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Workers Compensation and Shoulder Injuries

November 23, 2015

Workers’ Compensation for Shoulder Injuries on the Job
Did you know that one of the more common of workers’ compensation accidents is that of should injuries? This is especially true in jobs that happen in industrial settings where the use of the shoulders in every aspect of work can cause damage over time. The shoulder muscles are a very complex set of unique muscles, tendons that connect via joints to the back, neck and chest of every human. When this area of the body experiences stress or a sudden impact, the shoulder can be irreparably injured and cause severe ongoing pain for a worker. Let’s review some of the common types of workers’ compensable shoulder injury.
The Major Types of Shoulder Injury at Work

The most frequently seen workers’ compensation claims for should injuries involve a torn rotator cuff, which is the part of the shoulder that stabilizes and connects the arm to the shoulder blade. The shoulder essentially “floats” in the space between the shoulder blades and so these tendons perform a very important function in keeping the arm in alignment. Additionally, the rotator cuff allows the arm to turn in a complete 360 degree socket, so when this area is hurt at work, it is usually torn in some area of the tendons.

Dislocated shoulders are the second-most common form of shoulder injury on the job. This can occur when the arms or the back are suddenly pulled out of position. If this happens at work, it is most likely due to another form of industrial or motor vehicle accident or impact on the body. Shoulders that become dislocated can be treated medically, but they are extremely painful and may require months of physical and drug therapy to overcome.

Another shoulder injury that can happen at work is bursitis, which generally develops over time. This occurs when there is a build-up of fluid found naturally in joints. Workers compensation claims can be filed if the bursitis is caused by repetitive motion that wears on the joints and bones in the shoulders, elbows, knees and more. Bursitis can be treated, but ongoing medication and more ergonomic work conditions must happen for the best results.

There is also a problem that more working Americans are dealing with called tendonitis. This is a painful condition that most often develops as a result of overuse of the hands, arms, and shoulders in workers. Tendonitis involves inflammation in the tendons and can cause years of active pain and mobility issues if not addressed. Many employees, particularly those who use their upper torso, hands and arms for hours on end with no breaks, get tendonitis that can generate workers’ compensation claims.

While some shoulder injuries can be prevented by modifying work habits, using more ergonomic equipment an allowing the body to take frequent rests, some employers either do not care or do not take precautions to stop shoulder injuries. If you have developed pain in your shoulders or have suffered an injury to your shoulder area, then it’s important to report this to your workers’ compensation personnel for medical attention. If you are not getting the support you need, then you will want to contact a personal injury attorney at Bernstein and Bernstein, LLC. who can help you prove your workers’ compensation case. We have helped thousands of should injury victims get the workers’ compensation benefits and financial settlements they deserve to live a pain-free life.

Get in touch with our caring team of workers’ compensation attorneys on the case today to help you get the benefits you need to get back to health. Call us at 803-799-7900, or click here to send us an email.
Be sure to come back soon for more helpful advice and information about workers’ compensation topics!

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