Knee, Shoulder, and Back Injuries Workers’ Comp Attorney

If you recently suffered a knee, shoulder, or back injury at work in Georgia, you might be entitled to money from a workers’ compensation claim. Orthopedic injuries can happen in all work environments, whether you’re lifting boxes in a warehouse or sitting at a desk all day. These injuries cause immediate harm but can also lead to long-lasting chronic pain and disability without proper treatment. Obtaining maximum workers’ comp benefits for these conditions is vital so you can pay the bills and take the time you need to heal without financial distress. 

At the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C., we can help you file for workers’ compensation benefits so that you receive full benefits and the care you need after a painful injury. Contact us today for a free consultation with a workers’ compensation attorney in Albany, GA.  

Knee, Shoulder, and Back Injuries at Work

Knee, shoulder, and back injuries are common work injuries, particularly for those whose jobs involve repetitive motion, heavy lifting, awkward working positions, and other types of physical stress. Let’s explore common types of work-related knee, shoulder, and back injuries.

Common knee injuries that occur in the workplace include:

• Joint sprains and strains from overuse, sudden twisting, or impacts
• Dislocations, which occur when the knee joint pops out of place
• Tendonitis, which involves inflammation of the tendons around the knee
• Bursitis, or inflammation of the squishy sacs that cushion and stabilize the knee

Common job-related shoulder injuries include:

• Rotator cuff tears, which affect the tissues that keep the shoulder in place
• Shoulder dislocations, which occur when the arm joint gets knocked out of its socket
• Fractures that affect shoulder bones, like the collarbone or shoulder blade
• Labral tears, which happen when trauma tears the cartilage around the shoulder

Back injuries happen frequently on the job, including:

• Sprains and strains from overuse, awkward poses, or overexertion
• Herniated discs, 
• Sciatica, which is due to pinched nerves in the back
• Chronic back pain from poor ergonomics, repetitive motion, or heavy lifting

Types of Jobs Where Knee, Shoulder, and Back Injuries Occur

A knee, shoulder, or back injury can affect a worker in any industry. However, they are especially prevalent in certain occupations, such as:

• Construction – Workers often handle heavy equipment, work in awkward positions, and perform similar tasks for long hours. 
• Landscapers and manual laborers – Lifting, digging, planting, and trimming puts strain on the knees, shoulders, and back.
• Healthcare workers – Medical professionals often perform physically demanding tasks, such as lifting and moving patients and medical equipment.
• Factory workers – People who work in manufacturing facilities, especially on assembly lines, engage in repetitive motions that can lead to knee, shoulder, and back injuries.
• Warehouse workers – Stacking boxes, bending over to reach items from low shelves, and moving inventory can place unnecessary strain on warehouse employees.
• Transportation workers – Delivery drivers and truck drivers spend a lot of time sitting in their vehicles and making repetitive movements, which can wear down the body over time.
• Service workers – Cashiers, dishwashers, and wait staff perform jobs that require standing for long periods, which puts added stress on the joints and back.
• Office workers – Many occupations involve office work, where employees sit at desks most of the day. Repetitive motion and poor ergonomic support can lead to back, neck, and shoulder pain at work. 

Who Could Be Liable for a Workplace Knee, Shoulder, or Back Injury?

In Georgia, most employers are responsible for workplace injuries that occur while you perform job-related duties. State law requires them to carry workers’ compensation insurance, which provides qualifying workers with no-fault benefits for medical care, lost wages, permanent partial disability, and more. 

You do not have to prove that your employer or anyone else was at fault to claim workers’ comp benefits. In most cases, you can even receive workers’ comp even if you are responsible for your injuries. In exchange for this safety net, your employer is largely immune from lawsuits related to your injuries unless they harmed you on purpose.

However, if someone outside your chain of employment caused your injuries, they could be liable for losses beyond those covered by workers’ comp, such as the full extent of your lost wages and pain and suffering. An attorney can review your case to determine if you have grounds for a third-party personal injury lawsuit.

Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Georgia

If you get hurt on the job in Georgia, you must file a workers’ compensation claim seeking benefits. The process starts by: 

• Notifying your employer – The Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation (SBWC) requires you to report any occupational accident to your employer. You could lose your right to claim benefits if you wait more than 30 days, so act quickly.
• Getting medical treatment – In Georgia, your employer has the right to require you to see a doctor from a pre-approved panel of physicians or managed care organization (MCO), assuming they satisfy some basic requirements, so check with them first to see which providers are in your network.
• Contacting a workers’ compensation attorney – The most important step you can take after a work-related knee, shoulder, or back injury is to contact a trusted lawyer. An experienced workers’ comp lawyer can determine your eligibility, file your benefits claim, and manage any disputes with the insurer.  

Hiring a lawyer is not required to file for workers’ comp. However, applying for benefits involves a lot of paperwork, record gathering, and adherence to strict deadlines. An attorney can manage the entire process from start to finish, giving you space to recuperate from your injuries. Having a lawyer who is already familiar with the case is also helpful if you need to appeal a decision later. 

Get Help From Our Workers’ Comp Attorney Now

If you hurt your knee, shoulder, or back on the job, you deserve full workers’ compensation benefits to help you heal and make ends meet. Let the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C. fight for your rights and the benefits you are entitled to. Contact us now to speak with an Albany, GA workers’ compensation lawyer. There’s no charge for the first consultation.