Rotator Cuff Tears

Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Lawyers

The Massachusetts disability attorneys at Kantrovitz & Associates have over 20 years’ experience recovering compensation for workers with work-related health conditions such as rotator cuff tears and other shoulder injuries. Our Boston office represents clients across the state, as well as in New Hampshire and Rhode Island.

Let us help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

Rotator Cuff and Shoulder Injuries

Massachusetts workers suffer debilitating injuries every day, more than 20 percent of which involve the shoulders. Nearly 3 million people in the United States seek medical treatment for rotator cuff tears, which can weaken the shoulder joint and make everyday activities painful. The rotator cuff refers to a network of tendons that cover the head of the arm bone and attach to the socket of the shoulder blade, allowing arm and shoulder movement. Any tear in these tendons can also inflame the lubricating sac near the shoulder responsible for the joint’s gliding motion.

Tendinitis and Tears at Work

Rotator cuff and shoulder injuries are common in jobs that require repetitive use of the joints, such as twisting, bending, overhead lifting, and working in unnatural postures. Employees and occupations susceptible to these injuries may involve:

• Utility repair
• Loading docks
• Transportation
• Delivery trucks
• Warehouse work
• Baggage handling
• Construction labor
• Painters, pipe-fitters
• Plumbers, carpenters

Tendinitis and bone spurs in the shoulder joint impair movement and increase the likelihood of a degenerative tear. Chronic rotator cuff tears are not only sports injuries, but may also occur due to overuse on the job. Acute injuries can happen when workers fall, dislocating the shoulder. Risk Factors and Causes Damage to the major muscles of the shoulder may be caused by any number of factors prevalent at work. Tendinitis and bursitis are already common problems that increase with age, but rotator cuff or general shoulder injuries can also worsen through work duties and accidents involving:

• Reaching overhead
• Pulling starter cables
• Sudden slip-and-falls
• Lifting boxes, pallets
• Chopping wood, logging
• Falling on outstretched arm
• Slouching at desk, computer

From normal wear and tear to repetitive stress, workers with prior rotator cuff injuries are more likely to see a recurrence of medical issues with the same or similar type of work. Workers’ compensation benefits may be available for injuries that are caused or exacerbated on the job.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Massachusetts workers’ compensation benefits are calculated using the injured employee’s average weekly wage. The amount awarded is a certain percentage of the prior year’s earnings, including overtime, bonuses, and lost income from other jobs. In addition, workers may receive coverage for:

• Medical treatment
• Prescription medication
• Partial disability benefits
• Vocational rehabilitation costs
• Annual cost of living increases
• Mileage, parking for medical care
• Permanent scarring, disfigurement
• Lump-sum settlement in some cases
• Death/survivor benefits for fatal injuries
• Social security if totally disabled for 1 year

The Department of Industrial Accidents administers benefits to workers whose injuries prevent them from returning to work. Employers and their insurers may be required to compensate workers for these physical restrictions and lost work days regardless of fault.

Fighting for Full Compensation

If you have a work-related rotator cuff tear or shoulder injury, contact the Massachusetts workers’ compensation lawyers at Kantrovitz & Associated today. We are dedicated to protecting your rights throughout the filing and administrative hearing process. Even if your claim has been denied, we can help you seek review and improve your chances of obtaining relief on appeal. Our Boston office is proud to serve Essex, Middlesex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Plymouth, and Merrimack Valley, among other areas. Call 800-367-0871 or contact us online for a free consultation.