For a NYC corrections officer, there are many different ways to become injured in a workplace accident or incident. There are also many different types of injuries that could affect a corrections officer and prevent him or her from continuing to work. One of the most devastating types of injuries includes a shoulder injury, especially one that needs surgery to repair the damage done to it like a SLAP tear. Our NYC workers’ compensation lawyer knows SLAP tears are particularly devastating for a NYC corrections officer because it almost always requires surgery, usually results in a permanent range of motion restriction, commonly causes permanent weakness, and often keeps a corrections officer out of work for months.
This is why O’Connor Law has dedicated itself to representing injured workers and their families, particularly NYC correction officers hurt in the line of duty. We know that the work corrections officers do is important and often hazardous. Our compassionate team and experienced NYC corrections officer workers’ compensation lawyer will fight to protect your rights to ensure you receive the maximum amount of WC compensation you may be entitled to for SLAP tears or other serious workplace injuries. Learn more by calling toll free to (914) 595-4502.
What is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation insurance, also known as workers’ comp or WC, is a no-fault benefits program that employers obtain for the benefit of their workers. Virtually all employers in New York must obtain WC insurance, and nearly all employees are covered by it—even part-time, temporary, or seasonal workers.
Under workers’ comp insurance, employees are entitled to a range of benefits for work-related injuries or illnesses. The most common compensation includes for medical bills and up to two-thirds of lost wages. Other WC benefits include re-training, vocational/occupational therapy, permanent disability, and death benefits for a family.
What is a SLAP Tear?
A SLAP tear is in the upper shoulder where the biceps tendon comes up into the shoulder and forms the cartilage socket of the ball-and-socket joint of the shoulder. The term “SLAP tear” comes from the location and extent of the injury. “SLAP” stands for Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior. This is where the top (superior) part of the shoulder injury extends from the inside (anterior) to the outside back (posterior), making a complete crescent-shaped tear where the biceps tendon attaches.
As a result, the entire shoulder and arm can destabilize—even with minor force, movement, or exertion. This affects any type of push or pull motion, as well as any type of rotation where the ball of the humerus has to rotate in the injured “socket.” The biceps tendon can also become extremely weak because its anchoring point at the top of the shoulder is no longer attached to the bone. This causes weakness in any type of curling motion and, if the tear is significant enough, it can even cause weakness of the top of the forearm with any type of rotational injury (i.e., turning a doorknob type of motion).
Disability Caused by SLAP Tears for a NYC Corrections Officer
A SLAP tear is a serious injury to the shoulder which could take months or even years to properly heal. For a NYC corrections officer, a SLAP tear could mean a significant income decrease and very high medical bills—even with good health insurance. This is because almost all SLAP tears require surgical intervention, prolonged physical therapy or occupational therapy, and other treatment.
Despite even the best surgeon and physical therapy, some SLAP tears may result in permanent weakness and range of motion restrictions. This is particularly true for any type of movements like pushing, pulling, curling, or any strenuous force on the shoulder. For NYC corrections officers, that is nearly every motion of the arm that they need to use on a daily basis.
Workers’ Compensation Can Pay for SLAP Tears for a NYC Corrections Officer
As long as the shoulder injury is work-related, WC benefits can pay for SLAP tears for a NYC corrections officer. This includes SLAP tears that near fully heal and require one or more surgeries, months of physical therapy, or which result in permanent restrictions or limitations.
While most WC adjusters will properly value your injury and this disability, that is not always the case. Sometimes shoulder injuries are blamed on pre-existing injuries from high school or college sports, even though you were previously able to work without pain or limitation prior to your accident. Other times a WC adjuster may deny authorization for surgery or claim that surgery is not required, when in reality surgery is the only way to properly repair a SLAP tear—especially one for an individual like a NYC corrections officer who needs the full strength and support of his or her shoulder joint.
If you or a loved one suffered any type of work-related injury, especially SLAP tears for a corrections officer, call our dedicated NYC corrections officer workers’ compensation lawyers at O’Connor Law to learn how we can help you obtain the maximum amount of WC benefits that you may be entitled to under New York law. Schedule your FREE case evaluation by dialing (914) 595-4502 or send us a private message through our “Contact Us” box available here.
