Learn how to get maximum benefits through a SC workers’ compensation claim after a shoulder injury at work
In Columbia, South Carolina, workers across various industries face a significant risk of shoulder injuries. Whether it’s due to repetitive strain, heavy lifting or accidental falls, the impact of a shoulder injury can be both physically debilitating and financially straining, requiring extensive medical treatment and time away from work.
Fortunately, most employees in South Carolina who suffer from shoulder injuries as a result of their job duties are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits are designed to cover medical expenses and lost wages and provide support for recovery and rehabilitation, ensuring that workers are not left to bear the financial burden of work-related injuries on their own.
How do shoulder injuries impact workers?
Each year, shoulder injuries result in a considerable number of missed work days, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics documenting around 63,100 cases in 2020 that led to workers being forced to take time off to recover.
Below are some of the most common shoulder injuries experienced in the workplace:
- Rotator cuff tears. These tears are often the result of repetitive lifting or overuse, particularly with activities above the head. They can also occur due to acute injuries like falls. At-risk workers include construction workers, painters and individuals involved in sports or jobs requiring overhead activities.
- Tendonitis. Tendonitis in the shoulder is usually caused by the overuse of the shoulder tendons, leading to inflammation and pain. Workers performing repetitive tasks, such as assembly line workers, flooring installers and office workers with poor ergonomic setups, are most at risk.
- Bursitis. This condition arises from inflammation of the bursae, which are fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction. Repetitive motion or excessive pressure on the shoulder can lead to bursitis. Individuals in jobs requiring repetitive shoulder movements or those carrying heavy loads, such as gardeners, cleaners and manual laborers, have the highest risk.
- Fractures. These typically result from direct impact or slip-and-fall accidents, affecting bones such as the clavicle, scapula, or humerus. Workers who are engaged in physically demanding jobs, operate heavy machinery or work at heights, such as construction workers and roofers, have a high risk.
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis). Characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint, a frozen shoulder may develop after a period of inactivity following an injury, surgery or illness. Workers who have experienced a shoulder injury leading to prolonged immobility, including those in sedentary jobs or with medical conditions that limit movement, are most at risk.
- Shoulder dislocation or subluxation. These injuries happen when the ball of the upper arm bone is forced out of the shoulder socket, often due to a fall or a direct blow. At-risk workers include those in high-impact sports or jobs, first responders, and those in physically demanding roles.
- Shoulder impingement syndrome. This occurs when shoulder muscles swell and cramp the space between the arm and shoulder bones, causing pinching of the rotator cuff tendons. Workers doing repetitive lifting or overhead activities, such as electricians and stock clerks in grocery stores, have the highest risk.
Understanding how these injuries occur and which groups of workers are most at risk can help in developing preventative measures and treatment plans.
How can you tell if a shoulder injury is serious?
Determining the seriousness of a shoulder injury involves assessing several key symptoms. If the injury is accompanied by intense pain, significant swelling or deformity of the shoulder area, it’s likely serious.
The inability to use the shoulder joint, carry objects or move the arm without severe pain can indicate a significant underlying issue, such as a fracture, dislocation or torn ligaments.
Additionally, symptoms like a popping or grinding noise at the time of injury, persistent discomfort or signs of nerve injury, such as numbness or tingling in the arm, also suggest the injury is severe. In such cases, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly to diagnose the exact nature of the injury and begin appropriate treatment.
Is it OK to work through shoulder pain?
Working through shoulder pain is generally not advisable, as it can exacerbate the underlying issue, leading to increased pain, potential chronic conditions or more severe injury. Shoulder pain often indicates an injury, overuse or strain that requires rest and possibly medical evaluation to prevent further damage.
Ignoring the pain and continuing activities that stress the shoulder can delay healing and may result in longer-term damage that could necessitate more invasive treatments or lead to permanent impairment.
Because of this, it’s crucial to listen to your body and consult with a health care professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to the specific cause of your shoulder pain.
How long do you have to be off work with a shoulder injury?
The duration of time off work due to a shoulder injury varies widely depending on the severity of the injury, the specific diagnosis and the individual’s job requirements.
Minor injuries, such as mild strains, might only require a few days to a week off, while more severe injuries, like fractures or rotator cuff tears, could necessitate several weeks to months of recovery time.
The rehabilitation process may include rest, physical therapy and possibly surgery, all of which influence the timeframe for a safe return to work. Always follow your doctor’s orders regarding when it’s safe to return to work and resume your regular duties.
Can I Get Workers’ Comp for Pain and Suffering in South Carolina?
Learn what types of benefits injured workers are entitled to in South Carolina.
How much compensation can I expect for a shoulder injury at work?
The amount of workers’ compensation for a shoulder injury at work will vary based on several factors, including the injury’s severity and how it affects your ability to work. Generally, workers’ compensation benefits for shoulder injuries can include:
- Temporary disability benefits. If you’re unable to work while recovering, you may receive temporary disability benefits to compensate for lost wages. These benefits typically amount to two-thirds of your average weekly wage, subject to minimum and maximum limits.
- Permanent disability benefits. If your shoulder injury results in a permanent impairment that affects your ability to earn a living, you may be eligible for permanent disability benefits. The amount is based on the extent of your impairment and its impact on your earning capacity.
- Medical benefits. Coverage for all necessary medical treatments related to your shoulder injury, including doctor’s visits, surgery, medication, supplies and physical therapy.
- Vocational rehabilitation. In cases where a shoulder injury prevents you from returning to your previous job, workers’ compensation may provide vocational rehabilitation services to help you train for a new position or career.
The specific calculations for these benefits can be complex and depend on detailed workers’ compensation laws and regulations. Consulting with a workers’ compensation attorney can provide you with a clearer understanding of what to expect based on your unique circumstances.
What steps do I need to take to file a workers’ comp claim in SC?
If you suffer a shoulder injury or any other kind of injury at work in South Carolina, it’s crucial to follow these steps to file a claim:
- Report the injury. Notify your employer about the injury as soon as possible. South Carolina law requires that you report your injury within 90 days to maintain eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits.
- Seek medical attention. Get medical treatment for your injury. Your employer may direct you to a specific health care provider for the initial assessment, unless it’s an emergency situation.
- Employer files the claim. After you report your injury, your employer is responsible for filing a claim with their workers’ compensation insurance carrier and the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission.
- File a claim yourself (if necessary). If your employer does not file a claim on your behalf, you can file a claim directly with the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission. You will need to complete and submit Form 50.
- Attend a hearing (if required). If there are disputes regarding your claim, you may be required to attend a hearing before the Commission. It’s advisable to have legal representation to navigate the complexities of workers’ compensation law during this process.
- Receive benefits. Once your claim is approved, you will start receiving benefits, including medical treatment and compensation for lost wages if you are unable to work due to your injury.
If your claim is denied or you suffer a severe injury, it’s highly recommended that you consult with a workers’ compensation attorney to ensure your rights are protected throughout the process. An attorney can negotiate with insurers, represent you at hearings, and help you appeal a denied claim.
Contact an experienced Columbia work injury attorney
At Chappell, Chappell & Newman, our seasoned South Carolina workers’ compensation attorneys have more than 30 years of experience navigating the complexities of workers’ compensation claims for shoulder injuries sustained in the workplace.
By leveraging our extensive knowledge and expertise in workers’ compensation law, we meticulously handle every aspect of your claim, from filing the necessary paperwork to representing you in hearings, if required. Our goal is to ensure that you receive comprehensive support for medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs, allowing you to focus on your recovery without the added stress of financial burdens.