If you have a shoulder injury that requires surgery in Greenville, SC, it’s important to understand the value of your case. Our experienced Greenville personal injury lawyer at Bobby Jones Law explains shoulder injury settlements and compensation for shoulder injury settlements requiring surgery.

Most Common Shoulder Injuries Caused by Car Accidents and Workplace Incidents

Common shoulder injuries caused by car accidents and workplace incidents are:

Fractures. To the scapula, humerus, clavicle, or sternum.
Rotator cuff tear. Damage to the shoulder muscles and tendons.
Dislocation. Where the humerus is displaced from the scapula socket.
Separation. Acromioclavicular (AC joint) injury, where the shoulder blade ligaments are stretched or torn.
Sprain, strain. When ligaments, tendons, and muscles are stretched and torn.
Labral tear. Injury to the shoulder socket cartilage.
Brachial plexus injury. Nerve damage in the shoulder area.

Shoulder injury—a common and serious problem

Shoulder injuries on the job are common. Nationwide, 13,460 workplace shoulder injuries required emergency medical attention in one year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that, among private employers, 5.36% of all workplace injuries resulting in missed work were shoulder injuries.

According to NSC, a shoulder injury results in an average of 26 days away from work and 36 days of job restriction or transfer, which are higher than the averages of eight days away from work and 14 days of job restriction and transfer for all injuries.

In addition, shoulder injury is a common blunt trauma injury from car accidents and other causes.

Causes of car accident shoulder injury

External impact. Being struck by a vehicle or external object.
Internal impact. Striking the dashboard, a seat, or fixtures in the vehicle.
Seatbelt. Restraining the body with sudden, intense pressure.
Airbag deployment. From extreme force upon deployment.

Causes of workplace shoulder injury

Moving object. A falling object or projectile.
Machinery malfunction. Including being stuck in or pulled into a machine.
Reaching. Reaching towards an object or to catch a falling object.
Posture. While lifting and performing overhead motions.
Vibration. Causing soft tissue trauma and joint degeneration.
Falling. Falls towards the shoulder.

What Is a Rotator Cuff Injury and How Is It Treated?

A rotator cuff injury is a tearing of the muscles and tendons that comprise the rotator cuff. The four muscles of the rotator cuff are the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. These muscles and their tendons stabilize the shoulder. When they are pulled, the person has a rotator cuff injury. A rotator cuff injury may cause pain, inflammation, and limited range of motion.

How a rotator cuff is treated depends on the severity of the injury. A minor tear may be treated with rest and physical therapy. Cortisone injections may be appropriate. Medications can relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

A serious rotator cuff tear may require surgery. Surgery can reattach the tendon to allow it to heal properly. Surgery may be minimally invasive or more complex. Usually, surgery is followed by a long recovery period that can take 6 months to a year or more.

When Is Surgery Required for a Shoulder Injury Claim?

Whether surgery is required for a shoulder injury claim is a decision made by the person’s doctor. In the workers’ compensation system, the purpose of medical care is to provide relief and treatment to restore the person, as much as possible, to their pre-injury condition. If surgery is required, the injured person may claim it in a shoulder injury settlement.

In a personal injury claim, compensation for a shoulder injury requiring surgery is appropriate if the injury results from the defendant’s wrongful act. It must be reasonable that surgery is required for treatment. The plaintiff should prepare evidence to prove causation between the accident, injury, and the need for surgery.

How Much Is a Shoulder Injury Settlement Worth in South Carolina?

NSC reports a national average for workers’ compensation for shoulder injuries of $55,155 in 2022 and 2023. The figure includes an average of $28,166 in medical benefits and $26,949 in cash benefits. Your claim may be worth more or less.

Factors That Determine Your Shoulder Injury Compensation Amount

Here are some factors that determine compensation for a shoulder injury requiring surgery:

Type of claim. Whether the claim is for personal injury or workers’ compensation.
Applicable law. Laws vary by jurisdiction. Whether South Carolina or a different state law applies can influence your compensation amount.
Sources of compensation. The defendant must have the means to pay your claim. Many claims are paid through insurance.
Fault. You must prove the defendant is legally responsible for workers’ compensation or personal injury.
Medical documentation. The strength of the evidence shows your need for surgery.
Work disruption. The more a shoulder injury disrupts your ability to work, the greater your damages.
Physical therapy. Rehabilitation can be slow and costly, increasing damages.
Permanent impairment. Whether the injury results in disability or disfigurement.
Surgery. The cost and inconvenience of surgery can increase your claim value.
Legal procedure. You must file your case and prove your right to compensation.

A lawyer can evaluate the approximate value of a shoulder injury settlement, including compensation for a shoulder injury requiring surgery.

Workers’ Compensation vs. Personal Injury: Which Covers Your Shoulder Surgery?

Either workers’ compensation or a personal injury claim may cover your shoulder surgery. Workers’ comp may directly provide care, while personal injury may provide a monetary award.

What Damages Can You Recover for a Shoulder Injury in SC?

Damages that you can recover for a shoulder injury in SC depend on the type of claim and your specific losses.

More from Bobby Jones Law: Personal Injury vs. Workers’ Comp in South Carolina.

Claims in Greenville, SC

In Greenville, SC, workers’ compensation claims are handled through the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission. Greenville is Hearing District 1. Many personal injury claims in Greenville, SC, are heard in the Greenville County Circuit Court.

Why You Need a Greenville Personal Injury Attorney for a Shoulder Injury Requiring Surgery

Shoulder injuries can be complex. A compensation claim can also be complex. A Greenville personal injury attorney can ensure your claim is handled correctly and efficiently.

Talk to a lawyer

If you have an injury requiring shoulder surgery, contact Bobby Jones Law. We are a Greenville, SC, personal injury law firm, representing people in workers’ compensation and personal injury claims. Call or message us now.