Cornelius Workers’ Compensation Shoulder Injury Settlements

If you’ve been injured on the job, you may be eligible for a Cornelius workers’ compensation shoulder injury settlement. Horton & Mendez, Injury & Car Accident Attorneys, represent workers with shoulder injuries, including those who have undergone arthroscopic shoulder surgery and have received settlements. Contact an experienced Cornelius workers’ compensation lawyer to talk about your workers’ compensation case and obtain legal help now.

Shoulder Injury Workers’ Compensation Settlements in Cornelius, NC

You may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits if you are injured on the job. A shoulder injury may qualify for paid medical care, replacement income, disability compensation, and other benefits.

Our experienced lawyers represent people who live and work in Cornelius, NC, and are available to represent you.

How Shoulder Injuries Occur in Cornelius Workplaces

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 63,100 shoulder injuries in private industry in one year. Shoulder injuries on the job can occur in many ways:

• Slips, trips, and falls: A person may fall from an elevated surface or from the same level. Injury may occur even if someone trips without falling to the ground.
• Falling objects: An object may fall from overhead, striking a person and injuring the shoulder.
• Pulling: The arm or shoulder may become caught and pulled by machinery, equipment, tools, or a vehicle.
• Crushing, stuck between: The shoulder may be crushed by heavy equipment, damaging bone and soft tissue.
• Electrical accident: Electrocution may result in dislocation, soft tissue tears, and severe pain.
• Exertion: Lifting, twisting, and reaching can cause shoulder injury. An individual may reach or twist in response to an unusual situation, or an item may be too heavy or awkward, causing shoulder injury.
• Motor vehicle accidents: Car, truck, and equipment accidents can result in traumatic shoulder injury.

A town on the shores of Lake Norman, Cornelius, NC, is in Mecklenburg County and part of the greater Charlotte area. Major employers in the area include retail, financial services, energy, technology, and manufacturing companies.

Types of Shoulder Injuries Covered Under NC Workers’ Compensation

Cornelius, NC, workers’ compensation may cover a variety of shoulder injuries:

• Dislocation: When the humerus is dislodged from the socket of the shoulder blade, usually resulting from trauma.
• Rotator cuff tear: Tearing of the muscles and tendons of the shoulder. A tear may be full or partial thickness and may result from sudden trauma or repetitive tasks.
• Impingement: Compression or narrowing of the shoulder blade area. Pinching can cause pain, inflammation, and swelling.
• Shoulder separation/Acromioclavicular (AC) joint sprain: Occurring when the ligaments of the clavicle and acromion (shoulder blade) are torn.
• Fracture: A broken clavicle, upper humerus, or scapula.
• Bursitis: Inflammation of the shoulder joint, which can be acute or chronic.

North Carolina workers’ compensation laws allow workers to claim benefits for injuries that occur by accident and arise out of and in the course of employment. You may claim benefits, including medical benefits, to effect a cure, give relief, or lessen the period of disability, for qualifying injuries.

Average Shoulder Injury Workers’ Compensation Amounts

NSC reports that the average shoulder injury workers’ compensation claim is worth $55,155. The figure includes both shoulder and arm injuries. The average claim amount includes $28,166 for medical care and $26,949 in monetary benefits. Your case may be more or less than average.

Workers’ compensation laws vary by state. Our lawyers for workers’ compensation shoulder injury settlements can provide you with a personalized consultation regarding the value of your case.

How Shoulder Injury Settlement Values Are Calculated

Shoulder injury settlement values are calculated based on:

• Earnings before the injury
• How long you’re unable to work
• Whether surgery is required, including arthroscopic shoulder surgery
• Rehabilitation services, including physical therapy and vocational rehabilitation
• The extent of permanent disability

Workers’ compensation allows a qualifying worker to receive 66 2/3% of their pre-injury earnings until they’re able to return to work. There are weekly minimum and maximum amounts of compensation that can be paid. There is a seven-day waiting period for lost wages, but the waiting period is waived if an individual is unable to work for 21 days or more.

Medical benefits are a significant consideration in a workers’ compensation shoulder injury settlement. A claim settlement may include an amount for medical care, which allows you to go to your own provider at your own expense in the future. Our lawyers can help design the best settlement for your situation.

Impairment Ratings and Long-Term Disability Considerations

When a shoulder injury reaches Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), the injured person may still have disability. They may receive compensation for their disability through their workers’ compensation settlement.

A shoulder injury may be addressed as an injury to the arm. Ankylosis, or stiffening of the shoulder joint, may be compensated at 50% or 80% of loss of use of the arm, depending on the position of limitation. Loss of use of the arm is payable for 240 weeks, at a rate of 66 2/3% of pre-injury wages.

Steps To Take After a Work-Related Shoulder Injury

When you suffer a work-related shoulder injury, protect yourself and others from additional injury. Seek emergency medical care if needed. You can seek emergency care from any provider without prior employer approval; however, you must go to the care provider chosen by your employer for additional medical care.

Report the injury to your supervisor right away and make a report within 30 days. You have two years to file for benefits with the NCIC if you make a timely report of the injury. Reporting in writing is suggested.

Have someone take photos of the injury scene and obtain the names and contact information of witnesses. Note the tools and equipment involved, along with their model numbers.

Common Reasons Shoulder Injury Claims Are Denied

Shoulder injury claims are often denied in workers’ compensation because of disputes over the cause of injury, what medical care is needed, and the extent of permanent disability. The insurance company doesn’t have the final say. A lawyer can represent you at a hearing and in settlement negotiations.

How a Cornelius Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Helps Maximize Settlements

Horton & Mendez, Injury & Car Accident Attorneys, helps injured workers maximize their shoulder injury settlements. Our lawyers identify key issues, build the evidence, and create a personalized strategy for your case. Obtain legal help for your Cornelius workers’ compensation shoulder injury settlement by calling or messaging us now.