Greensboro Shoulder Injury Lawyer

Shoulder injuries extend beyond causing pain because they obstruct your ability to perform essential daily tasks. When your shoulder injury happens at work or in an accident, North Carolina law may give you the right to receive medical care and financial support. An experienced Greensboro shoulder injury lawyer can work with you to make sure you are getting fair treatment and are on the right path to recovery, both physically and financially.

Understanding Shoulder Injuries 

Multiple components, including bones and ligaments, along with muscles and tendons, collaborate to form the shoulder joint. Its extreme range of motion also makes it one of the easily injured joints in the body.

People might suffer an immediate shoulder injury, such as a dislocation or fracture, after a fall or develop longer-term conditions like bursitis or rotator cuff tears from repetitive movements. These types of injuries may cause restricted mobility along with chronic pain, which can require costly medical solutions such as surgery or physical therapy.

Shoulder pain is experienced by an estimated 18 million Americans annually. According to the National Safety Council study, work-related shoulder injuries lead to 28 days away from work, which is 10 days longer than knee injuries and 19 days longer than back strains and sprains.

North Carolina Shoulder Injury Laws

North Carolina’s workers’ compensation system was created to provide relief for employees who are injured on the job. When it comes to shoulder injury laws, if a worker is hurt in an accident that’s related to his or her employment, he or she may be eligible for a range of benefits.

Workers’ comp coverage may include all medical care, reimbursement for lost wages while you can’t work, and disability benefits if the injury results in ongoing restrictions. Fault is generally not an issue in workers’ compensation claims. The key is demonstrating that the injury is work-related, which differs from a personal injury claim. 

Unfortunately, the claims process does not always go this smoothly. Insurance companies may dispute whether your injury is work-related while minimizing its severity and asserting that you can resume work before complete recovery. This is when it is beneficial to hire a shoulder injury lawyer. 

Damages That May Be Recovered

If your shoulder injury was caused while you were working, medical costs and partial lost wages may be covered by workers’ compensation benefits. Note that workers’ compensation does not offer compensation for pain and suffering, but may still be combined with a separate claim against a third party, such as a negligent driver or defective equipment manufacturer. Some damages you may be able to recover in a claim include:

• Medical bills
• Wage loss
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of quality of life

A Greensboro shoulder injury attorney can help look at the details of your case and determine what damages to fight for. They can help you develop a strong shoulder injury claim. 

Medical Care and Recovery

The healing process after a shoulder injury can be slow and painful. Many people need X-rays or MRIs, as well as weeks or months of physical therapy. Others must receive treatment for pain, injections, or surgery to repair torn tissue or to stabilize the joint.

Certain workers find themselves unable to return to their previous roles that demanded heavy lifting or repetitive tasks after suffering from shoulder injuries. The financial and personal costs can add up quickly, which is why compensation benefits are so important.

Hire a Shoulder Injury Lawyer

You don’t need a lawyer for every situation, but many of them benefit from having one. A shoulder injury lawyer can be a huge help if your claim was denied, your benefits have been delayed, or your employer is pushing you to return to work too soon.

A lawyer can help collect medical evidence, correspond with insurance companies, and represent you before the North Carolina Industrial Commission. A lawyer can also advise you if you may have a personal injury claim outside of workers’ comp. Most importantly, a lawyer can be in your corner, giving you the support you need while you fight these battles.

About Us

At M. Reid Acree, Jr., Attorney at Law, P.A., we are proud to represent injured workers in Greensboro and throughout the state. For years, we have fought for justice and fair results on every claim. We can be with you at every step, whether negotiating on your behalf or appearing in the Guilford County Courthouse.

FAQs

Q: What Should I Do If I Injure My Shoulder at Work?

A: Should you injure your shoulder at work, notify your employer of your injury. Receive medical attention and comply with your doctor’s treatment. You should also file a workers’ compensation claim to preserve your rights. A knowledgeable accident attorney can help you with deadlines and prevent your benefits from being denied or delayed.

Q: Can I Receive Compensation If My Shoulder Injury Developed Over Time?

A: Yes, you can receive compensation if your shoulder injury developed over time. Repetitive stress rather than traumatic incidents leads to many shoulder injuries, including rotator cuff tears and impingements. These injuries are considered occupational injuries. Medical care and wage replacement benefits through workers’ compensation remain available for job-related injuries that workers can demonstrate were connected to their work responsibilities.

Q: What Benefits Are Available for a Shoulder Injury Claim?

A: Benefits available in a shoulder injury claim include medical treatment options together with physical therapy services, as well as lost wage benefits if your income is affected and permanent impairment when full shoulder recovery is not possible. In some cases, vocational rehabilitation benefits are available if you are unable to return to your prior employment. Each case is different, so the outcome depends on the extent of your injuries.

Q: What Happens If My Employer Denies My Shoulder Injury Claim?

A: If your employer or their insurance company denies your claim, you can appeal the decision. The North Carolina Industrial Commission handles disputes and may conduct hearings to determine the outcome of your case. An attorney can present evidence, medical records, and testimony on your behalf to advocate for your benefits.

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

If you suffered a shoulder injury at work, you may be entitled to compensation. M. Reid Acree Jr., Attorney at Law, P.A., can help you seek damages. Contact us today to begin fighting for your future.