Common Types of On-the-Job Shoulder Injuries in Arizona

Work-related shoulder injuries can result in expensive medical bills, time off work, and a decreased quality of life. There are several common types of on-the-job shoulder injuries in Arizona.

The shoulder is the body’s most mobile joint, consisting of three bones: the scapula (shoulder blade), humerus (upper arm bone), and clavicle (collarbone). The shoulder is composed of multiple muscles, ligaments, and tendons that help to hold the shoulder bones in place and work to stabilize the arm through its full range of motion. If you’ve suffered this type of injury, consulting a Workplace Shoulder Injury Lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation.

Common On-the-Job Shoulder Injuries

• Rotator Cuff Tears. A rotator cuff tear occurs when a tendon attached to the rotator cuff either partially or completely rips. This injury is common for workers who repeatedly perform overhead motions, such as construction workers, assembly workers, and commercial painters.
• Shoulder Impingement. Shoulder impingement happens when a tendon is trapped and pinched behind the shoulder bones, resulting in swelling of the rotator cuff and typically causing extreme pain. Workers who are required to perform repeated overhead movements are at risk for this injury.
• Fractures. Typically, a fracture is the result of a fall or other type of workplace accident.
• Bursitis. Bursitis is inflammation of the bursae sacs that surround the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the shoulder. Bursitis is common for carpet layers, tile setters, gardeners and landscapers, painters, roofers, and bricklayers.
• Dislocation. A shoulder dislocation occurs when the upper arm bone (humerus) dislodges from the shoulder socket. A dislocation may occur if an individual falls, lifts heavy objects, or as a result of repetitive movements.

Types of needed treatment for these common shoulder injuries may include rehabilitation and exercise with a physical therapist, corticosteroid or platelet injections, or surgery. There are many options for orthopedic hospitals in Arizona, including the Mayo Clinic-Arizona, Banner-University Medical Center, and Saint Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center.

How an Attorney Can Help Injured Workers

Individuals who suffer a workplace shoulder injury are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits in Arizona. Often, an injured worker will choose to hire an attorney to help with navigating the complex workers’ compensation system.

A knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorney will be familiar not only with the regulations to follow but will also be able to assist with completing and filing required forms and communicating with your employer and the insurer. Unfortunately, sometimes insurance companies will deny a valid claim or offer compensation that isn’t fair. An attorney can represent your interests in these situations.

What to Do if You’re Hurt at Work

Knowing what to do if you are injured at work is extremely important in order to pursue a successful workers’ compensation claim.

You should report the incident to your employer or supervisor. This is an important step in creating a formal record of the incident. If you fail to report the incident, it could cause complications in your claim, delayed compensation, or a denial.

Try to provide as much detail as possible when you make your report. It is critical to include the circumstances, time, location, and the names and contact information of anyone who witnessed the incident.

Often, an injury will seem minor. It is still necessary to report all injuries in a timely manner. Some injuries that seem minor may not display symptoms immediately. It is also important to seek medical attention regardless of the severity of the injury.

A medical professional will be able to assess the severity of the injury and provide treatment. This is also an important step if you decide to file a legal claim. The visit will be part of the needed medical records you will use when filing your workers’ compensation claim.

FAQs

What Is a Common Shoulder Injury From Working Out?

Improper technique or form, overuse, and lifting too much weight are common causes of shoulder injuries while working out. This can lead to the most common shoulder injury—a rotator cuff injury. Other common injuries include a weightlifter’s shoulder and a dislocated shoulder. If you are having pain in your shoulder as a result of working out, you should stop the workout and let the pain subside before working out again.

How Much Compensation Will I Get for a Shoulder Injury?

Compensation for a shoulder injury will vary. There are factors that will determine the amount of compensation an individual may receive. These factors include the type and severity of the shoulder injury and whether surgery was required. A physician will determine if an injured individual can return to work, can return to work with accommodations, or cannot return to work. This determination may impact the amount of compensation received.

What Is the Most Common Injury to the Shoulder?

A shoulder dislocation is one of the most common injuries involving the shoulder. The upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder socket, causing the dislocation. Typical causes include falls or sudden impacts. This type of shoulder injury may result in the inability to move the arm, severe pain, and swelling. The joint will need to be properly relocated in the socket, and the injury may require rehabilitation to regain strength and flexibility.

What Shoulder Injuries Qualify for Disability?

The Social Security Administration uses the Blue Book manual to determine which conditions automatically qualify for disability benefits. The manual states in Section 1.02 that if a shoulder injury prevents you from preparing a simple meal to feed yourself or prevents you from performing personal hygiene activities, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits.

Schedule a Consultation With an Arizona Workplace Shoulder Injury Lawyer

If you’ve sustained a shoulder injury on the job, you may be worried about what comes next. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that shoulder injuries result in the longest time away from work. If you are facing time off work, it is important to understand how the workers’ compensation system works in order to seek compensation for your shoulder injury.

Working with the skilled team at Arizona Injury Law Group can help alleviate your worry and allow you to focus on recovery. The team has over 70 combined years of experience and focuses on workers’ compensation and personal injury claims. Contact the office to set up a consultation to discuss your needs and learn how we can help.