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    shoulder injury at work

    Shoulder injuries are debilitating. Yet, they are among the most common types of workplace injuries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 88,980 cases of non-fatal shoulder injuries in a recent year. These injuries caused employees to miss a median of 26 days of work, more than any other type of survivable injury. That’s because the shoulder joint plays a critical role in everyday movement and limits your ability to lift, reach, drive, or even perform simple tasks like grabbing a cup of coffee.

    For South Carolina workers, a shoulder injury can mean serious disruption to your work and your life. Fortunately, our state’s workers’ compensation system is designed to help support them financially while they recover.

    Since 1968, Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers has helped South Carolinians put their lives back together after serious accidents. In that time, we’ve become one of the most highly respected and experienced workers’ compensation law firms in the state. We’re leaders in the field and respected by our peers. Attorneys Matt Jackson and Ken Harrell are both Past Presidents of Injured Workers’ Advocates (IWA), Davis Rice serves on the group’s Executive Committee, and several of our attorneys are also members. With seven offices across Charleston, Columbia, Myrtle Beach, and Greenville, you have our skilled attorneys nearby. Let us guide you through the entire workers’ compensation claims process.

    Joye Law Firm Providing Legal Help to South Carolinians With Shoulder Injury Claims

    Our firm opened its doors in 1968 to help people hurt on the job and on the road. With a reputation built on decades of success and leadership in the field, our team includes multiple attorneys who have received statewide and national recognition. Matt Jackson has been selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers in America for Workers’ Compensation in Charleston since 2017 and was selected 2024 “Lawyer of the Year” in the category. Ken Harrell earned “Workers’ Compensation Lawyer of the Year” inclusion multiple times over the last decade, including most recently in 2026. Our law firm has:Attorneys at Joye Law Firm's Myrtle Beach office

    • Guided thousands of injured workers through the workers’ compensation claims process
    • Negotiated life-changing workers’ comp settlements
    • Stood up to insurance companies that refused to cover medical expenses or wage losses

    At Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we take a unique approach. Every one of our workers’ comp cases is handled by a dedicated team that keeps clients informed, answers questions, and prepares each case as if it may go to a hearing. This thorough, client-focused approach has helped us achieve meaningful results for injured workers across South Carolina, including:

    • $325,000 settlement for a pediatric respiratory therapist who suffered a left shoulder injury requiring rotator cuff repair and bicep tendonitis surgery after tripping over a ventilator stand at work.
    • $250,000 settlement and lifetime medical coverage for a longshoreman who sustained non-surgical back and shoulder injuries as the result of a fall.
    • $185,000 settlement with lifetime medical coverage for a construction worker who sustained a severe shoulder injury while lifting.
    • $175,000 settlement for a longshoreman who injured his back and left shoulder due to a fall.
    • $157,881 disability award and lifetime medical coverage for a police officer who injured her neck and shoulders in a car crash.

    Workers’ Compensation for Shoulder Injuries in South Carolina

    Workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance program that most employers in South Carolina must carry. It pays medical treatment costs and partial wage replacement when an employee suffers a workplace injury or an occupational illness. A shoulder injury at work qualifies as a covered work-related injury as long as it occurred in the course and scope of the job. An employee does not have to prove employer negligence but must report the injury to the employer within ninety days and file a workers’ comp claim within two years. Benefits continue until the doctor releases the worker from care or determines that further medical treatment will not improve the condition, known as Maximum Medical Improvement or MMI.

    Average Workers’ Comp Settlement for Shoulder Injuries

    Shoulder injuries are among the more costly workplace injuries when it comes to workers’ compensation. According to data from the National Safety Council, the average settlement for a shoulder injury is around $51,750. This amount typically includes about $26,690 in medical costs for treatment such as doctor visits, surgery, physical therapy, and medications. The remaining $25,060 goes toward indemnity, which compensates the injured worker for lost wages and other related financial impacts. These figures reflect the serious nature of shoulder injuries and their potential to impact an employee’s ability to work for an extended period.

    Most Common Shoulder Injuries in the Workplace and How They Happen

    Reaching overhead, catching falling materials, repetitive assembly line tasks, and sudden falls all place stress on the shoulder joint. Some of the most common shoulder injuries seen in workers’ compensation claims include:Woman holding her upper arm in discomfort

    • Bankart lesions, which involve a tear in the labrum resulting from shoulder dislocation, can lead to ongoing instability.
    • Shoulder impingement, where tendons in the shoulder are compressed during arm movements, causing pain and limited range of motion.
    • Frozen shoulder, in which scar tissue stiffens the joint after a period of immobility, severely limiting movement.
    • Bursitis, or inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the shoulder joint, often results from repetitive motion or trauma.
    • Snapping scapula syndrome, a condition where movement causes a grinding or popping sound due to soft tissue or bony abnormalities.
    • SLAP tears affect the upper part of the labrum and can lead to pain, instability, and difficulty with overhead activity.
    • Fractured shoulder blade, a rare but serious injury often resulting from direct trauma, which can impact shoulder stability and function.
    • Dislocated shoulder, where the upper arm bone is forced out of the socket, potentially damaging surrounding structures and leading to recurring dislocations.
    • Rotator cuff tears, which affect the group of muscles and tendons stabilizing the shoulder, can cause weakness, pain, and difficulty lifting the arm.
    • Labral tears involve damage to the cartilage that lines the shoulder socket, often resulting in pain, clicking, and decreased range of motion.

    These injuries can be minor injuries that respond to rest and physical therapy or serious injuries requiring arthroscopic shoulder surgery or open repair.

    What You Need to Do After Sustaining a Shoulder Injury at Work

    1. Report the injury to a supervisor as soon as possible. A short email or written note that states when the injury occurred and what shoulder symptoms followed is often enough to start the record. You must report your injury within 90 days of discovery to remain eligible for benefits.
    2. Seek medical attention right away, even if the pain seems mild. Early documentation links the shoulder injury to work duties and rules out preexisting conditions as the primary cause. Injured workers must be treated by physicians chosen by their employer’s insurance company to be covered by workers’ compensation; exceptions apply for emergency treatment.
    3. Follow the authorized doctor’s orders. Missing appointments or refusing recommended physical therapy can allow the insurance company to dispute benefits. If you don’t feel supported or understood by the insurance company’s medical team, you may seek a second medical opinion. Your attorney will help you file the necessary paperwork to request a second opinion.
    4. Keep copies of every work note, prescription, and bill. These papers prove medical costs, the severity of injuries, and recovery time.
    5. Consult an experienced workers’ compensation attorney if benefits are denied, delayed, or cut off too soon. Acting quickly helps preserve the right to temporary disability benefits and future medical expenses.

    Medical Treatment, Surgery, and Rehabilitation Costs Covered by Workers’ Compensation

    Under South Carolina law, your employer’s insurance company must cover medical expenses that are reasonable, necessary, and related to your injury. Approved care for shoulder injuries often includes:

    Diagnostic imaging such as MRI or CT scans that confirm rotator cuff tears or shoulder dislocation.
    Physical therapy to restore range of motion, reduce shoulder weakness, and shorten recovery time.
    Injections or medications that reduce inflammation and pain.
    Arthroscopic shoulder surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff, torn labrum, or other soft tissue damage.
    Joint replacement or other expensive medical procedures for more severe injuries.
    Mileage reimbursement if you travel more than 10 miles to the authorized doctor.

    The carrier should also pay for future medical expenses if the doctor states that additional treatment is likely.

    How Settlement Value Is Calculated for Shoulder Injuries

    An injured employee may reach the point of maximum medical improvement when no further treatment will provide significant benefit. At that stage, the doctor issues an impairment rating that reflects the severity of the injury. The rating and the worker’s average weekly wage yield a baseline settlement amount.

    Several factors influence the final workers’ compensation settlement:

    • Extent of permanent impairment to the shoulder joint and upper arm bone.
    • Physical restrictions that reduce the ability to work in the previous job.
    • Need for future medical treatments related to the injury.
    • Partial wage compensation rates, based on 66.67 percent of your average weekly wage during the four quarters prior to your injury. Capped at $1,134.43 as of January 2025.
    • Age and job duties of the worker, since heavier work often leads to higher medical costs if restrictions prevent a full return.

    There is no single average workers’ comp settlement that fits every case. Still, shoulder injury claims often resolve for higher settlement values because the shoulder is critical to most job tasks.

    Factors That Can Increase or Reduce Your Workers’ Comp Settlement Amount

    Several elements can influence the value of a shoulder injury settlement. The following factors often play a key role in how much compensation an injured worker may receive in South Carolina.

    1. The severity of the injury. Torn rotator cuff injuries or fractures that require surgery usually settle for more than strains that heal with rest.
    2. Need for extensive medical treatment. Cases that include shoulder surgery, several rounds of physical therapy, and higher medical costs generally lead to larger settlement amounts.
    3. Future medical care. If a surgeon predicts shoulder weakness or arthritis that may need injections every year, the settlement will account for those future medical expenses.
    4. Pre-existing conditions. Insurance companies often argue that arthritis or a previous sports injury caused the pain. Clear medical proof that the injury occurred at work helps defeat that claim.
    5. Ability to work. If the worker cannot return to the previous job, additional benefits may be due to the loss of earning capacity provisions.

    What to Expect From the Workers’ Compensation Claims Process

    Understanding how the workers’ compensation process works can help injured employees feel more confident and prepared. Here’s a general overview of what to expect after filing a workers’ comp claim:

    • Filing the claim. Your employer or the insurance company files a Form 12A first report of injury, or your attorney can file a Form 50 on your behalf.
    • Medical treatment phase. The carrier directs you to an authorized physician. Keep every appointment.
    • Temporary disability benefits. If you miss more than seven days of work, workers’ comp benefits pay about two-thirds of your average weekly wage up to a state maximum.
    • Maximum medical improvement. When treatment ends, the doctor assigns an impairment rating.
    • Negotiation or hearing. Your attorney seeks a fair settlement. If the insurance company refuses, the case proceeds to a hearing before the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission.
    • Final award. A commissioner approves the agreement or decides to set the payment schedule.

    The insurance company may ask for recorded statements, independent medical exams, or surveillance throughout the claims process. Speaking with a South Carolina workers’ compensation attorney before responding can protect your rights.

    Why a South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Attorney Can Make a Difference in Shoulder Injury Cases

    A denied claim, a low settlement offer, or a request to return to work before recovery ends can leave an injured worker confused and worried. A workers’ compensation attorney familiar with shoulder injury cases can:

    • Gather medical records that link the shoulder injury to work duties.
    • Calculate a settlement amount that covers medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and wage replacement benefits.
    • Challenge an independent medical exam that tries to downplay the severity of the injury.
    • Present evidence of higher medical costs for serious injuries such as a torn rotator cuff or shoulder injury requiring surgery.
    • Negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement or represent the worker at a hearing.

    Choosing the right lawyer can make all the difference. Joye Law Firm has seven attorneys selected for the 2025 edition of the Best Lawyers in America for Workers’ Compensation – Claimants. With leaders like Matt Jackson and Ken Harrell at the helm, you’ll have nationally recognized legal professionals fighting for your rights.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Shoulder Injuries

    Workers Comp Shoulder Injuries

    How long can I receive workers’ comp benefits after a shoulder injury?

    Temporary total disability benefits continue until the authorized doctor says you can return to work, up to 500 weeks in most cases. If the injury is catastrophic, that period may be extended.

    Is arthroscopic shoulder surgery always necessary?

    No. Many shoulder injuries improve with physical therapy or injections. Surgery is reserved for severe injuries like full rotator cuff tears, shoulder dislocation that damages the socket, or labrum tears that cause instability.

    Can I pick my own doctor?

    The employer’s insurance company has the right to direct care. If you see your own doctor without approval you may have to pay those medical bills. Your attorney can petition for a change in physician or a second opinion if care is inadequate.

    Will a settlement close my claim?

    Most workers’ comp settlements are clincher agreements that close medical and wage benefits in exchange for a lump sum. If you want the right to reopen medical care, discuss that option with your attorney before signing.

    What happens if I re-injure my shoulder later?

    If the settlement closed future medical, the new injury may be treated as a separate claim. Be sure to discuss the possibility of future medical needs before finalizing a settlement.

    Talk With Joye Law Firm About Your Shoulder Injury Claim

    Joye Law Firm has helped injured workers across South Carolina recover workers’ compensation benefits for shoulder injuries. If you suffered a rotator cuff tear, frozen shoulder, or other shoulder injury at work, call us at (888) 324-3100 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We will review the facts, explain the next steps, and work toward a fair settlement that covers necessary medical treatments and protects your ability to work in the future.

    Backed by award-winning attorneys and decades of experience, Joye Law Firm is ready to help you navigate your shoulder injury claim. Call us today to schedule your free consultation

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