Shoulder injuries are painful, slow to heal, and far more common in Queens workplaces than most people realize. From construction workers in Jamaica to delivery drivers in Elmhurst, thousands of Queens workers strain, tear, or otherwise damage their shoulders on the job each year. If this has happened to you, you have the right to workers’ compensation benefits. At Bangel, Cohen & Falconetti, we help injured Queens workers pursue the benefits they’re entitled to after a shoulder injury at work.
Common Causes of Shoulder Injuries in Queens Workplaces
Shoulder injuries rarely come with a warning. They can happen from a single incident or build overtime. Workers in Queens often suffer shoulder injuries from:
- Lifting heavy objects repeatedly throughout a shift
- Overhead work like painting, installing, or welding
- Falls on a construction site or a slippery floor
- Carrying uneven loads on uneven terrain
- Being struck by equipment or a falling object
Types of Shoulder Injuries Workers Suffer
There is a wide range of shoulder injuries that qualify for workers’ compensation coverage. Some of the most common include:
- Rotator cuff tears, which are among the most debilitating
- Shoulder impingement syndrome from repeated overhead motion
- Labral tears from falls or sudden force
- Dislocated shoulder from a workplace accident
- Fractures of the humerus or clavicle after a fall or impact
Why Shoulder Injuries Are Hard to Prove
Insurance companies frequently dispute shoulder injury claims. They often argue that the injury is due to age-related wear and tear rather than your job. They may also claim the injury is not as severe as you say, or that you didn’t follow proper safety procedures.
Getting clear imaging, a strong medical opinion, and documentation that connects your work tasks to your injury is what makes the difference. Working with our Queens workers’ compensation attorneys early in the process helps significantly.
New York Workers’ Comp Benefits for Shoulder Injuries
Under NY WCL § 13, your employer’s insurance may cover all necessary medical treatment for a work-related shoulder injury. This includes surgery, physical therapy, imaging, and follow-up care.
If your shoulder injury keeps you out of work, you may also be entitled to wage replacement benefits under NY WCL § 15, which provides two-thirds of your average weekly wage up to the state maximum. The degree of disability, your average weekly wage, and applicable limits are taken into consideration.
What Our Team Does for Injured Workers
Our firm works with Queens workers to document how the injury happened, gather the right medical records, and make sure the insurance company is not getting away with a low settlement or an outright denial. If your shoulder injury has kept you out of work or limited your ability to earn, you need to know what you’re owed.
Shoulder injuries can take months to heal, and during that time, your bills don’t stop. You may also be entitled to compensation for permanent loss of function if your shoulder never fully recovers. The longer you wait, the harder it can be to build a strong case, so reaching out sooner rather than later works in your favor.
Call 718-446-4400 or contact us online today to learn more about your potential compensation after a shoulder injury.
