Your shoulder started aching after that heavy lifting shift. Maybe it was the repetitive overhead work, or perhaps that awkward fall on the job site. Now the pain won’t go away, and you’re wondering if it’s serious enough for workers’ compensation.

The answer might surprise you—shoulder injuries account for nearly 20% of all workplace injury claims, and many workers don’t realize they’re entitled to benefits. Here are some of the most common shoulder injuries covered under Ohio workers’ comp:

1. Rotator Cuff Tears

• What happens: The group of muscles and tendons that stabilize your shoulder joint get torn or damaged from repetitive overhead motions, heavy lifting, or sudden impacts.
• Common causes: Construction work, warehouse lifting, painting, electrical work, or any job requiring frequent arm elevation above shoulder height.
• Warning signs: Sharp pain when lifting your arm, weakness reaching overhead, pain that worsens at night, and a grinding sensation during shoulder movement.

2. Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

• What happens: Tendons in your shoulder get pinched between bones during arm movement, causing inflammation and pain that progressively worsens.
• Common causes: Assembly line work, cashier positions, cleaning jobs, or any repetitive reaching and lifting activities performed throughout the workday.
• Warning signs: Pain when reaching overhead or behind your back, weakness in the shoulder, and discomfort that interferes with sleep when lying on the affected side.

3. Shoulder Dislocation

• What happens: The upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder socket, often tearing surrounding ligaments and muscles in the process.
• Common causes: Falls from ladders or scaffolding, machinery accidents, workplace altercations, or any incident involving sudden forceful movement of the arm.
• Warning signs: Visible shoulder deformity, intense pain, inability to move the arm, numbness in the arm or hand, and obvious swelling or bruising.

4. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

• What happens: Shoulder capsule becomes thick and tight, severely limiting range of motion and causing persistent pain that develops gradually over time.
• Common causes: Often develops after initial shoulder injuries that aren’t properly treated, prolonged immobilization following workplace accidents, or as a complication from other shoulder conditions.
• Warning signs: Gradually worsening shoulder stiffness, inability to reach overhead or behind your back, and pain that persists even when the shoulder is at rest.

5. Shoulder Fractures

• What happens: Breaks in the shoulder blade, collarbone, or upper arm bone near the shoulder joint, often requiring surgical repair and extensive rehabilitation.
• Common causes: Falls from height, being struck by falling objects, machinery accidents, vehicle crashes during work duties, or any high-impact workplace incident.
• Warning signs: Severe pain immediately after injury, visible bruising and swelling, inability to move the arm, and sometimes visible bone deformation.

Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs

Shoulder injuries worsen without proper treatment, potentially leading to permanent disability and chronic pain. Ohio workers’ compensation covers medical treatment, rehabilitation, and lost wages for work-related shoulder injuries—even if they developed gradually over time.

The Law Offices of Tim Misny can help you navigate the workers’ compensation system and ensure you receive the benefits you deserve. When workplace injuries affect your livelihood, I’ll Make Them Pay!^® Call my office at (877) 614-9524 so that I can evaluate your case right away.