Shoulder Replacement After a Workplace Accident in New York

Shoulder Injuries at Work Resulting in a Shoulder Replacement: Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in NYC Explains Your Rights

There are many potential types of personal injuries that could be caused in a workplace accident. One of the most common types of injuries are to joints, particularly the shoulder joint. Damage to the shoulder could come in the form of acute trauma (i.e., an accident such as a fall), or from over-use or repetition (i.e., constantly lifting or raising objects over the head). Although many of these injuries may heal on their own or with minimally-invasive treatment, some shoulder injuries may require surgery. Unfortunately, the most severe injuries may require a shoulder replacement after a workplace accident in New York. If you or a loved one suffered a serious or catastrophic shoulder injury requiring a shoulder replacement after a workplace accident, call our experienced workers’ compensation lawyers in NYC for help.

At O’Connor Law, our workers’ comp and disability law firm is dedicated to helping individuals and their families recover the compensation that they deserve under the law. Whether you are injured in a workplace accident or suffering from a work-related illness, our compassionate team can help you maximize the benefits that you may be entitled to. This is particularly true for very serious or catastrophic injuries such as a shoulder replacement. To learn more about how we can help you, call our experienced workers’ compensation lawyers in NYC to schedule a FREE consultation by dialing (844) 692-6671.

What is a Shoulder Replacement?

When the shoulder sustains injuries that render it unable to properly function, a partial or total shoulder replacement may be necessary. This type of injury could be due to damage to the shoulder (i.e., crushing injuries), damage to the ball of the humeral head or to the socket, or due to extensive damage to the muscles and rotator cuffs that help the shoulder move.

Generally, there are three types of shoulder replacement surgeries. The type depends on the severity of the injuries and the total damage to the joint and tendons or muscles. The three types of shoulder replacements that an injured worker may have include the following:

• Partial shoulder replacement – this is when the head of the humerus (the upper arm bone) is damaged and needs to be replaced. A surgeon will cut the top of the arm bone off and then clean up the socket, and place a metal head (or ball) on the upper arm bone. The tendons and muscles will then help the metal ball rotate in the shoulder joint.
• Total shoulder replacement – unlike a partial shoulder replacement, the socket is also damaged and must be replaced. A surgeon will replace the humeral head with a ball, and then also replace the socket with a metal implant that functions like a groove. Thus, both the arm and the socket are replaced.
• Reverse total shoulder replacement – this type of shoulder replacement effects both the upper arm and the socket. However, the location of the ball and the socket are flipped. This means that the ball is on the body where the socket naturally is (on the shoulder blade) and the socket is on the top of the upper arm (where the ball usually is). The reason for this is because the rotator cuffs may be severely damage or the other muscles may be worn or damaged to the extent that the arm will have trouble functioning normally. This type of replacement can help a person keep some motion and function which might not be present in the other forms of replacements.

Workers’ Compensation for Shoulder Replacements

Workers who need a shoulder replacement due to a workplace accident or illness may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation laws in New York could afford you up to two-thirds (2/3s) of lost wages, medical bills, and compensation for a permanent disability.

Workers who suffer a shoulder replacement may have a schedule loss of use claim. This is because the shoulder and arm may always have a permanent loss of strength, function, and restriction on range of motion—even after it has fully healed. To learn more about this claim, contact our experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in NYC for help.

Do You Need or Did You Have a Shoulder Replacement After a Workplace Accident in New York? Call Us

Shoulder replacements are one of the most significant and devastating types of workplace injuries. This often means it is one of the most high-value claims. Injured workers with this type of personal injury from a workplace accident or illness should always call an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in NYC like ours at O’Connor Law to protect your rights. Learn more about how we can help you by calling to schedule your FREE case evaluation by dialing (844) 692-6671 or by sending us a private message through our “Contact Us” box available here.