Got Work-Related Shoulder Pain or Strain? Get Medical Compensation for a Rotator Cuff Tear or Other Shoulder Injury at Work
Workplace shoulder injuries are more common than what you might think. A hurt shoulder at work can happen more often than you realize, whether you work in construction near the bustling neighborhoods of Pikesville or in an office close to the iconic North Point Mall. Shoulder pain can disrupt your daily life and job performance.
At the Law Offices of Alex Poberesky, P.A., we specialize in personal injury law and workers’ compensation claims. Therefore, we have extensive experience helping Maryland residents understand work-related shoulder injuries. Our lawyer can guide you through the legal process, making it easier to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal challenges.
Employees seeking compensation for shoulder injuries can receive the financial relief they require to get better. Everyone needs time to heal without worrying about the financial and legal details.
What is a Common Shoulder Sprain or Strain?
A pain in the shoulder occurs when the ligaments, tendons, or muscles that support the shoulder are stretched or torn. Both sprains and strains can cause significant pain and limit your ability to move your arm or shoulder. In some cases, you may require surgery.
Differences Between Common Sprains and Strains
While both sprains and strains affect the shoulder blade, sprains of the shoulder involve the ligaments, which are the tough bands connecting bones. Strains, on the other hand, involve the muscles or tendons which connect muscles to bones. Understanding the difference is important because it influences the treatment and recovery process.
Risk Factors for Shoulder Pain
Several factors can increase the risk of shoulder injuries. Age plays a role, as older workers may have less flexibility and strength. Physical condition is also an important factor; individuals who are not in good shape are more susceptible to injuries.
Additionally, the work environment matters. Jobs that require repetitive movements or heavy lifting, common at work sites in Towson and Parkville, heighten the risk of shoulder sprains and strains.
If you’re suffering from a shoulder injury, then you need to seek legal help to ensure you receive the compensation needed for medical costs and lost wages.
Why Common Shoulder Injuries Happen in the Workplace and Why They Often Involve the Rotator Cuff
Common causes of shoulder injuries can happen from working and may include conditions that involve rotator cuff problems, dislocation, or issues with referred pain or mobility of the bony scapula or shoulder blade. The skills of a health care provider or physical therapist are often needed to provide rehabilitation services and reduce pain.
The causes of shoulder pain, when work-related, can lead to both pain and inflammation and involve days away from work. Moreover, shoulder complaints about work-related shoulder injuries are one of the most common reasons why claims are submitted by injured workers.
Problems with the Rotator Cuff
The shoulder joint involves a group of four primary shoulder muscles used for stabilization. Collectively, this group of four muscles is known as the rotator cuff. Therefore, an injury caused by work-related activities can cause a wide range of motion problems, including arm pain when lifting the arm and increased problems with strains or sprains.
Shoulder pain affects the ball and socket of the arm (humerus and scapula) or the shoulder (the glenohumeral joint and glenoid cavity.) Therefore, each of these parts needs more time to heal. As a result, work injury claims covering the shoulder may involve serious injuries and a variety of treatment options.
Why the Treatment of Shoulder Pain Takes Longer
People prone to injury often work in warehouse settings or at construction sites. In some cases, it can take four to six weeks for a patient to fully recover from their condition, requiring more time away from work.
The diagnosis and treatment for a shoulder injury, such as a dislocated shoulder, may lead to longer recovery times as the shoulder is in an area of the body that is frequently used.
Types of Common Shoulder Injuries: Symptoms and Causes of Shoulder Pain in the Workplace
Let’s review some of the common injuries in depth.
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Rotator Cuff Injuries
The rotator cuff represents a group of rotator cuff tendons and muscles that stabilize the shoulder joint. Injuries to the rotator cuff can occur from repetitive overhead movements or heavy lifting and are common in jobs like painting or carpentry.
Symptoms include pain, weakness, and limited range of motion. Treatment for this type of shoulder impingement may involve physical therapy or surgery, depending on the severity.
Rotator cuff tendinitis with impingement syndrome involves a condition that inflames the tendons of the rotator cuff. It is caused by repetitive motions that involve overhead activities.
“Your doctor will perform a physical exam that involves pressing on different parts of the affected shoulder and moving the arm in various positions. These findings may later be compared to an IME report when determining an appropriate settlement after IME. The exam includes testing the strength around the shoulder and within the arm, and imaging tests are frequently ordered as well.
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Shoulder Dislocation
A shoulder dislocation happens when the upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder socket. The risk for a shoulder dislocation increases at construction sites and often results from the impact of falls.
Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, and an inability to move the shoulder. Treatment typically involves repositioning the bone, followed by physical therapy to restore strength and mobility.
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Frozen Shoulder
Adhesive capsulitis is a severe shoulder condition that causes stiffness and results in pain in the shoulder joint. It happens when the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint becomes thickened and inflamed, thereby restricting movement. Symptoms include chronic shoulder pain, which worsens at night, and difficulties with moving the shoulder, or shoulder weakness. Pain relievers are needed to decrease pain and discomfort.
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Bursitis
Sometimes, shoulder problems occur because of subacromial bursitis – a painful swelling occurring in the fluid-filled sacs cushioning the shoulder. This form of shoulder pain often occurs from overuse.
Shoulder pain may worsen if your bone shape limits the space for the bursae and tendons. Therefore, when you move your arm, it can cause shoulder pain or swelling, redness, or bruising, including stiffness and tenderness.
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Shoulder Fractures
Shoulder fractures occur when one or more of the bones in the shoulder area, such as the clavicle or humerus, are broken. These injuries can result from falls, accidents, or direct blows to the shoulder.
Recovery involves immobilization with a sling or cast, and in some cases, surgery is required to properly align the bones. Healing from a shoulder fracture can take several months, impacting your ability to work and perform daily tasks. Many fractures heal within four to six months, sometimes longer.
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Stress Fractures
Professional athletes who participate in contact sports often experience these types of injuries. If a fracture occurs at a job site, a worker may experience pain without swelling at first. This is especially true if you have a stress fracture. Therefore, it takes time for these fractures to develop. These types of shoulder injuries include tenderness, even if swelling isn’t immediately obvious.
Your healthcare provider will perform a physical exam that includes imaging tests such as X-rays and an MRI. Magnetic resonance imaging allows the doctor to see all areas of the shoulder in vivid detail.
Shoulder Strains and Tears On The Job: How to Get Help for a Rotator Cuff or Other Work-Related Shoulder Injury
Suffering a shoulder injury can be upsetting, especially if you cannot return to work right away. Yet, there are simple steps you can follow to protect yourself if you have a hurt shoulder at work:
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Seek Medical Attention: First, visit a doctor. If possible, use a medical provider approved by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance, but do not ignore your own doctor’s advice. Immediate care ensures that you document your injury and begin proper treatment.
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Notify Your Employer: As soon as you can, provide written notice of your injury. Include details such as the time, place, and cause of the accident.
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Keep Records: Maintain copies of medical bills, doctor notes, and any communication with your employer or insurance company. These records serve as valuable evidence if you need to prove the extent of your shoulder injury.
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Contact a Lawyer: Finally, consult a knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorney like Alex Poberesky. When you take this step, you’ll receive help from a legal advocate who will guide you through each phase of the claims process.
If you’ve suffered shoulder pain in the workplace, it’s imperative to act fast. Make sure you contact the Law Offices of Alex Poberesky for legal help and advice.
Did You Hurt Your Shoulder at Work? Do You Need Treatment of Shoulder Pain?
Many Maryland workers, including those from busy Baltimore construction sites or bustling Ellicott City restaurants, suffer shoulder injuries at some point. It is normal to feel worried about medical bills, job security, and physical limitations.
The workers’ compensation system exists to help you recover and return to work. You do not have to handle this process alone. Support is available, as you have legal rights that deserve protection.
Schedule an Appointment Now
If you hurt your shoulder at work, reach out to the Law Offices of Alex Poberesky, P.A., for a free consultation. Our team, based in Pikesville, offers years of experience in personal injury and workers’ compensation law.
We know Maryland’s legal system and can guide you through every step of your claim. Whether you need to file your initial paperwork or appeal a denied claim, our firm can help you pursue the compensation you deserve and need. We’re only a phone call away at 410-705-7460. Phone us today, and let’s talk about your claim.
