The shoulder is now a listed body part under the South Carolina Workers' Compensation Statute. South Carolina Code Section 42-9-30 (14) now covers the shoulder. A shoulder injury can be painful and very debilitating. It is important to get the necessary treatment for your shoulder as soon as possible.
As with any workers' compensation injury you must report the injury to your employer. If the employer or workers' compensation insurance carrier wrongly denies the injury then you should consult with an attorney. You are entitled to medical treatment following your on the job shoulder injury. You may also be entitled to weekly benefits if you are taken out of work or are unable to work following your on the job shoulder injury.
Once you are able to get medical treatment for your injury it is important to inform the medical professional of all of the pain you are experiencing. They will also likely examine your shoulder for loss of range of motion. If the pain in your shoulder is going down your arm or up your neck it is important to inform the medical professional of these symptoms.
Treatment for a shoulder injury can involve rest, physical therapy or surgery. After the medical professionals have determined that you have received all necessary medical care and further treatment will not lessen your period of disability they will likely indicate that you are at maximum medical improvement. At that time they will provide an impairment rating. This is significant in determining the award or settlement you receive. As your attorney I can help you determine if the impairment rating is fair or if we need to seek a second opinion. We would also likely try and obtain a rating of your shoulder itself rather than the upper extremity. If possible we would also ask that the medical professional address any loss of use of the clavicle or scapula following your on the job injury.
If you have suffered a shoulder injury and have questions please contact us for a free consultation. I can help you through the workers' compensation system and fight to get you all of the benefits you deserve.
