Rotator Cuff Tears
According to the Mayo Clinic, “The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, keeping the head of your upper arm bone firmly within the shallow socket of the shoulder.”
Rotator cuff tears are often caused by a single, acute injury, such as a fall or sudden unexpected jerk of the arm or shoulder. Symptoms of a rotator cuff tear include shoulder and neck pain, weakness and limited range of motion. Rotator cuff tears are common work-related injuries and frequently require surgery as treatment. Delaying treatment creates a risk of prolonged or incomplete recovery.
Dislocated Shoulder/Shoulder Instability
The shoulder is the body’s most complicated joint. The shoulder joint moves in almost every direction, which makes it susceptible to dislocation. A dislocated shoulder occurs when the bone of the upper arm pops out of the socket that is part of the shoulder blade. When the shoulder dislocates it can also cause labral tears or Bankart lesions.
Symptoms of a dislocated shoulder may include an obviously out-of-place shoulder, severe pain, weakness, numbness, and inability to move the joint. Treatment for a dislocated shoulder may include physical therapy, medication, immobilization or surgery.
SLAP Tears
SLAP (Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior) tears may involve a tear of the labrum and/or the biceps tendon. Labral tears can occur in the front or the back of the shoulder. Labral tears are common work-related injuries.
Usual symptoms associated with a SLAP tear are pain, decreased range of motion, popping or grinding or locking. Treatment for a SLAP injury may include medication and physical therapy. When those treatments do not heal the injury, arthroscopic surgery may be necessary.
Attorney John A. Hedrick has over 20 years of experience with Workers’ Compensation Law in Raleigh and throughout North Carolina. The Law Office of John A. Hedrick, PLLC provides every client with the personalized attention, guidance and legal counsel they deserve.
If you have suffered a shoulder injury, you should consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. Please contact us by telephone at 919-626-3895, email us at john@johnhedricklaw.com or complete our Free Claim Evaluation form.
From our office in Raleigh, the Law Office of John A. Hedrick serves workers throughout North Carolina, including Asheville, Charlotte, Greensboro, Greenville, Fayetteville, Wilmington and the surrounding areas. If you have questions about your rights, please contact us for a free consultation and evaluation of your claim.
