Shoulder injuries are common at work and equally difficult to cure. A worker suffering a shoulder injury may be entitled to receive workers comp shoulder injury. Below you may find how the workers comp shoulder settlement works and how much does workers comp pay for a shoulder injury.
Learn about workers comp shoulder injury settlements – how much it pays, factors affecting settlement amounts, and options for getting compensated. Consult our workers’ compensation lawyers today to get the help you need.
What Kinds of Shoulder Injuries Qualify for Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
Generally, all types of shoulder injuries may be eligible for workers’ compensation shoulder injury settlements. Common shoulder injuries occurring at work may be:
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Shoulder dislocations
- Fractures
- Impingement syndrome
- Tendonitis
- Bursitis
Such injuries may occur due to reasons such as lifting heavy material, accidents, prolonged strain on joints, etc. The worker suffering from shoulder injury must remain vigilant in seeking medical attention and following up with the doctor to ensure the smooth processing of workers compensation shoulder injury settlements.
What is the Average Workers’ Comp Settlement Amount for Shoulder Injuries?
A common question raised by a worker suffering a shoulder injury is, “What is the average workers’ comp shoulder injury settlement.” Since all injuries vary from each other in terms of circumstances causing the injury, the intensity of injury, disability/impairment level, and applicable jurisdiction, therefore, the workers’ comp shoulder settlement amount may range between any number of dollars depending on the severity of the injury and its possible impact on the workers’ ability to work.
Steps to Take for Obtaining a Workers Comp Shoulder Injury Settlement
In order to obtain shoulder injury workers comp settlement, the suffering worker is required to go through the following simple steps in general.
- The first step to address a shoulder injury at work is to communicate the occurrence of the injury to the employer for getting a proper remedy for the injury and following the procedure for recording the injury.
- Seek medical attention immediately to secure the injury. Keep hold of your medical bills and documents about the diagnoses and treatment of injury for filling a workers’ compensation shoulder injury settlement claim.
- Filling the claim for shoulder injury with the relevant authorities is the next step. Make sure that the claim contains all the details of the time, place, and circumstances of the occurrence of injury, along with the diagnosis and treatment suggested by the doctor for the proper evaluation of the compensation to which you are entitled.
- Cooperate with the relevant authorities in the investigation leading up to the authenticity of your claim.
- To ensure that your claim is well-versed and in compliance with the applicable laws and regulations, a consultation with an attorney specializing in claims related to shoulder injuries may prove fruitful. An attorney may support and guide you through the process involving the filing of the claim and how to protect your rights while negotiating the amount of settlement or claim to favor your injury.
- Negotiation is the key to a good settlement. Work out the expenses covering your medical bills, coverage of possible impairment or disability, expenses related to long-term treatment in case of the chronic impact caused by injury, lost wages, etc.
- Legalize the settlement by executing an agreement after the settlement is reached.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Workers’ Comp Settlement for a Shoulder Injury?
The process for settlement of shoulder injury may vary from case to case since each case is different in its nature, causes, circumstances, and severity. The elements may impact the case directly and may contribute to determining the period for settlement of the claim. On average, a workers comp shoulder injury claim may stretch over months or a year and longer to be determined based on the circumstances giving rise to the injury in the first place. The jurisdiction within which the shoulder injury occurred may also play a vital role in the settlement period for shoulder injury-related claims. Therefore, a strict timeline for the settlement of claims about shoulder injuries cannot be defined. However, timely filing of the claim and cooperation with authorities might prove helpful in the speedy processing of the claim.
What Factors Determine the Amount of a Workers’ Comp Settlement for a Shoulder Injury?
Multiple factors play a significant role in the determination of the amount of a Workers’ Comp Settlement for a shoulder injury which may vary from case to case basis e.g.
- Proper filing of a claim plays a vital role in the accurate determination of the amount for settlement of shoulder injuries.
- The severity of the injury may contribute to the determination of the settlement amount. Multiple injuries to one shoulder or both may increase the amount due to the nature and severity of the injury.
- The expenses incurred by the worker for the medical treatment of the shoulder injury may impact the settlement amount.
- The time lost by the worker during the healing period for the injury may also be taken into account during the determination of the settlement amount. The worker may suffer the impact of the injury both physically and financially. Therefore, he/she may be entitled to receive compensation for the lost wages.
- In case of disability or impairment caused due to the shoulder injury, the worker may be entitled to a significant amount in compensation which must be taken into account.
- The worker suffering a shoulder injury may not be able to return to his previous job, which may require rehabilitative measures.
- Legal representation expenses may also be taken into consideration for the determination of the actual amount.
Work Limitations and Restrictions Following a Shoulder Injury
Following are the limitations and restrictions following a shoulder injury;
- Limitations to carrying or lift
- Limitations to stretch
- Limitations to push or pull
- Restrictions to repetitive motion
- Restrictions to duty hours
Conclusion
In conclusion, shoulder injuries vary in severity and are entitled to compensation depending on the nature, level of severity, impairment, or disability caused by injury. Timely and proper filing of claims, cooperation with authorities, and accurate determination of claim amount may play significant roles in the swift and speedy processing of workers’ compensation shoulder injury settlements. If you have suffered a shoulder injury, consult an expert shoulder injury lawyer to negotiate a favorable settlement with the insurance company. Our expert shoulder injury lawyers can help you win the compensation you deserve!
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