A shoulder injury can make a daily task like brushing your teeth painful. When the injury occurs at work, most Georgia employees can file a workers’ compensation claim for financial assistance while they recover. At the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C., clients often want to know the average settlement amount for a shoulder injury. Although no average amount exists, a skilled workers’ comp lawyer from our firm can shed light on the process and help you pursue full and fair benefits for your shoulder injury.
Common Workplace Shoulder Injuries
Shoulder injuries can happen in many workplace settings, particularly in occupations involving manual labor or repetitive motions. Common types of shoulder injuries include:
- Rotator cuff tears – A rotator cuff injury involves torn muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint, often due to heavy lifting or repetitive overhead activities.
- Shoulder impingement – This injury occurs when the shoulder blades put pressure on the surrounding soft tissues when the arm lifts away from the body.
- Dislocated shoulder – A dislocation occurs when the top of the upper arm bone pops out of the cup-shaped shoulder socket. It can happen from a fall or a sudden, forceful impact.
- SLAP tears – This is a tear of the labrum, the ring of cartilage surrounding the shoulder socket. Labral tears often result from repetitive overhead motions or heavy lifting.
- Frozen shoulder – Also called adhesive capsulitis, frozen shoulder happens when connective tissue tightens and thickens around the shoulder joint. This can occur when an arm is immobilized after an injury or surgery.
Factors Affecting Workers’ Comp Settlements for a Shoulder Injury
Multiple factors contribute to the settlement amount for a shoulder injury. These include:
- The severity of the injury
- The treatment required
- The extent of permanent disability
- How the injury affects your earning capacity
For instance, workers’ compensation for a shoulder injury requiring surgery is often higher because of the increased medical costs and potential for long-term disability.
Proven Results in Shoulder Injury Cases
While each case is unique, the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C., have secured impressive results in shoulder injury cases, including:
- $115,000 for an EMT with a shoulder injury that required surgery, along with a knee and hip injury
- $53,750 settlement in a highly contested case involving a dialysis clinic attendant with a shoulder injury that required surgery and a possible neck injury
These successes underscore our dedication to every client’s case and our ability to secure positive results for Georgia workers.
Ways to Increase Your Workers’ Compensation Settlement
How you handle your claim can significantly impact the amount of your workers’ comp settlement for a shoulder injury. Hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer to guide you through the process is pivotal. You should:
- Report the injury to your employer immediately but no later than 30 days after the injury.
- Seek medical attention immediately from a physician on your employer’s approved panel of providers, assuming the panel is valid and has been prominently posted and explained.
- Follow all medical advice as prescribed.
- Document your treatment and recovery process.
- Be polite to your employer and their insurance company.
- Consult a knowledgeable shoulder injury lawyer for help applying for benefits or appeals. A knowledgeable shoulder injury lawyer will also be familiar with the doctors on your employer’s panel and can help you select the best physician and determine whether your employer’s panel is valid.
Work-Related Shoulder Injury? Contact Our Workers’ Comp Lawyers Today
Getting through the day can be challenging when coping with a hurt shoulder. But if the injury is job-related, a fair workers’ compensation settlement can ease your burdens and give you space to heal. At the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C., our experienced workers’ comp lawyers will advocate for your rights and push for the settlement you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
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