A shoulder injury can sideline you from work and make everyday tasks painful. At O’Connor Law, we know how stressful it feels when paychecks shrink while medical bills grow. For 15 years, we’ve stood with injured workers across New York.
Some shoulder injuries also lead to lasting damage that may qualify for a Schedule Loss of Use (SLU) award. A shoulder injury lawyer in the Bronx can explain what Workers’ Compensation covers, what it doesn’t, and what steps you should take right away.
As Bronx Schedule of Loss of Use lawyers, we help workers understand how permanent shoulder damage is measured and how that impacts benefits. Thousands have trusted us, and we secure over $25 million in non-medical benefits every year. Call us today.
Shoulder Injuries on Bronx Job Sites
Shoulders absorb a lot of strain. From construction crews lifting sheetrock to sanitation workers hauling trash, the joint works like a hinge and a pulley. When it tears, sprains, or dislocates, the pain can keep you out of work for months.
We have represented corrections officers injured while breaking up fights, EMTs lifting patients, and city employees hurt by repetitive overhead tasks.
These are not minor injuries. They threaten paychecks and family stability. That is why speaking with a Bronx Workers’ Compensation lawyer matters.
You may wonder why your check is less than your regular pay or why your treatment plan feels restricted. We explain the process clearly and guide you through the system so you do not get lost along the way.
Workers’ Compensation for Shoulder Injuries in the Bronx
Workers’ Compensation in New York covers both medical treatment and lost wages. Shoulder injuries often require MRIs, physical therapy, injections, or even surgery. The good news is you should not pay a dollar out of pocket for approved care.
Lost wage benefits are calculated on your average weekly wage from the year before the accident. Most injured workers who have a temporary total impairment receive two–thirds of that number, subject to state maximums. For many city workers earning about $700 a week, this gap in pay makes it hard to keep up with rent and bills.
Our role is to make sure your injury is fully documented, your disability rating is updated every 60-90 days, and your benefits are pushed forward with the insurance company. We remind our clients that the carrier has a team of lawyers. Why don’t you?
Bronx Shoulder Injuries Lawyer Near Me (914) 595-4502
Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs) and Your Shoulder Case
After a Bronx workplace accident, you may get a notice to attend an Independent Medical Examination. This exam is set up by the insurance company, not your doctor. The IME often tries to downplay injuries and reduce benefits.
We prepare our clients for these exams so they know what to expect. We review the report afterwards and challenge opinions that do not match the reality of the injury. A fair assessment matters because it directly affects how long benefits last.
The Workers’ Compensation Board allows both sides to submit medical opinions. That often means a battle between your treating doctor and the IME. Our firm knows this back-and-forth well, and we push for the truth to be heard.
Maximum Medical Improvement and Permanency
At some point, usually 9–12 months after a shoulder injury or surgery, doctors say you have reached maximum medical improvement. This does not mean you are fully healed. It means your condition has stabilized, and no further treatment will change the outcome.
If your shoulder still has a limited range of motion, that limitation gets measured. A medical form called the C-4.3 must be submitted, and it triggers the next stage of your case. Without that form, the Workers’ Compensation Board will not act.
This is where a shoulder injury attorney in the Bronx becomes important. We keep track of deadlines, gather the medical evidence, and make sure the impairment rating reflects the reality of your injury.
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Schedule Loss of Use and Shoulder Injuries
When a shoulder injury leaves lasting damage, the law measures it as a Schedule Loss of Use. The guidelines look at how much motion you lost in the joint compared to normal function. Pain, weakness, and suffering are not considered—only measurable movement.
Here is how the process works:
- Your doctor issues an impairment rating on the C-4.3 form.
- The insurance company may demand its own IME.
- If the ratings disagree, both sides can argue, cross-examine doctors, or submit legal briefs.
- A Workers’ Compensation Judge decides the percentage.
Any wage replacement you received while out of work gets deducted from the Schedule Loss of Use award. Many workers are shocked by this, but it is the law. We explain it up front so expectations are clear.
Protecting Your Paycheck
Workers with shoulder injuries often ask us: Can I still receive an award if I return to work? The answer is yes. Schedule Loss of Use awards apply regardless of your job status. If you suffered permanent damage, you may be entitled to weeks of compensation based on the impairment percentage.
For example, the maximum loss of use for an arm is 312 weeks. If you lose 20% function, that equals 62.4 weeks of benefits. Multiply that by two-thirds of your average weekly wage, and then subtract any payments already made.
Most workers find this formula confusing, and small mistakes can cost you. A shoulder injury lawyer in the Bronx can make sure everything is calculated properly.
Life After a Shoulder Injury in the Bronx
Even after the case closes, medical coverage continues for treatment related to the injury. That includes follow-up visits, prescriptions, and physical therapy approved under Workers’ Compensation guidelines.
Insurance companies may still push back on treatment requests. We stay with you through these post-permanency stages so you can focus on recovery. Our staff includes parents and workers who understand how much stability matters.
We also remind clients not to be misled by “nurse advocates” or “care coordinators” sent by the insurance carrier. They may present themselves as allies, but their loyalty is to the insurer.
Talk to O’Connor Law Today
At O’Connor Law, we have stood with thousands of injured workers in the Bronx and across New York for the past 15 years. We are a woman-owned, multicultural firm with bilingual staff who speak Spanish, Haitian Creole, Tagalog, and Cebuano.
Our advanced case management system and mobile app give clients real-time updates, because you deserve to know exactly where your case stands. We believe communication should be simple and clear.
If you need a shoulder injury lawyer in the Bronx, call us today. We only receive money if you receive money, and we fight every day so injured workers can keep their families secure.
