If you are injured in a work-related accident and are required to get shoulder surgery as a result of this injury, you may be entitled to compensation with the help of a shoulder injury workers’ comp attorney. Employees injured on the job, particularly those requiring surgery to recover from the injury, will lose wages due to time off work required for treatment and recovery, along with other losses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Work-Related Shoulder Injuries
Common questions we often hear from workers who have suffered a shoulder-related injury while at work include:
- How much compensation can I get for a shoulder injury?
- How much can I claim for a shoulder injury requiring surgery?
- How long does it take to receive compensation from a shoulder injury?
Common Work-Related Shoulder Injuries
Shoulder injuries are among the many common types of injuries among workers’ compensation claims. These injuries can result from a one-time accident or develop over time due to repeated stress, heavy lifting, or other causes. The shoulder consists of multiple joints, muscles, and tendons, all of which are vulnerable to injury, particularly when used for heavy lifting and other actions.
Some common types of shoulder injuries include:
- Dislocation
- Tendonitis
- Impingement
- Frozen shoulder
- Bursitis
- Rotator cuff tear
- Labral tear
Many types of shoulder injuries will require treatment through minimally invasive measures at first, which can include rest, medication, and physical therapy, among others. However, shoulder injuries may require surgery if these treatments don’t work, which can result in more recovery time along with more expenses.
How Workplace Shoulder Injuries Happen
There are many different potential causes of shoulder injuries in the workplace. Some injuries may be sudden and result from accidents due to faulty equipment, such as forklifts, or employee or employer negligence. Other injuries can take weeks, months, or even years to develop as a result of repeated that put stress on the shoulder. In some cases, accidents may occur in the workplace that result in an injury with delayed symptoms, which may become apparent over time. Travel is another factor that can result in workplace shoulder injuries if the employee is driving a company vehicle and experiences a traffic accident.
Ultimately, you may be able to seek workers’ compensation whether your injury is large or small, immediate or gradual.
Treatment for Shoulder Injuries
Many victims of workplace shoulder injuries will require rest and relaxation for treatment, but workers may also require more extensive treatment depending on the injury’s severity. Oftentimes, cortisone shots or medications may be sufficient, but other times they may need shoulder support to help stabilize the affected area and allow for proper healing. In more extreme cases, surgery may be required followed by physical therapy and rehabilitation.
Filing a Claim for Shoulder Injuries
Many people are worried about filing a workers’ comp claim because of a lack of general knowledge regarding how the process works. However, with the help of reliable attorneys, you can successfully navigate the workers’ comp process. Illinois offers two main ways to file a claim: with the state or your employer.
When seeking compensation from an employer, workers must give them a written description of what occurred within 45 days of the accident, with the exception of injuries that don’t become apparent until a period of time following the incident. The employer can then either accept or deny the claim, but they must also provide you with a written explanation for the decision. If the employer accepts the claim, they should provide benefits along with health care access. If they deny it, you can file an appeal to the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC), which will investigate the claim and decision.
Workers can also file a claim directly with the IWCC to help make the process faster. It may also be better to do this if you’re worried that your employer might reject the claim. You will need to provide a written description of the workplace incident and injury, and what you’ll need to include in the claim will depend on the specific details of the case.
Reliable and Experienced Shoulder Injury Workers’ Comp Lawyers
Regardless of the type of work-related injury, you’re likely concerned with several different things, including:
- When you can go back to work
- How you’ll be able to support both yourself and your family while out of work
- How much compensation you’ll be able to recover through a workers’ compensation claim
- When you’ll be able to receive pay for medical expenses
When you work with Cushing Law Offices, we will help you file your workers’ comp claim, provide representation in any negotiations, and stand with you in court, if required. Our team of attorneys understands the importance of working on every aspect of your life that your injury has impacted, helping you get back to where you were prior to the injury.
We’ll determine how the injury has affected your employment, health, and finances, and work with you to seek seek the benefits you need and deserve. We’ll help ensure you get a fair settlement that helps cover medical expenses along with lost wages following a lack of work resulting from the injury.
We have provided representation for many clients who have suffered from shoulder injuries in the workplace along with many other types of injuries resulting from work-related accidents. We understand how these injuries can impact your livelihood, which is why we work hard to help you return to a normal daily life.
How Workers’ Compensation for Shoulder Injuries Can Help
If you suffer a shoulder injury or other type of injury or illness related to your job, you may be able to receive benefits to help you get the treatment you need for a full and successful recovery. Workers’ compensation can help pay for a variety of bills pertaining to your injury, including:
- Doctor visits
- Surgery
- Medication
- Rehabilitation
- Hospital stays
- Transportation to and from doctors’ appointments
- Medical equipment
Average Settlement for Shoulder Injury
Compensation for shoulder injuries can vary from case to case and severity of the injury itself. Here are some success stories from clients we’ve represented.
$325,000 Workers’ Compensation Settlement
$325,000 settlement obtained for truck driver who underwent shoulder surgery and was released with a permanent lifting restriction of 25 pounds.
$300,000 Settlement
$300,000 settlement obtained for truck driver who underwent shoulder surgery and was released with a permanent lifting restriction of 25 pounds.
$300,000 Settlement
$300,000 settlement obtained for a sheet metal worker underwent two shoulder surgeries and was released with a permanent lifting restriction.
Get Accessible and Convenient Shoulder Injury Workers’ Compensation
Here at Cushing Law Offices, we understand the potential consequences of a case. This is why we offer a free consultation to determine how we can assist you and assess your legal situation. At our locations in Chicago, Flossmoor, and Evanston, our helpful staff truly cares and can help ensure your case is handled with unrivaled professionalism and comprehensiveness. If you have sustained a work-related injury requiring shoulder surgery, contact Cushing Law Offices, and we may be able to help you reach a shoulder surgery workers’ comp settlement. Contact us today at 312-726-2323 and we’ll help determine if you have a case and provide you with the representation that you deserve.