North Carolina Workers’ Compensation for Shoulder Injuries

How a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer for Shoulder Injuries Can Help

If you need workers’ compensation for a shoulder injury, you may face challenges like denied claims, delays in receiving benefits, or pressure to return to work too soon. Our experienced workers’ compensation lawyers can protect your rights and guide you through the claims process. We will meet critical deadlines, gather medical evidence to support your claim, and present a compelling case for the benefits you deserve.

We can also handle communication with the insurance companies and your employer, reducing stress and allowing you to focus on your recovery. If any disputes arise, we can represent you in hearings or appeals to make sure the authorities hear your story.

Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim for Shoulder Injuries

You should report a work-related shoulder injury to your employer as soon as possible. However, North Carolina law requires you to report a workplace injury in writing within 30 days to preserve your right to benefits. Once you’ve reported your injury to your employer, the basic steps of filing a workers’ compensation claim are:

Seek medical attention. Visit an approved medical provider for evaluation and treatment. Clearly explain that your injury occurred at work so your doctor can document it properly.
Complete Form 18. File Form 18 with the North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC). This step officially starts your claim.
Follow treatment plans. Attend all medical appointments and follow your doctor’s recommendations. The medical records from these appointments will support your claim for benefits.
Communicate with the insurance adjuster. Work with your employer’s insurance carrier and provide them with whatever information they request promptly. However, be cautious about what you say to avoid jeopardizing your claim. We recommend you have a workers’ comp lawyer to submit your claim for you.
Consult an attorney. If your employer denies or delays your claim, contact a workers’ compensation attorney right away for help. They can guide you through any appeals or hearings if necessary.

Average Shoulder Injury Workers’ Compensation Settlement

There’s no true average workers’ compensation shoulder injury settlement, as they vary depending on the extent of your injury, your pre-injury income, and other factors. However, the benefits you may qualify for include:

Medical benefits – Workers’ compensation covers the cost of all reasonable and necessary medical expenses for your shoulder injury. This includes doctor visits, physical therapy, diagnostic tests, surgery, medications, and follow-up care. The insurance company typically pays for treatment from an approved healthcare provider.
Disability benefits – If you cannot work or earn as much because of your shoulder injury, you may also qualify for disability benefits. These benefits may cover two-thirds of your pre-injury average weekly wage, up to a statewide cap. The type of benefits and how much you may receive will depend on factors such as how much shoulder function you still have, how long your injury lasts, and your average weekly wage.

Common Work-Related Shoulder Injuries

Some common shoulder injuries that can occur at work include:

Rotator cuff tears – Rotator cuff injuries occur when the tendons or muscles surrounding the shoulder joint tear, often due to heavy lifting or repetitive overhead motions.
Shoulder dislocations – A traumatic shoulder dislocation happens when the upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder socket. This can occur during a fall or from sudden force, such as in construction or warehouse work.
Bursitis – Shoulder bursitis results from inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions the joint. Repetitive motions or prolonged pressure can irritate the bursa, causing pain and swelling.
Tendinitis – Tendinitis involves inflammation of the shoulder tendons. This condition is often the result of repetitive activities like painting, typing, or assembly line work. It can lead to stiffness and discomfort, especially with movement.
Impingement syndrome – Impingement occurs when the shoulder blade’s outer edge presses against or pinches the rotator cuff during arm movement, often from repetitive overhead activities. Common symptoms of this condition include pain, weakness, and inflammation in the shoulder.

Common Causes of Shoulder Injuries at Work

Work-related shoulder injuries can occur from direct physical trauma or repetitive stress. Common causes of these injuries include:

Lifting heavy objects improperly or without assistance
Repeating overhead motions, such as painting or stocking shelves
Slipping and falling, leading to impact injuries or dislocations
Using vibrating tools that strain shoulder muscles and tendons
Overextending the shoulder while reaching or pulling objects
Operating machinery that requires forceful or repetitive movements
Carrying loads that place uneven pressure on the shoulder
Sustaining injuries from workplace accidents like falling debris
Performing awkward or prolonged postures during tasks

Get Legal Help from Our Workers’ Compensation Specialists

Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Banks, P.A. has decades of legal experience and extensive knowledge of the North Carolina workers’ compensation system, along with two Board Certified Specialists in Workers’ Compensation Law. Our team will take care of all the legal work in your case. We’ve helped many injured workers recover the compensation they’re entitled to for their injuries, including a temporary agency employee whose shoulder injury claim was denied. Here’s what one client said about their experience with our firm:

“Mr. Baznik handled my workers compensation case and stayed well ahead of it. Always keeping me informed and going the extra mile for my needs. I’m so glad I chose to call Joe Baznik and will use his team again if I ever need an attorney.” – Jon Connell

Ready to start your workers’ comp claim? Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.

Workers’ Compensation for Shoulder Injuries in Raleigh, NC