The shoulder is susceptible to different types of injuries. Workers who must use their upper bodies on the job can hurt their shoulders through repetitive movement or in a one-time accident. Years of strain can cause shoulders to wear out. Can a person file a workers’ comp claim if the shoulder injury needs medical care – even replacement – as the result of a pre-existing condition or wear and tear over time?
The answer is that you can file a workers’ comp claim and approval is a possibility. Workers compensation insurers often deny shoulder injury claims, especially if you had a previous injury or another issue with your shoulder. The truth is that you can file the claim, but you may need to go further with the legal process to have a good chance of being successful.
You may have injured your shoulder years ago and repetitive motion or an accident on the job aggravated the injury. An aggravation or acceleration of that older injury can be the basis for a work comp claim. If you have arthritis and lifting or repetitive tasks made the issue worse, you may still have a valid claim. With the help of a Mankato workers’ comp attorney, you can increase the odds of a successful claim.
Advocacy for Injured Workers
When the injury is serious, it may warrant physical therapy, multiple tests and doctor visits, and surgery – even shoulder replacement. Whether your shoulder injury is new or your work duties exacerbated the existing condition, it’s important to report the incident to your employer so that the injury is documented. You must report the injury and file the claim promptly.
Some common shoulder injuries that can occur on the job include:
- Bursitis
- Dislocated shoulder
- Tendinitis (including shoulder impingement)
- Rotator cuff injury
- Nerve damage
- Frozen shoulder
- Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior (SLAP) tear
- Severe fractures
The pain from these injuries and conditions can be debilitating. Rotator cuff tears and severe fractures are two reasons for shoulder replacement surgery and the recovery can be lengthy. Whether the recovery is short-term or long-term, workers’ comp can provide benefits that ensure you have an income, that medical care is paid for, and that you can get back to work in the same line of work or a different one.
Contact Our Southern Minnesota Workers’ Comp Lawyers
If you have a work-related shoulder injury that may require shoulder replacement, it’s important to pursue the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve. To learn more about your rights and options, call Harvey & Carpenter at (507)-779-7529 for a free consultation.
