Missouri Workers’ Compensation for Shoulder Injury Requiring Surgery

Get the compensation you deserve for shoulder injuries requiring surgery. We can help you successfully navigate Missouri’s workers’ comp system.

Shoulder injuries can be particularly debilitating, affecting your ability to perform daily activities and, more importantly, your capacity to work. In Missouri, workers’ compensation provides crucial support for employees who suffer from shoulder injuries that necessitate surgery. Understanding your rights and the compensation process can help ensure you receive the benefits you’re entitled to.

Understanding Shoulder Injuries in the Workplace

Shoulder injuries in the workplace can result from various causes, including repetitive motion, heavy lifting, falls, or accidents involving machinery. Common types of shoulder injuries include:

• Rotator cuff tears: Damage to the muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder.
• Dislocations: When the upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder socket.
• Fractures: Broken bones in the shoulder, such as the collarbone or shoulder blade.
• Labral tears: Damage to the cartilage surrounding the shoulder socket.

When such injuries occur, they can lead to severe pain, reduced mobility, and the need for surgical intervention to restore function.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Shoulder Injuries

In Missouri, workers’ compensation is designed to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs for injured employees. If you have a shoulder injury that requires surgery, you may be eligible for several types of benefits:

• Medical Benefits: Coverage for all necessary medical treatment related to your shoulder injury, including surgery, hospital stays, physical therapy, and medications.
• Temporary Total Disability (TTD): Payments to compensate for lost wages if you cannot work while recovering from surgery.
• Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): Compensation if the shoulder injury results in lasting impairment or loss of function.
• Permanent Total Disability (PTD): Benefits if you cannot return to any form of gainful employment due to your shoulder injury.

Steps to Take After a Shoulder Injury at Work

1. Report the Injury: Notify your employer immediately after the injury occurs. Failing to report the injury promptly can jeopardize your workers’ compensation claim.
2. Seek Medical Attention: Obtain medical treatment as soon as possible. Inform the healthcare provider that the injury is work-related.
3. Document Everything: Keep detailed records of your injury, medical treatments, and communications with your employer and insurance company.
4. File a Workers’ Compensation Claim: From the beginning, it is you versus a billion-dollar insurance company, their lawyers, your employer, and the insurance company doctors. Consulting with a workers’ compensation lawyer can help ensure your claim is properly filed and handled, providing you with the support needed to navigate this challenging process.

Challenges in Receiving Workers’ Compensation

While Missouri’s workers’ compensation system is designed to support injured workers, there can be challenges in receiving the full benefits you deserve. These may include:

• Denied Claims: Your employer or their insurance company may dispute the claim, arguing that the injury is not work-related or that surgery is unnecessary.
• Insufficient Benefits: Sometimes, the compensation offered may not fully cover your medical expenses or lost wages.
• Delays in Treatment: Approval for surgery and other treatments can be delayed by the workers’ compensation process.

Seeking Legal Assistance

Navigating the workers’ compensation process can be complex, especially when dealing with serious injuries that require surgery. Consulting with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help ensure your rights are protected. An attorney can assist with:

• Filing and managing your claim: Ensuring all paperwork is completed correctly and submitted on time.
• Gathering evidence: Collecting medical records, witness statements, and other evidence to support your claim.
• Negotiating with insurance companies: Advocating on your behalf to secure fair compensation.
• Representing you in hearings: Providing legal representation if your claim is disputed or goes to a hearing.

Speak With a Missouri Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Suffering a shoulder injury that requires surgery can be a daunting experience, but Missouri’s workers’ compensation system is there to help. By understanding your rights and the steps to take, you can navigate the process more effectively and secure the benefits you need to recover and return to work. If you encounter challenges, remember that legal assistance can help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

If you have experienced a shoulder injury at work and need assistance with your workers’ compensation claim, contact the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann for a free consultation. We have over 30 years of experience and are dedicated to helping injured workers in Missouri get the benefits they are entitled to.