North Carolina Shoulder Injury Lawyer

A shoulder injury can immediately impact your quality of life and ability to perform your work-related duties. Given our significant time at work, many shoulder injuries result from job-related activities. If you recently suffered a shoulder injury, you need the legal services of a North Carolina shoulder injury lawyer who can obtain for you the compensation that you are owed.

The accident attorney at M. Reid Acree Jr., Attorney at Law, can represent you through the workers’ compensation claim process while you focus on recovering. You may be entitled to more than you think.

Compensation can include benefits for permanent disability if your injury has long-term effects. You may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation if you need to change jobs or receive further training due to your injury.

Why Choose M. Reid Acree Jr., Attorney at Law

If you’ve sustained a serious shoulder injury at work, you know how it can impact your ability to perform daily tasks and maintain your livelihood. Workers who receive prompt and comprehensive medical care often have better outcomes in recovery.

One way to ensure you get the medical care and compensation you need is by working with an experienced attorney who knows how to navigate the workers’ compensation system and secure the benefits you deserve.

The founding attorney at M. Reid Acree Jr., Attorney at Law, has helped numerous clients with shoulder injuries. Our founding attorney draws on his years of experience to hold employers and insurers accountable for providing support to injured workers.

Common Causes of Shoulder Injuries

Shoulder injuries can happen at any time, but they are commonly associated with work-related injuries. Even jobs that do not require heavy lifting can lead to shoulder injuries. Some causes of injury are more common than others.

• Repetitive strain: Repetitive motions can slowly wear the shoulder joins or weaken supportive tendons even when heavy objects are not involved. These types of strains are more common in certain industries like manufacturing, construction, and assembly line work due to the repetitive nature of many of those tasks.
• Heavy lifting: Frequently lifting heavy objects can strain the shoulder muscles and tendons excessively. This can lead to rotator cuff tears or shoulder impingement. Heavy lifting is often a requirement of work in occupations such as warehouse work and construction, where manually handling heavy objects is often a requisite of employment.
• Falls and accidents: Falls from heights or accidents involving machinery can result in acute shoulder injuries, such as fractures or dislocations. These injuries often occur in construction sites, warehouses, and industrial environments, especially when safety protocols are inadequate or unenforced. A shoulder injury in these types of situations may be accompanied by other serious injuries, such as broken bones or a traumatic head injury.
• Poor ergonomics: Office workers can experience shoulder injuries. Inadequate workstation design or improper ergonomic practices can contribute to shoulder strains in these work environments. Employees who work at poorly designed desks or use equipment that does not support proper posture may develop musculoskeletal issues, including shoulder pain and discomfort.
• Overuse and fatigue: Prolonged periods of intense physical activity without adequate rest can lead to overuse injuries. Employees who push their physical limits without proper breaks or recovery time are at higher risk of developing shoulder injuries. No work environment should subject employees to overexertion to the point where they can become injured. Reporting dangerous workplace environments to management or HR can be an important first step for preventing unneeded workplace injuries.
• Improper technique: Using incorrect lifting techniques or improper body mechanics can increase the risk of shoulder injuries. This issue is often seen in jobs that require manual lifting or awkward positioning.

No matter the cause of a work-related shoulder injury, employees who lose partial or full use of their shoulder can file workers’ compensation claims. Many injured workers find that hiring an attorney to handle the claim process improves their chances of receiving benefits on time while increasing the value of the settlement they are owed.

Symptoms of Shoulder Injuries

Shoulder injuries can manifest through a range of symptoms, which can vary depending on the severity and type of injury. Recognizing these symptoms early can help you seek timely medical treatment.

• Pain: Pain could range from a dull ache to a sharp, intense discomfort. The pain could be localized in the shoulder or radiate down the arm. Most people with a shoulder injury notice that the pain becomes more intense after physical activity or repetitive movements.
• Limited range of motion: Injured shoulders are often accompanied by restricted movement. You may have difficulty lifting the arm, reaching overhead, or rotating the shoulder. Performing everyday tasks may be challenging due to stiffness and decreased flexibility.
• Swelling: Swelling and inflammation around the injured shoulder area can occur, especially from acute injuries. This swelling can cause visible puffiness and a feeling of tightness or pressure. Holding an ice pack near the injured area can temporarily alleviate swelling, but only proper treatment can address the underlying cause of the symptoms.
• Muscle weakness: Shoulder injuries can lead to muscle weakness, making it difficult to perform tasks that involve lifting or pushing. This weakness is often a result of pain or damage to the shoulder muscles and tendons.
• Tingling and numbness: Numbness or tingling in the arm, shoulder, or hand could be one symptom of a nerve problem. This symptom may occur with more severe injuries or if there is pressure on nerves around the shoulder joint. A nerve issue could be just as serious and dangerous as a physical injury.
• Clicking or popping sounds: As a shoulder injury progresses, it may become noticeable that there is a popping or clicking sound. A sound could be accompanied by a grinding sensation in the shoulder area. These sounds may be associated with joint instability or cartilage damage.

What Is the Average Payout for a Shoulder Injury?

The average payout for a shoulder injury could be considerable, especially if you have lost arm mobility or are uncomfortable. Many shoulder injuries are work-related, so compensation often comes from the injured employee’s workers comp plan.

North Carolina’s workers compensation program allows workers to be compensated for a wide range of areas, including:

• Medical expenses related to the work injury or illness
• Lost wages due to time away from work during recovery
• Temporary total disability benefits if unable to work for a certain period
• Permanent partial disability benefits for lasting impairments
• Vocational rehabilitation to help workers return to suitable employment
• Projected lost wages if the injury affects future earning capacity

Understanding which benefits you are eligible for can be difficult, especially if you are dealing with treatments and recovery. The law firm of M. Reid Acree Jr., Attorney at Law, can carefully review your case and medical records before calculating the full value of your settlement.

How Does the Workers’ Comp Process Work Following a Shoulder Injury?

Following a workplace accident, you have to report the incident to your employer as soon as possible. Any delay in reporting your injury could affect your eligibility for benefits. Once notified, your employer will then file a claim with their workers’ comp insurance carrier. The process can be bureaucratic, and every detail matters.

Once those steps have been completed, you will be directed to a medical provider for evaluation and treatment. In cases of a serious injury, your first priority is to seek emergency medical treatment. The doctor’s assessment determines how the insurance carrier classifies your injury and which treatment plan you will undergo. If you’re unable to work during recovery, you may be entitled to temporary disability benefits to cover lost wages.

As you recover, the insurance carrier reviews your claim. Any missing information or errors in filing the form could lead to delayed compensation or a rejected claim. If your claim is approved, you will receive compensation for medical treatment and lost wages. If denied, you can appeal the decision by submitting additional evidence or hiring an attorney to represent you.

There is no guarantee that your claim will be accepted or you will receive the benefits you need to recover fully. Many injured workers rely on a workers’ compensation lawyer who understands the state’s laws and how to hold insurance companies accountable for paying the benefits they are owed.

Treatment Options for Shoulder Injuries

Treatments for a shoulder injury can take many forms, depending on the type and severity of the injury. Light injuries may be treated with therapy and rest, while more serious injuries may require surgery and other types of invasive procedures.

One of the first things your doctor is likely to recommend is that you fully rest your arm. There are many types of slings and braces that can allow your shoulder to heal by immobilizing your arm and shoulder.

Applying ice packs to the shoulder can reduce swelling and numb pain, especially during the acute phase of the injury. Once inflammation subsides, heat therapy can be beneficial for relaxing tight muscles and improving blood flow.

Medications ranging from over-the-counter pain relievers to anti-inflammatory medications can manage pain and reduce inflammation. In more serious cases, your doctor may prescribe pain meds or corticosteroids.

Physical therapy can be tailored to meet your needs. Therapy can help improve the range of motion of your arm, especially after surgery. Rehab can also improve shoulder strength and help with improving flexibility. Therapy often includes exercises to strengthen the rotator cuff muscles, enhance joint stability, and gradually restore function.

Certain types of injections, such as corticosteroids, can temporarily relieve pain and inflammation. This can be particularly helpful for conditions like bursitis or impingement. Injections are rarely used in isolation and are commonly prescribed alongside physical therapy.

When conservative treatments are ineffective or the injury is severe, surgery may be necessary. Procedures such as arthroscopic surgery can repair damaged tendons, remove bone spurs, or address other structural issues. In advanced cases, shoulder replacement may be considered.

Once you recover or as part of your treatment plan, your doctor may recommend a range of lifestyle changes to prevent future injuries. Adjusting daily activities and ergonomics can prevent further strain on the shoulder and support recovery.

Implementing proper body mechanics, avoiding repetitive stress, and using ergonomic tools are crucial for long-term shoulder health. Adjustments to your lifestyle and arm movements should be considered permanent, not temporary.

Tips for Preventing Shoulder Injuries

Ergonomic adjustments, proper lifting techniques, and maintaining your overall physical health can prevent shoulder injuries from occurring in the first place. The first step is often to become mindful of which reaching techniques are straining your arm or shoulders.

Employers have an important role to play by training employees on body mechanics and how to use ergonomically designed workspaces, such as specially designed desks and chairs, that can minimize stress on the shoulders, especially in jobs involving repetitive motions.

Exercises that strengthen the arms and shoulders and stretch can build stability and prevent injuries. Breaks are also important, especially between tasks involving repetitive use of the shoulders.

Protective gear and body weight management can help reduce shoulder strain as well. Maintaining a healthy weight and improving posture can lessen the load on shoulder joints. Addressing minor discomfort or pain promptly can prevent more severe injuries from developing over time.

How to Find the Right Shoulder Injury Lawyer

If you suffered a serious shoulder injury, a reliable workers’ comp attorney can greatly reduce your financial stress by overseeing the workers’ compensation claim process on your behalf. A shoulder injury can be a life-altering experience that impairs you from doing the things you love.

With quality medical treatment, you can improve the chances that you make a full and healthy recovery. Finding the resources for those treatments can be difficult without legal representation.

Relying on friends and family for referrals is one good way to find a quality workers’ compensation lawyer. Otherwise, you can read online reviews. A reputable attorney should have largely favorable feedback from past customers on review pages.

When it comes to workers’ compensation cases, experience matters. Look for an attorney who has ideally practiced for several years or longer. If the attorney practices several areas of law rather than focusing on one or a handful of areas, that could be a sign that they are overextended.

Once you find a lawyer who has a solid background helping clients with work-related injury claims, you can set up a consultation to learn more about their experience through a consultation. After hearing the basics of your case, they should be able to provide insights into how they can help you receive important benefits.

FAQs

Q: Do All Shoulder Injuries Qualify for Workers’ Comp?

A: Not all shoulder injuries qualify for workers’ compensation. To qualify for a workers’ comp claim, the shoulder injury must be the result of work-related tasks or a work-related injury. There must be proof of the injury.

This often comes from a doctor’s examination and other medical evidence. There are also filing deadlines and reporting deadlines that must be met. You can improve the chances that you qualify for benefits by hiring an attorney to represent you. 

Q: Do I Need an Attorney to Claim Workers’ Comp?

A: You do not need an attorney to file a workers’ compensation claim, but having legal representation can greatly improve the chances that you receive fair compensation in a timely manner.

Your attorney can draft the forms needed to start the claim process while ensuring the paperwork is submitted online to the right office. Having legal representation can greatly relieve your burdens while you focus on recovering from your shoulder injury.

Q: Does a Shoulder Injury Qualify Me for Disability?

A: A shoulder injury can qualify you for disability benefits under workers’ compensation if it meets certain criteria. To be eligible for disability benefits, the shoulder injury must meet certain conditions.

The injury must be serious enough to impede your ability to perform your regular work duties. There are different levels of disabilities, and some injured workers can return to work to perform more limited physical tasks once they have reached maximal recovery.

Q: What Are My Options if My Claim Is Rejected?

A: If your claim is rejected, you can hire an attorney to review your claim paperwork to see what might be missing or misfiled. North Carolina’s workers’ compensation laws are complicated, and bureaucratic insurance carriers can be very stringent when it comes to mistakes on your claim application. Once an experienced lawyer understands the filing error, they can refile the claim on your behalf. 

Schedule Your Shoulder Injury Consultation Today

A shoulder injury can negatively impact your quality of life and your ability to perform your normal work duties. With legal representation from the office of M. Reid Acree Jr., Attorney at Law, you can receive the compensation you are owed without worrying about delays. Our law firm has helped many workers receive the compensation they need to recover and return to work.

In cases where your shoulder injury requires extensive repairs and recovery, our lawyer will make sure that you are provided with benefits for your lost wages. To schedule your consultation, contact our office today.