Rotator cuff injuries are surprisingly common, especially among workers who repeatedly lift heavy objects or reach overhead on the job. These injuries can be painful and persistent, often impairing an employee’s ability to work and carry out daily activities. If you have a work-related rotator cuff injury, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits to cover the costs of medical treatment and a portion of lost wages.
The legal team at Calhoon & Kaminsky P.C. understands how a work-related injury can impact every aspect of your life. That’s why our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys have advocated for injured workers’ rights in Pennsylvania for more than two decades.
Contact us for more information on the potential consequences of a work-related rotator cuff injury, Pennsylvania’s workers’ comp system, and how our attorneys can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Can You Work with a Torn Rotator Cuff?
Whether you can work with a torn rotator cuff will likely depend on the severity of your injury. Your rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that keep the arms in the shoulder sockets, stabilize shoulder joints, and allow for a wide range of motion. Cumulative trauma or occupational accidents can result in damage to the rotator cuff in the form of torn or broken tendons, strained muscles, or painfully limiting inflammation.
Some workers with torn rotator cuffs have jobs that do not require much physical exertion. Physical therapy exercises may be enough for these workers to manage their symptoms and continue working. Sometimes, jobs requiring manual labor can accommodate injured workers by assigning them light-duty tasks, such as equipment maintenance, doing inventory, or preparing paperwork.
However, not all jobs can accommodate workers with torn rotator cuffs, especially if their symptoms are severe. These injured workers may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, which can:
- Cover injury-related medical expenses
- Replace a portion of lost wages from missed time at work
- Provide disability benefits when injuries result in permanent disability
Getting Workers’ Comp for a Torn Rotator Cuff Injury
Nearly all workers in Pennsylvania are covered by the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act, with limited exceptions. Workers’ comp benefits are available to all eligible employees from their first day on the job. Injured workers can claim these benefits when they suffer work-related injuries. These are no-fault benefits, meaning it’s not required that your employer or coworker caused the accident.
One of the most important things you can do to protect your right to workers’ comp benefits after a work-related rotator cuff injury is to promptly report the injury to your employer. You are generally expected to notify your employer within 21 days of the injury, though you have 120 days before losing out on benefits entirely.
That said, sooner is always better. A knowledgeable workers’ comp injury attorney can help you by:
- Keeping your case on track
- Obtaining compelling evidence for your claim
- Pursuing the compensation you are owed
- Filing an appeal if needed
Contact a Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today
If you need help seeking workers’ comp benefits for a torn rotator cuff or shoulder injury from work, contact the trusted legal team at Calhoon & Kaminsky P.C. One of our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys can answer your questions and evaluate your case for free during an initial consultation session.
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For more than 20 years, our attorneys have been helping injured workers navigate the complex Pennsylvania workers’ compensation system. We empower workers with the information and the representation they need to make the best decisions for themselves and their families’ future.
