramer + Martinez, our Gilroy workers' comp attorneys can help you file a claim. We will work with you to demonstrate that your injury is work-related and ensure that you receive the proper benefits. Contact us at 408-848-1113 to arrange a free consultation.

Sources:

https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/rotator-cuff-tears/

https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/labral-tears

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bursitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353242