Shoulder Injuries

If you have sustained a serious shoulder injury while at work, you may no longer be able to perform the basic tasks of your job. If you have to take time off or get medical treatment because of your shoulder injury, you are eligible for workers' compensation.

If a rotator cuff tendon has torn partially or completely, it usually will not heal completely without surgery. In most cases, it's best to perform the operation within three months of tearing the rotator cuff. Even after surgery, often ongoing pain or weakness in the injured shoulder interferes with a person's ability to perform necessary tasks, and sometimes to return to the job at all. A strained and weakened shoulder is more likely to end up as a torn rotator cuff if put under stress, after a return to work.

Shoulder injuries can be caused by different things, including the obvious: a fall, lifting a heavy object once, but also repetitive stress and/or heavy lifting. An accident can also cause peripheral nerve damage to the shoulder.

You do have options outside of your company doctor. You may be entitled to a second opinion by a doctor you choose, which the workers comp insurer must pay for. We can help you get an objective opinion regarding the shoulder injury you sustained as a result of your work.

You are also entitled to a permanent partial disability benefit, which is an additional income benefit, provided after you have reached a certain point in your medical treatment for your shoulder. The treating physician should give a PPD rating, and you may want to consider a second opinion regarding that rating also.

Hard Work Deserves Compensation
Contact Pam Waldorf Today for a Free Initial Consultation