According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), approximately 2 million Americans visit their doctor each year after suffering some form of rotator cuff injury. Many times these kinds of injuries can be successfully treated, allowing patients to return to work and daily activities. Yet some rotator cuff injuries are severe and greatly limit the use of a person’s shoulder. In either case, discussing your accident with a work injury attorney can prove helpful.
The Indianapolis, IN lawyers at Golitko & Daly would like to consider the lasting effects of a rotator cuff injury and what your legal options are in these kinds of cases.
About the Rotator Cuff
The rotator cuff refers to a group of four muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint. These structures help keep the shoulder in the shallow socket of the joint.
What Happens During a Rotator Cuff Injury
When the rotator cuff is injured, this typically means that at least one of the four tendons is torn in some way. This results in shoulder pain as well as a weakening of the shoulder overall.
In particular, rotator cuff injuries result in problems raising your affected arm over your head. Simple tasks like reaching for an object on a shelf or combing your hair can be extremely painful and difficult.
Causes of Rotator Cuff Injuries at Work
Many rotator cuff injuries occur as the result of repetitive stress on the shoulder joint. Doing the same motion over and over again can lead to strain on shoulder and the eventual tear of one of the tendons that comprise the rotator cuff.
Our Indianapolis law firm notes that rotator cuff injuries are common among painters, carpenters, and people working in construction. Given the reaching and types of overhead motions required to perform these kinds of jobs on a daily basis, it should come as no surprise. Athletes can also suffer rotator cuff injuries while throwing, shooting, or reaching. As workers and athletes get older, the risk of injury increases, particularly among those age 40 and up.
The Lasting Effects of a Rotator Cuff Injury
The majority of people who suffer a rotator cuff injury are able to return to work and most normal activities through non-surgical treatment. The remaining patients will require some sort of surgical tendon repair or replacement.
People who’ve suffered a rotator cuff injury may need to go easy on their shoulder in order to prevent re-injury. This can affect job performance. In serious injuries, a change in work duties may be required due to physical limitations stemming from the torn rotator cuff.
Workers’ Compensation Claims for Rotator Cuff Injuries
For those who’ve suffered a rotator cuff injury, workers’ compensation claims can help with medical care and lost wages during recuperation. Our law firm can offer advice on filing workers’ comp claims and well as what to do in the appeals process if your claim was denied.
When to Seek Legal Action Following a Rotator Cuff Injury
If your rotator cuff injury was the result of unsafe working conditions or negligence by supervisors or third-parties, it’s worth discussing your injury with a lawyer. We can discuss the potential for filing a lawsuit and whether or not your case is worth pursuing. We will help seek damages to address the various losses associated with your shoulder injury.
Contact Golitko & Daly
To learn more about you legal options following injuries to the shoulder, be sure to contact our skilled injury accident attorneys. You can reach our law firm location in Indianapolis by phone at (317) 942-3596.