Shoulder Injuries in Florida Workers’ Compensation Claims
Reach overhead enough times, lift enough heavy boxes, or take one bad fall, and your shoulder lets you know it. When shoulder injuries happen on the job in Fort Lauderdale, workers’ compensation benefits can help you recover.
The trouble is, shoulder claims tend to draw more scrutiny from insurers, increasing the risk of delays and denials. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer breaks down what these injuries actually look like and how to keep your claim from getting picked apart.
Common Shoulder Injuries That Can Happen on the Job in South Florida
Millions of people visit doctors and hospital emergency rooms due to shoulder injuries each year, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS). They can happen while working around your home, engaging in sports and recreational activities, or as a result of tasks you perform on the job.
Shoulder injuries that happen on the job can cause ongoing pain and limited mobility. Under the Florida Statutes (Section 440), workers’ compensation can help cover the costs that result. Common types of shoulder injuries that may qualify for benefits in South Florida include:
- Rotator cuff tears from lifting something too heavy, catching a fall, or years of repetitive overhead motion.
- Dislocated shoulders from a hard fall or sudden impact during a workplace accident.
- Labrum tears often happen alongside a dislocation or from repeated strain on the joint.
- Frozen shoulder is a stiffening condition that can develop after an injury goes untreated for too long.
- Impingement syndrome occurs from repetitive reaching or lifting tasks that wear down the joint over time.
While some of these heal with rest and physical therapy, others require surgery. Benefits available through the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation can cover your medical care, portions of lost income, and any long-term disabilities that result.
Why Insurers Challenge Shoulder Injuries in Florida Workers’ Compensation Claims
Insurers are quick to challenge workers’ compensation claims in Fort Lauderdale that involve shoulder injuries, claiming it was actually a pre-existing condition and didn’t happen on the job. The reality is that many people do already have some wear and tear in the shoulder area before anything ever happens at work. To protect your rights to Florida workers’ comp benefits, take these steps:
- Report shoulder pain immediately to your employer and request medical care.
- Be specific in telling your doctor exactly what happened and when, as well as the symptoms you suffer.
- If you’ve had shoulder problems before, be upfront about it.
- Ask your doctor to put in writing how your job made things worse.
Even if you had shoulder trouble before, if your job made it worse, you may still be eligible for benefits.
Contact an Experienced Fort Lauderdale Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If you suffer work-related shoulder injuries in South Florida, our experienced Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer is here to help. The Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A., provides the trusted legal guidance you need to protect your rights in a claim. Contact us today to request a consultation in our Sunrise, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach office.
Sources:
orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/common-shoulder-injuries/
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0440/0440.html