Shoulder Injuries at Work: Some Important Information for You

Shoulder injuries are among the most common injuries workers suffer on the job. Unfortunately, shoulder injuries can be extremely painful. These injuries can cause limitations in movement and make it impossible for an employee to perform their work or daily life activities. A shoulder injury could result in an employee needing to take time off work, which, in turn, can result in lost wages. Some people may require a few days to recover, whereas others may need months or longer. Fortunately, in Illinois, workers may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits after suffering a shoulder injury while on the job. In this article, we discuss some of the common causes of workplace shoulder injuries, common shoulder injuries workers suffer while on the job, and the process of recovering workers’ compensation for a work-related shoulder injury.

Common Causes of Workplace Shoulder Injuries

While workers whose job entails lifting heavy things may be at a greater risk of sustaining shoulder injuries, any worker in any profession can sustain a shoulder injury. The following are some of the most common causes of workplace shoulder injuries;

• Heavy lifting: Lifting heavy objects or improper lifting techniques can result in a worker suffering a severe shoulder injury. Such things can strain the shoulder muscles and tendons.
• Repetitive motion: Repetitive tasks that involve continuous shoulder movements can result in an employee suffering a shoulder injury.
• Awkward positions: Employees who work in awkward positions due to inadequate workstation ergonomics can develop shoulder injuries over time.
• Slip and fall accidents: Workers in all jobs are at risk of suffering a shoulder injury in a slip and fall accident.
• Power tools and heavy machinery: Tools and machinery that vibrate can result in workers developing shoulder injuries over time.
• Trauma: For example, a construction worker can suffer a shoulder injury after getting struck by an object.

Common Shoulder Injuries Workers Suffer While on the Job

Workers can suffer different types of shoulder injuries while on the job. The following are some of the most common work-related shoulder injuries;

• Fractures: Workers who suffer a direct blow to the shoulder can sustain a fracture.
• Rotator cuff tears: A rotator cuff tear can occur for various reasons, including a fall, lifting something heavy, repetitive stress, poor posture, or a sudden impact to the shoulder.
• Dislocation: A shoulder dislocation can occur due to, among others, falls, lifting heavy objects, repetitive movements, or trauma.
• Impingement: This injury occurs when a worker has to raise their hands above their shoulders. This action can result in the tendons or rotator cuff muscles becoming pinched or compressed.
• Bursitis: The most common cause of shoulder bursitis among workers is overuse.

Recovering Workers’ Compensation Benefits for a Work-Related Shoulder Injury

After suffering a job-related shoulder injury in Illinois, the following are some of the steps you need to take to ensure you recover the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve;

• Report the injury to your employer within 45 days
• Seek prompt medical attention
• Document everything/Gather evidence
• Hire a qualified workers’ compensation lawyer ASAP
• File your workers’ compensation claim

The following are the workers’ compensation benefits you may be entitled to after suffering a workplace shoulder injury;

• Medical expenses
• Disability benefits
• Vocational rehabilitation benefits
• Disfigurement benefits

Contact a Chicago Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

If you’ve suffered a work-related injury, including a shoulder injury, our skilled Chicago workers’ compensation lawyer at Connolly Injury Law can help you throughout the legal process. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.