We often take our bodies for granted until we experience an injury. Suddenly we recognize just how important a certain body part was for simple tasks throughout the day. Such is the case with the shoulders. An injury to your shoulders can greatly impact your ability to do your job as well as your ability to function around the home.
The Indianapolis, IN occupational accidents lawyers of Golitko & Daly have helped countless clients with their work injury and accident lawsuits. We’d like to briefly consider some shoulder injuries that may be sustained on the job and what your legal options may be.
Types of Shoulder Injuries
Shoulder injuries at work could the the result of lifting heavy loads, repetitive stress, hyperextending the shoulder, or impact to the side from a fall. Below are some common shoulder injuries a person may experience on the job:
- Torn Rotator Cuff – This kind of shoulder injury occurs when any of the four rotator cuff tendons around the shoulder are damaged.
- Dislocated Shoulder – A dislocated shoulder occurs when the shoulder joint is popped out of its socket.
- Frozen Shoulder – Also known as adhesive capsulitis, a frozen shoulder occurs when connective tissue thickens around the shoulder joint, restricting movement.
- Bursitis – Bursitis affects the small fluid sacs of the joints that cushion the spaces between muscles, bones, and tendons.
- Tendonitis – The rotator cuff tendons can also be affected by inflammation, making shoulder movement difficult.
Signs of a Shoulder Injury
The most common signs and symptoms of shoulder injuries acquired on the job include:
- Reduced range of motion of the shoulder
- Inability to raise arms over your head
- Shoulder pain or discomfort
- Swelling or redness of the shoulder
Our Indianapolis workplace injury lawyers recommend seeing a doctor as soon as possible once any symptoms affecting shoulder movement and/or strength arise.
Recovering from a Shoulder Injury
The recovery time from a shoulder injury can vary depending on the nature of the injury. Surgery is not always necessary for treatment, though it could be possible for severe shoulder injuries. Rest and immobilization combined with the use of pain relievers helps with initial recovery, though exercise and physical therapy are necessary to restore strength and full movement to the shoulder joint.
The Lasting Effects of Shoulder Injuries
Even if your shoulder injury is successfully treated, you may face long-term repercussions from the injury. Range of motion and shoulder strength may not be fully restored, which may require you to modify your workplace duties or change the kinds of tasks you do while on the job.
Workers’ Compensation and Shoulder Injuries
Workers’ compensation benefits are extremely helpful when recovering from shoulder injuries. These benefits will help you cover living expenses away from the job while you are recovering and working on the rehabilitation of your shoulder. If you are denied workers’ compensation benefits, our lawyers can help you with the appeals process.
Unsafe Worker Conditions: Do I Have a Lawsuit?
If your on-the-job shoulder injury was the result of unsafe working conditions, you may have a work injury lawsuit worth pursuing. Our Indianapolis occupational injury attorneys can look into the nature of the accident and help determine if your employer or a third party was negligent and potentially liable for your injuries. Legal damages sought in the case can cover medical expenses and other material losses associated with the shoulder injury.
Learn More About Workplace Shoulder Injuries
If you would like to learn more about workers’ compensation and your legal options following an on-the-job injury, speak with skilled work injury and accident lawyers. The team at Golitko & Daly can be reached by phone at (317) 566-9600.