Workers Compensation for Shoulder Injuries in California
People can suffer from a large variety of injuries at work. When that happens, they are generally eligible for workers’ compensation to cover the costs related to the injury. That can include medical bills and other costs associated with treatment and recovery as well as lost income when the employee could not come to work and potentially lost wages and earning capacity if the injury makes him unable to function in the job he used to have. One common type of workplace injury that will be explored in this article is an injury affecting the shoulder. If you suffered a work injury, speak with a skilled Hollister, CA workers’ compensation attorney to find out how to proceed.
Common Workplace Shoulder Injuries
Workplace injuries can happen to people who have more physical jobs - for example, military personnel, construction workers, dancers, and athletes - and those who have more sedentary jobs like office workers, computer coders, and manicurists. That is why these injuries can happen in such a variety of ways and cause varying degrees of damage. Some of the most common shoulder-related workplace injuries include:
- Rotator cuff injury: Four muscles attached to the shoulder blade and the upper arm bone are considered the rotator cuff, and they make it possible to lift and rotate your arm. Rotator cuff injuries can result in weakness, pain, or mobility limitations and can significantly restrict normal functioning. These kinds of injuries are more common among people who need to make overhead motions in their work, like construction workers, painters, and movers.
- Dislocated shoulder: When your upper arm bone pops out of the socket in your shoulder, you might have dislocated it. Dislocated shoulders are often severely painful and can be accompanied by numbness or immobility. These kinds of injuries are commonly seen when people are hit by something or fall.
- Fractured shoulder: If the bones in your shoulder are broken due to failing or being hit by some object, you might have a fracture. Sometimes, recovery involves immobilizing the arm to enable the bones to heal properly. Other times, surgery is required. Shoulder fractures can lead to a limited range of motion and long-term complications.
- Tendonitis: If the tendons in your shoulder are inflamed, you can feel pain and stiffness. This type of injury can be caused by repetitive motions or physical tasks involving irregular positioning, like lifting or digging. It is also common among office workers who tend to sit in the same position for many hours.
- Bursitis: The joints in your shoulder are cushioned by fluid-filled sacs called bursae. Bursitis means that those sacs are inflamed. This can be the result of repetitive motions at work and can be extremely painful and restricting
Schedule a Free Consultation with a California Workers’ Compensation Attorney
If you have suffered a shoulder injury at work, you might be eligible for workers’ compensation. An experienced San Benito County, CA shoulder injury lawyer can review your case and help you seek maximum benefits to cover the costs involved. Call Cramer + Martinez at 408-848-1113 for a free consultation.