Your arms are involved in nearly every physical task you perform at work. When an arm is injured, it doesn’t just hurt. It limits what you can do, how long you can work, and sometimes whether you can work at all. In Queens, workers in construction, warehousing, manufacturing, and delivery are among those most frequently dealing with arm injuries on the job. At Bangel, Cohen & Falconetti, we help Queens workers file and fight workers’ compensation claims after arm injuries that have affected their ability to earn.
How Arm Injuries Happen in Queens Workplaces
Arm injuries at work can happen from a single accident or develop over time from repetitive strain. In Queens, common causes include:
- Falls where the arm absorbs the full impact of the landing
- Being struck by machinery, equipment, or falling materials
- Getting a limb caught in moving parts or heavy equipment
- Overextending the arm while reaching or carrying heavy loads
- Repetitive overhead work that wears down tendons and muscles over time
The Range of Arm Injuries Covered by Workers’ Comp
New York workers’ comp covers a broad range of arm injuries, including:
- Fractures of the humerus, radius, or ulna
- Elbow injuries, including dislocations and epicondylitis
- Nerve damage, such as cubital tunnel syndrome or radial nerve palsy
- Bicep or tricep tendon tears
- Forearm lacerations or crush injuries
- Amputations or partial limb loss in severe cases
Why Arm Injuries Affect Your Ability to Earn
Unlike some injuries where modified duties might be possible during recovery, many arm injuries make almost any form of work impossible. If your dominant arm is injured, the impact on your income is immediate and significant. Even with your non-dominant arm, many jobs simply cannot be performed one-handed.
New York has a schedule of loss of use awards for arm injuries. The number of weeks of compensation available depends on the nature and severity of the injury, and these calculations should be handled carefully with legal guidance.
Workers’ Comp Benefits Available for Arm Injuries
Your employer’s insurer may cover all reasonable and necessary medical treatment for your arm injury, including surgery, imaging, physical therapy, and any bracing or other devices. If your injury results in a permanent impairment, a scheduled loss of use award may provide additional compensation beyond your temporary disability benefits. New York’s schedule for arm injuries assigns a specific number of weeks of compensation based on the affected part of the arm and the degree of loss of use.
For example, a full arm is scheduled at 312 weeks under NY WCL § 15, while a hand, forearm, or individual fingers each carry their own separate values. Getting this calculation right matters significantly to your outcome, and it’s not something you want to leave entirely in the insurer’s hands.
Building a Strong Case on Your Behalf
Our firm works with Queens workers to document arm injuries thoroughly, challenge insurance company denials, and make sure every available benefit is pursued. Whether your injury requires surgery or results in a permanent limitation, we’re here to help you through the process.
Schedule a free case review with our Queens workers’ comp attorneys. Call 718-446-4400 or contact us online.
