Shoulder Injury at Work in Greensboro, NC

No matter what you do for a living or how physically intense your job is, a shoulder injury at work is a significant disruption. You could be out of work for weeks or months, your medical treatments might cost thousands of dollars, and your injury might even keep you from returning to your old job.

You could be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits under the law, but your employer and their insurer can make it hard to access the full extent of the benefits you’re entitled to. That’s why you need a tough, experienced attorney to stand up on your behalf and demand every dollar you’re owed.

At Ward Black Law, we’re proud to help injured workers in Greensboro and throughout North Carolina. Our workplace shoulder injury lawyers have represented injured workers like you for over 30 years, and we’ve won thousands of cases in that time. Let us handle the legal work, including exploring every avenue available to you for compensation, while you focus on recovering from your injuries.

Call now or complete our contact form for a free case evaluation with a workers’ compensation attorney in Greensboro. We are ready to help you seek the benefits you need to treat your shoulder injury.

Immediate Steps After a Shoulder Injury at Work

Swift action is crucial for preserving your right to compensation after a shoulder injury at work. Here’s what you can do to protect your health and your workers’ compensation claim:

• Report the injury to your employer right away – Tell your supervisor about the injury as soon as possible. Waiting too long can hurt your workers’ compensation claim, as you only have 30 days to report it under North Carolina law.
• Seek medical attention immediately – See a doctor even if the injury seems minor at first. Early diagnosis helps prevent further damage and supports your legal case.
• Document your injury and its aftermath – Write down when, where, and how the injury happened as soon as possible. Include the names of any co-workers who witnessed the incident.
• Follow all medical advice and treatment recommendations – Stick to your prescribed treatment plan. Skipping appointments can give your employer or their insurer a reason to deny your claim.
• File your claim for workers’ compensation benefits – File a claim for workers’ comp benefits with the North Carolina Industrial Commission. You must submit your completed Form 18 (Notice of Accident to Employer and Claim of Employee) within two years of your injury, but sooner is generally better.
• Consult a workers’ compensation attorney at Ward Black Law – Our experienced lawyers can help you through the claims process, protect your rights, fight any denials by your employer, and work to maximize your benefits.

Common Causes of Shoulder Injuries at Work

Shoulder injuries can happen in virtually any work setting, from construction sites and factories to offices and retail stores. Some examples of situations that result in workplace shoulder injuries include:

• Lifting heavy objects 
• Repetitive overhead motions
• Slips, trips, and falls
• Falling from ladders or scaffolding
• Being struck by falling tools or materials
• Overexertion during physical tasks
• Awkward or prolonged postures
• Motor vehicle accidents while on the job
• Operating heavy machinery
• Sudden twisting or jerking movements

Common Types of Shoulder Injuries in the Workplace

Work-related shoulder injuries in Greensboro come in many forms. Some examples of common shoulder injuries include:

• Rotator cuff injuries
• Dislocated shoulder
• Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
• Labral tears
• Shoulder impingement
• Fractured collarbone or shoulder blade
• Damage to nerves in the shoulder joint
• Repetitive stress injuries
• Shoulder pain and arm pain
• Limited range of motion
• Injuries requiring shoulder surgery

Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Shoulder Injuries

Most employees in North Carolina, including many part-time and seasonal employees, qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. These are no-fault benefits, meaning you don’t have to prove someone else caused your injury to receive them. Types of workers’ compensation benefits include:

• Complete coverage of all medical treatments for your injuries – These benefits last until you heal fully or reach “maximum medical improvement,” meaning further treatments won’t improve your condition significantly.
• Temporary total disability benefits if you can’t work while healing – TTD benefits are set at two-thirds of your average weekly wages, up to state-mandated maximums.
• Temporary partial disability benefits if you can work in some capacity after your injury – TPD covers a portion of the difference between your pre- and post-injury income.
• Permanent partial disability benefits – The amount of your PPD benefits depends on the severity of your injury and how it limits your ability to work.
• Permanent total disability benefits if your injury completely prevents you from working – In the event of a totally disabling injury, you could be entitled to PTD benefits for life.

Potential Third-Party Personal Injury Claims for Workplace Shoulder Injuries

You usually cannot sue your employer or a fellow employee for a shoulder injury at work. However, you can sue someone else who caused or contributed to your injury. For example, if your injury happened due to a work-related car accident, you might have a case against the at-fault driver who hit you.

Unlike workers’ compensation claims, you must prove fault to win a third-party injury claim. Successful third-party personal injury claims can include compensation for losses that workers’ compensation doesn’t cover, such as:

• The full amount of your lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Damaged personal property

Choosing the Right Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Greensboro

Who you choose as your workers’ compensation lawyer could significantly impact your case. Ward Black Law has a proven record in workplace injury cases and has helped thousands of hurt workers get the financial support they need. U.S. News & World Report has named us one of the Best Law Firms in America for more than a decade, and firm founder Janet Ward Black is one of just two lawyers in North Carolina history to serve as president of both the North Carolina Bar Association and the North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers.

We understand workplace shoulder injury cases and are prepared to fight tirelessly to protect your interests.

How Our Law Firm Helps People with Shoulder Injuries from Work

At Ward Black Law, we aim to make the legal process as painless as possible after a shoulder injury at work. We can document your injuries, file your claims on your behalf, and appeal any denials or underpayments from your employer. We’ll also investigate if you qualify for a third-party injury claim for additional compensation.

Don’t wait to contact our Greensboro workers’ compensation attorneys about your case. Call Ward Black Law now or complete our contact form for a free case evaluation.