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You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if you have suffered an on-the-job shoulder injury and are unable to work. A North Carolina shoulder injury attorney can review your case and assess whether you may have a claim. 

Common Causes of Work-Related Shoulder Injuries

Many shoulder injuries are caused by catastrophic accidents, but just as many are the result of common, everyday workplace conditions such as overuse, overexertion, or repetitive stress injuries. As the most flexible and mobile joint in the body, the shoulder is particularly susceptible to injury. Some of the most common causes of work-related shoulder injuries include the following: 

• Falls
• Car accidents
• Lifting and carrying
• Pushing and pulling
• Overhead movements
• Hand and arm vibration caused by power tools or machinery
• Awkward twisting

You will need to prove that your shoulder injury was suffered in the course of your employment, requires medical treatment, and limits your ability to work. An experienced North Carolina shoulder injury attorney will know what evidence you need to support your claim. 

Common Types of On-the-Job Shoulder Injuries 

Some of the most common shoulder injuries that workers suffer include the following: 

• Dislocated shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) – This is an injury where the head of the humerus (the upper arm bone) slips out of the shoulder joint. A dislocated shoulder can result in bruising, swelling, pain, and numbness. Treatment may require relocating the head of the humerus in the shoulder joint followed by immobilization and rehabilitation. Surgery may be required in some cases. 
• Frozen shoulder – This injury arises from the tightening and thickening of the tissues surrounding the shoulder joint resulting in lost shoulder mobility and pain. Treatment typically involves physical therapy and exercise, but sometimes steroid shots and other medications are necessary. In some cases, arthroscopic surgery may be required. 
• Rotator cuff injuries – These can include both tears in the rotator cuff tendon in the shoulder as well as bursitis. Rotator cuff injuries are typically repetitive use injuries, leading to lost range of motion and pain. While physical therapy can help, surgery is typically required to repair the injury. 
• Shoulder impingement – These are common injuries for workers who perform work with their hands above shoulder level. It is caused by rotator cuff grinding against the top shoulder bone, resulting in swelling of the tendons. Treatment usually involves over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, icing, and physical therapy. Nonetheless, the condition is painful and can result in some loss of shoulder mobility. 
• Tendonitis – The tissues surrounding the tendons can become inflamed and painful when the tendons are strained or pinched by nearby bones. The condition can be quite painful and make it difficult to use the affected shoulder. Treatment is usually limited to physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, and other non-invasive procedures, but surgery may be required in severe cases. 

Talk to a North Carolina Shoulder Injury Attorney Today

Shoulder injuries can be quite painful and make it incredibly difficult to do your job. You likely need medical treatment and time off from work. A North Carolina shoulder injury attorney from Martin & Jones can help you get the workers’ compensation benefits you need. Contact us today at 800-662-1234 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.

Hear it from our clients

“We hired Martin & Jones in March 2015 and Steven Corriveau became our personal lawyer. Steven is a true professional who is understanding and easy to communicate with. He clearly explained the legal process to us. We are confident in the specific information, advice and feedback he gives us and know that he always has our best interest in the case. He responds quickly to our questions and concerns being available 24 hours a day. As our legal journey continues we look at the number of contacts we have with Steven. There have been 52 plus phone calls and conversations, 50 plus emails, 3 plus personal meetings, and 18 plus legal documents. We are honored to have such a caring lawyer as Steven in a stressful situation, in which he makes the process less difficult. We highly recommend Steven Corriveau who is great, intelligent, persistent and will deliver to the client. Our expectations are very high and Steven is the best.” 

- Ronnie & Patricia

“We would like to express our gratitude to you (Hunt Willis) for accepting our case. First of all, when I called this law firm, a very sweet and kind lady answered the telephone and gave me assurance by asking and going over the accident with me, while my husband was in the hospital. I felt assured I was doing the right thing for us. She was so helpful in so many ways. What a professional lady. Secondly, we are much pleased that you have settled this case with the insurance company to receive the proper amount to assist us in so many ways. My husband and I are very happy with you and the firm in handling our case. You made us have confidence in your professional and integrity along with your assistant Ms. Routh, when you both came to see us in our home, in which we saw your compassion and thoughtfulness at that time. We will never forget what you have done for us, and we thank the lord for directing me to contact this firm. I’m glad I did.” 

- Linda

“I would like to leave a testimonial thanking Steven and Allison for their care and understanding. Steven’s pursuit and success in getting some compensation for our loss. A final closure of our loss of brother Mike. Thanks to Martin & Jones for looking after Mike’s care since his injury in 2005. You have been there for Mike and his family for a long time. Mike passed in 2016 and you stood for the family up to the present (July 2017). Many thanks.”

- Dan

“Thank you for always making me feel welcome and at ease in your office. I respect the work you do and your enthusiasm for it and am grateful for your talents.”

- Tracy

“Thank you for the work you have done for Carl and our family. We so much appreciate your sincere professionalism and kindness you showed us. I know Carl is smiling right now and the Lord has blessed us through you. May God bless you.”

- Connie, whose husband Carl worked as a brakeman for CSX Transportation and died of mesothelioma

“Thank you for your concern of my well-being every time I spoke with you. It always meant so much. I hear nothing but awful stories of dealing with attorneys and their offices, but I have had nothing but positive experience. You have many special ways of working with people in need of help. Words can never express the way your support has been so helpful. I pray you will continue to help others. I wish you all the best.”

- Mary

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