Concord Shoulder Injury Lawyer

A serious shoulder injury can completely derail your life. If you’re struggling with the aftermath of a workplace shoulder injury, you need a Concord shoulder injury lawyer by your side, fighting for your rights and helping you recover the compensation you need to move forward. 

Understanding Shoulder Injuries

Shoulder injuries are a common problem that can affect anyone, especially workers. Shoulders are extremely complex parts of the body made up of bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles that can also make them vulnerable to injuries. Common shoulder injuries that you may sustain at work include:

• Rotator cuff tears. Damage to the stabilizing muscles and tendons is often caused by repetitive overhead activities or an acute injury. 
• Fractures. A break in one of the key bones, like the humerus, collarbone, or scapula, usually from an impact. 
• Dislocations. When the joint is forced out of alignment, it leads to severe pain and instability. 

When the shoulder is injured, you may experience pain, swelling, and a limited ability to move. This can severely impact your daily life, making simple actions like lifting a grocery bag, reaching for a cabinet, or even sleeping comfortably a major challenge. 

Workplace Shoulder Injuries Causes

Shoulder injuries are a common risk in many physically demanding occupations, from construction to warehousing. These injuries can happen from a sudden accident or develop over time from repetitive strain, such as: 

• Acute trauma. Using improper lifting techniques or lacking safety equipment can lead to immediate injuries. For example, lifting heavy items without correct body mechanics puts undue stress on the shoulder joint. 
• Cumulative trauma. Repetitive tasks like consistent lifting, pushing, or pulling can cause chronic injuries over time. 

Steps You Should Take After a Shoulder Injury at Work

Shoulder issues are part of the top three injury types that workers can experience, especially those in the blue-collar field. If you have suffered a shoulder injury at work, you need to take quick action to protect your health and right to workers’ compensation. 

Report the Injury Immediately

Tell your supervisor about the incident as soon as possible. Whether you work for Atrium Health Cabarrus, Cardinal Logistics Management, or Carvana, under North Carolina law, you have just 30 days to report, and waiting longer can significantly harm your claim. 

Get Medical Care Right Away

You should see a doctor immediately, even if you think your injury is minor or that you can wait. Early diagnosis is key to proper treatment and to creating an undeniable medical record that supports your injury claims. 

Document Everything

You should write down the date, time, location, and how the injury happened while the details are fresh. Don’t forget to note the names and contact information of anyone who was there to witness your injury. 

Strictly Follow Your Doctor’s Orders

Be sure to stick to your prescribed treatment plan and attend every appointment, including therapy. If you miss any appointments, this could be used against you as a reason to deny your claim. 

File Your Official Claim

Submit Form 18 (Notice of Accident to Employer and Claim of Employee) with the North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC). While you have up to two years from the injury date to file, filing sooner is always the right choice. 

Hire a Shoulder Injury Lawyer

Private industry employers reported 68,600 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in North Carolina in 2023, resulting in 40,900 cases with days away from work. It is beneficial to hire a shoulder injury lawyer when you suffer a workplace injury. M. Reid Acree, Jr. is an experienced attorney who understands shoulder injury laws and can help you manage your claims process, fight unfair denials, and work to maximize your benefits. 

About M. Reid Acree, Jr., Attorney at Law, P.A.

Mr. M. Reid Acree, Jr. dedicates his entire practice to handling work-related injuries and occupational diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. After practicing as a defense attorney for ten years, he decided to shift his focus to representing injured and sick workers who have not been treated fairly. He is committed to providing compassionate and effective representation to these individuals with the goal of making a real difference in their lives. 

FAQs

Q: Do I Really Need a Lawyer for a Shoulder Injury Claim?

A: You do not legally need a lawyer, but it is strongly recommended for shoulder injury cases, especially if your situation is severe or your workers’ compensation claim was denied. Your attorney can help you navigate your options of either a workers’ compensation claim or appeal, or a personal injury lawsuit. 

Q: If My Shoulder Injury Happened at Work, Do I Use Workers’ Compensation or File a Personal Injury Claim?

A: For most injuries at work in North Carolina, you should use the workers’ compensation system first. This is a no-fault process that covers your medical bills and lost wages. Typically, you cannot file a personal injury claim against your employer, but you may file one against a third party whose negligence contributed to your injury. You should consult with an attorney who can review your case and present your options. 

Q: What if My Workers’ Comp Claim Is Denied?

A: If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, you should appeal the decision with an attorney by your side. The process may likely involve mediation to try to settle the dispute, and if that fails, your case can move to a formal hearing before the NC Industrial Commission’s Deputy Commissioner. If it is still denied, you can appeal to the Full Commission. 

Q: How Much Can I Recover in a Shoulder Injury Claim?

A: Since every shoulder injury claim is different, the amount you can recover may vary widely. The final amount depends on several factors, including the severity of the injury, the cost of medical care, the total amount of lost wages, and the permanence of the person’s impairment. A trusted attorney can help you determine what a proper settlement is in your situation.

Take The Next Steps Towards Recovery From Your Shoulder Injury

Dealing with a shoulder injury from a Concord workplace accident is tough enough without the added stress of the legal side. M. Reid Acree Jr., Attorney at Law, P.A., can help make the entire process as painless as possible for you. Contact our Concord shoulder injury attorney right away.