Rotator Cuff Injuries

If you are employed in a physically demanding job, the chances are that your body endures a serious strain. This type of manual labor sometimes comes at a cost. Although the majority of highly physical jobs involve industrial or construction capacities, there are also some office jobs and other lighter duties that may still result in serious injuries, especially if they involve repetitive tasks that tax the body. One common example of a serious injury that employees may suffer on the job is a rotator cuff injury. This type of injury often leads to a lifetime of medical issues and follow ups. In some cases, it even requires surgery or multiple surgeries to address. Greenville and Spartanburg job injury lawyer Patrick E. Knie can assist you with seeking the compensation that you deserve after a work-related injury.

If you believe that you have suffered a rotator cuff injury on the job, you should notify your employer immediately and request prompt medical attention. Seeking medical attention will ensure that you receive treatment, that the injury does not worsen, and that you begin documenting the nature and extent of your injury. After the claim is initiated, the insurer will ask the treating physician to evaluate your medical condition. During this exam, the physician will determine whether your injury is temporary or permanent and whether it is partial or total. These two factors will help determine the duration and amount of your benefit payments. It is critical to provide adequate information to the accessing physician regarding your condition and symptoms.

If the physician confirms that your injury was a result of your job duties, you will be awarded a certain amount of benefits distributed in weekly payments. The payments will reflect some percentage of your average salary, up to a statutorily defined limit. Once your treating physician determines that you are fit to return to work, your benefit payments will cease. If your injury is permanent, such that you are unable to return to work in any capacity, you may be eligible for other, long-term benefits like Social Security Disability through the federal government.

The rotator cuff is one of the most flexible and mobile joints in the body. As a result, it is extremely susceptible to injuries, particularly when it comes to overhead activities and lifting functions. If you suffer an injury to your rotator cuff, the chances are that you will not be able to use your upper body to the same degree that you did prior to the injury. If your job includes highly physical functions, you may be unable to return to work, or you may need to accept a light duty position. If your treating physician determines that you are fit to accept a light duty position, but you refuse, however, your benefit payments may be suspended until you return to work.

While weekly benefit payments are intended to compensate an injured worker for their lost wages, a worker is also eligible to receive compensation for any medical expenses associated with the injury. These include any surgeries, rehabilitative measures, physical therapy, and medications.

There are many aspects of a work injury that may create stress and difficulty for the victim, including being concerned about your finances, being unsure about whether you can return to work, and being unable to enjoy the usual aspects of your daily life, such as engaging in recreational hobbies or taking care of your children. Workers’ compensation attorney Patrick E. Knie has counseled numerous injured workers in Spartanburg and Greenville, as well as in many areas of Laurens, Union, and Cherokee Counties. Call us now at (864) 582-5118 or contact us online to set up a free consultation with a knowledgeable lawyer and learn more about how we may be able to assist you.