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Workers’ Compensation for Shoulder Injuries

Shoulder Injury

Shoulder pain can result from various injuries whether it be from the shoulder directly or from other sites such as your neck, arm, or back.  These problems can be caused by a specific injury or even repetitive work activities over time.  In these cases, it is important to have the appropriate medical support to substantiate the claims in order for you to get the workers’ compensation benefits you are entitled to.  Consequently, it is important that you understand the law as to how these injuries are caused and also what benefits you may be entitled to.

Feel free to contact our experienced and knowledgeable staff at Mottaz & Sisk Injury Law for a free no obligation consultation to discuss your rights under Minnesota workers’ compensation law.

We’re experienced, knowledgeable, skillful litigators who know how to get the best result for you.  You can call our office or fill out the consultation form to reach us.

What Is a Shoulder Injury?

Shoulder injuries can occur in a lot of different ways. Depending on what type of work you do, you may be more susceptible to injury. Furthermore, shoulder injuries can stem from other issues with your back, neck, or arms since they are all connected. Think about it: every time you use your arm, you’re also using your shoulder. Any injury to this part of the body will severely limit your capabilities, especially at work.

The shoulder is made up of a ball-and-socket joint with three significant bones: upper arm bone (humerus), shoulder blade (scapula), and the collarbone (clavicle). There are also muscles, tendons, and ligaments at risk of injury in the shoulder since they hold the bones together. Employees that suffer shoulder injuries could need more than a month to recover, considering treatment, possible surgery, and therapy. Thankfully, injuries sustained at work are eligible for workers’ comp benefits. Working with an experienced legal team like Mottaz & Sisk Injury Law ensures you get the help you need after sustaining a workplace injury.

Common Causes of Shoulder Injuries

There are various ways the shoulder could be injured. From repetitive movements to being caught in awkward postures while moving heavy objects, shoulder injuries can occur much easier than you might think. Those who work in the construction industry or do manual labor are more susceptible to shoulder injuries due to their work environment. Shoulder injuries can also occur outside of work, while playing sports or if you happen to fall. Some common workplace shoulder injury causes include:

Man operating lever on heavy machinery

Repetitive Movements

You’ve probably heard of carpal tunnel syndrome and other workplace injuries caused by repetitive motion. Some shoulder injuries can occur in the same way due to repetitive motions done at work every day. Many manual laborers are subject to jobs that require repetitive motion, often with little time to break or stretch between tasks. Some industries at risk of shoulder injuries due to repetitive motion include:

  • Factory workers
  • Construction workers
  • Roofers
  • Drywall installers
  • Painters
  • Cashiers
  • Restaurant workers
  • Office workers
Construction worker using jackhammer while stradling short cinderblock barrier

Power Tool Usage

Those who use power tools and other heavy, potentially dangerous equipment are also at risk of shoulder injuries at work. Using power tools can involve repetitive motions and strong vibrations from the tools, causing shoulder injuries over time. Factory workers, especially those who work on an assembly line, are most susceptible to this kind of shoulder strain.

Man falling on his back from icy pavement

Slip and Fall

Slip and fall incidents can happen at really any workplace. When proper signage is not in place to note a slippery floor, workers are at risk of falling and sustaining an injury. Depending on how they fall, they could get a severe shoulder injury from the impact of the hard floor. Anything from icy parking lots to worn flooring can cause a slip and fall incident resulting in serious injury.

Construction worker gripping injured shoulder

Overexertion

When lifting and pushing heavy objects, workers can often overexert themselves to the point of injury. This is especially true with shoulder injuries since they are connected to the arm and its muscles and bones, which often do the heavy lifting. Workers in factories, construction sites, and warehouses are susceptible to an overexertion shoulder injury, as are office workers and those who have to do manual labor at work, even if it’s not a frequent occasion.

Leaning construction worker holding injured shoulder

Awkward Positions

One of the final most common causes of workplace shoulder injuries is being put in awkward positions. Think painters, roofers, plumbers, and construction workers. They all have to do work in sometimes awkward or uncomfortable positions to get the job done. These positions may cause shoulder injuries if the worker doesn’t take proper care to find a comfortable and safe spot.

Different Types of Shoulder Injuries

Now that you’re aware of the various causes of shoulder injuries in the workplace, let’s discuss the different types of shoulder injuries. They can vary in severity and recovery time. Regardless, the Mottaz & Sisk Injury Law team can help you get the compensation you deserve for medical bills and missed workdays. Some of the common shoulder injuries caused at work include:

Shoulder Dislocation

When the upper arm pops out of the socket, that’s labeled a shoulder dislocation. This type of shoulder injury makes people more prone to future dislocations and can cause immobilization of the arm. Treatment options include physical therapy and, in severe cases, surgery.

Fractures

Fractures are another shoulder injury that requires immobilization to be treated, meaning you may not be able to work for some time. In some cases, fractures may require surgery to repair compound fractures in the collarbone or dislodged bone fragments. Though fractures may not sound too serious in theory, they can have severe consequences.

Rotator Cuff Tears

One final example of a type of shoulder injury in the workplace is a rotator cuff tear. A rotator cuff is a group of tendons and muscles in the shoulder. Rotator cuff tears are common injuries that can cause difficulty raising the arm, weakness, a dull ache, and difficulty sleeping. Like other shoulder injuries, physical therapy is often needed to heal.

The Team at Mottaz & Sisk Is Here for You

At Mottaz & Sisk, we know how painful and frustrating a shoulder injury can be. You could be out of work for weeks or months, depending on the severity of your injury. If you or a loved one has suffered a shoulder injury at work, you should immediately seek legal guidance. Workers in Minnesota have the right to compensation for lost income, medical expenses, caretaker costs, and more. Our skilled attorneys are ready to take full responsibility for your case so that you can reach the outcome you deserve.

Once your contact request form is completed, you will be contacted by one of our experienced shoulder injury attorneys, so your situation can be reviewed. Together we will decide what settlement to pursue. Our attorneys will provide you with guidance at every step of the way. Call Mottaz & Sisk today for a free, no-obligation consultation, and begin your journey towards a better quality of life.

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