Getting hurt at work happens more often than you think. Workers hurt their shoulders daily while lifting boxes, reaching overhead or doing the same moves repeatedly. These injuries can keep you from working and earning your paycheck.
What counts as a workplace shoulder injury?
Your shoulder has many moving parts that work together – muscles, tendons and joints. Any of these parts can get damaged when you get hurt on the job. The pain might start right after an accident or build up slowly from doing the same daily tasks.
Most common shoulder injuries at work
- Rotator cuff tears: Workers who lift heavy items or reach up often can tear these essential shoulder muscles. This injury causes sharp pain and makes it hard to raise your arm.
- Frozen shoulder: Your shoulder can get stiff and painful when you can’t move your arm much at work. This happens a lot to office workers who sit all day.
- Shoulder impingement: If you work with your arms over your head, the muscles in your shoulder can get pinched, causing pain and swelling.
- Shoulder bursitis: Repeating the same moves can inflame the tiny fluid sacs in your shoulder. Many factory workers deal with this painful problem.
- Shoulder dislocation: Falls and accidents at work can cause your shoulder to dislocate. This serious injury requires immediate medical care.
Steps to take if you hurt your shoulder:
- Tell your boss right away
- Get medical help
- Write down what happened
- Start your workers’ comp claim
- Follow your doctor’s orders
- Ask about ways to work safer
- Taking these steps helps protect your health and your right to benefits.
If your shoulder hurts from work, don’t wait to get help. The sooner you act, the better your chances of getting the workers’ comp benefits you need. A workers’ comp lawyer can help you understand your rights and get the care you deserve.
