Hand and shoulder injuries are among the most common workplace injuries, affecting employees in industries ranging from construction and manufacturing to office jobs and healthcare. These injuries can lead to long-term pain, reduced mobility, and even permanent disability, yet workers’ compensation settlements often fail to cover the full extent of medical costs, lost wages, and ongoing treatment. In some cases, proper legal guidance can ensure faster claim processing by insurers, helping injured workers receive the benefits they need without unnecessary delays. Understanding why settlements fall short and how workers’ compensation lawyers can help is crucial for injured workers seeking fair compensation.
The True Cost of Hand and Shoulder Injuries
Work-related hand and shoulder injuries are more than just an inconvenience—they can significantly impact a worker’s ability to perform daily tasks. From lifting and gripping to typing and fine motor skills, these body parts are essential in nearly every profession.
common Workplace Hand and Shoulder Injuries
Workers in physically demanding jobs are at a higher risk of injury, but even desk workers can suffer from repetitive strain injuries. Some of the most common workplace injuries include:
- Rotator Cuff Tears: Often caused by repetitive overhead movements or sudden trauma.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A painful condition caused by pressure on the median nerve in the wrist, common among office workers and assembly line employees.
- Tendonitis: Inflammation of tendons in the shoulder or hand due to overuse.
- Fractures and Dislocations: Resulting from falls, machinery accidents, or sudden impacts.
Fun Fact: The human hand has 27 bones and over 30 muscles, making it one of the most complex parts of the body. That’s why even a minor injury can have a major impact on daily life!
The Long-Term Impact on Workers
Unlike minor cuts or bruises, hand and shoulder injuries often require extensive medical treatment, including surgery, physical therapy, and long recovery periods. Some workers never regain full function, affecting their ability to return to their previous job or perform certain tasks.
Why Workers’ Compensation Settlements Often Fall Short
Despite the severity of these injuries, workers’ compensation settlements frequently fail to provide adequate coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care. Several factors contribute to this issue.
Insurance Companies Aim to Minimize Payouts
Workers’ comp insurance providers are businesses, and their goal is to pay out as little as possible. They may argue that an injury is less severe than claimed or push for a lowball settlement before the full impact of the injury is known.
Medical Costs Are Underestimated
Many settlements do not account for future medical expenses, such as physical therapy, additional surgeries, or long-term pain management. Workers who settle too early may find themselves paying out-of-pocket for necessary treatments down the line.
Lost Wages Are Not Fully Covered
Workers’ comp typically covers only a percentage of lost wages, and many settlements fail to account for long-term career setbacks. If an injury prevents an employee from returning to their previous job, they may struggle to find comparable work.
Did You Know? Shoulder injuries are one of the leading causes of long-term disability claims in the workplace.
Permanent Disability Is Often Overlooked
Injured workers may be entitled to permanent disability benefits if they suffer lasting impairment. However, settlements often fail to properly calculate the impact of an injury on a worker’s future earning potential.
How Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Can Help
Navigating the workers’ compensation system can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with an injury. Experienced workers’ compensation lawyers at https://workerscompensationlawyer-philadelphia.com play a crucial role in ensuring injured workers receive the benefits they deserve.
Negotiating a Fair Settlement
A skilled lawyer understands the tactics insurance companies use and can negotiate for a settlement that truly reflects the medical costs, lost wages, and long-term impact of an injury.
Ensuring All Medical Expenses Are Covered
Workers’ comp lawyers work with medical experts to assess the full extent of an injury and secure compensation for ongoing treatment and rehabilitation.
Maximizing Disability Benefits
If an injury results in permanent impairment, a lawyer can help calculate the long-term financial impact and fight for maximum disability benefits.
Fighting Denied Claims
Many workers’ compensation claims are initially denied, leaving injured employees without financial support. A lawyer can appeal these decisions and advocate for their client’s rights.
Don’t Settle for Less Than You Deserve
If you’ve suffered a hand or shoulder injury at work, don’t let a lowball settlement leave you struggling with medical bills and lost income. Consulting a workers’ compensation lawyer can make all the difference in securing the compensation you need for a full recovery. Injured workers deserve fair treatment, and with the right legal guidance, they can fight for the benefits they are entitled to.