Your Guide to CO Workers’ Compensation for Arm & Shoulder Injuries
Understand if your job puts you at risk for arm and shoulder injuries and how to file a claim for workers’ comp benefits in Denver if you’re affected
Arm and shoulder injuries are a common risk for workers in Denver and across Colorado, especially those in physically demanding jobs. In severe injury cases, these injuries can lead to long-term pain and significant difficulty with everyday tasks, both at work and at home.
Understanding the different types of injuries, which workers are most vulnerable, and your rights to workers’ compensation benefits is crucial. This article will guide you through the most common injuries, explain how to file a workers’ comp claim, and offer advice on how to protect your rights if you get hurt on the job.
Are arm and shoulder injuries common in the workplace?
Yes, upper extremity injuries are a concern in many U.S. workplaces, often leading to significant medical bills and days away from work.
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), upper extremity injuries, which included injuries to the shoulders and arms, accounted for approximately 100,400 of the 1,176,340 nonfatal work-related injuries in 2020 requiring time off of work (about 8.5%).
What are the most common shoulder and arm injuries workers experience?
Some of the most common shoulder and arm injuries for workers in Colorado and across the U.S. include:
- Rotator cuff tears. This injury occurs when the tendons around the shoulder joint are torn, leading to pain and weakness. Workplace causes include repetitive overhead movements, heavy lifting, or sudden trauma. Construction workers, painters, and tree trimmers are at high risk.
- Shoulder impingement syndrome. This happens when the tendons or bursa in the shoulder become compressed, leading to pain and inflammation. It’s often caused by repetitive overhead tasks or prolonged use of the shoulder in awkward positions. Roofers, first responders, and factory workers are frequently affected.
- Bursitis. Inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac in the shoulder joint, is often due to repetitive motions or overuse. Workers who perform repetitive tasks, such as carpenters, electricians, and grocery store workers, are prone to bursitis.
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis). Most often caused by repetitive motions over time, this condition causes pain around the outside of the elbow. It most commonly affects workers in jobs like oil and gas, carpentry, and plumbing.
- Shoulder dislocations. This occurs when the upper arm bone is forced out of the shoulder socket, often caused by falls, heavy lifting, or trauma. Law enforcement officers, delivery drivers, and roofers are at higher risk due to the physical nature of their jobs.
- Tendonitis. Tendonitis is the inflammation of the shoulder tendons, often caused by repetitive motion or overexertion. This injury is common in workers who frequently lift or carry heavy objects, such as warehouse employees, movers, and health care workers.
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis). This is a condition involving stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint, usually due to prolonged immobility after an injury. Office employees and truck drivers whose jobs involve extended periods of inactivity are most at risk.
- Fractures. A shoulder fracture typically involves a broken collarbone or upper arm bone, usually caused by falls or direct trauma. Ski resort workers, roofers, farmworkers, and those in transportation are most prone to these injuries.
- Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). This condition involves compression of nerves or blood vessels between the collarbone and first rib, leading to shoulder pain, numbness, and weakness. It is often caused by repetitive overhead movements or carrying heavy loads. Truck drivers, utility workers, and delivery drivers are most at risk.
Injuries to the shoulder or arm in the workplace not only result in pain but also impact productivity and quality of life. By recognizing the causes and implementing proper safety measures, employers and workers can significantly reduce the risk of these injuries.
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Learn about common repetitive motion injuries and how to prove they’re work related so you can get the workers’ comp benefits you deserve.
Can a shoulder injury affect your whole arm?
Yes, a shoulder injury can affect the whole arm. The shoulder is connected to the arm by muscles, tendons, nerves, and ligaments, so an injury to the shoulder can cause symptoms that extend all the way down the arm.
Common issues like rotator cuff tears, impingement syndrome, or nerve compression (such as in thoracic outlet syndrome) can lead to pain or loss of function in the entire arm. In severe cases, movement and strength in the hand and wrist can also be affected.
Why does my arm hurt when I move it a certain way?
If your arm only hurts when you move it in certain ways, it’s most often due to a musculoskeletal issue such as tendonitis, a muscle strain, bursitis, or a rotator cuff injury. These conditions cause pain because specific muscles, tendons, or joints are engaged during movement, leading to discomfort if they’re inflamed, strained, or damaged. Nerve impingement can also cause pain during particular motions when nerves are compressed.
If the pain persists, it’s important to consult a health care professional to diagnose the underlying issue, rule out serious health problems, and begin appropriate treatment.
Can I get workers’ comp for an arm or shoulder injury in CO?
Yes, you can get workers’ compensation for an arm or shoulder injury in Colorado as long as the injury occurred as a result of your job. Colorado requires all employers with 1 or more full- or part-time employees, including family members, to provide workers’ compensation insurance. This means most workers are covered.
Keep in mind that even though workers’ comp is no-fault insurance, meaning you don’t have to prove that your employer is to blame for your injury, you do need to prove that your injury is a direct result of your job, which is often more difficult to do with injuries caused by repetitive stress than one-time accidents.
Additionally, the state has some exemptions for workers’ comp, such as certain agricultural workers, casual employees, and independent contractors, who may not qualify. If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible for benefits, it’s best to consult a local Denver workers’ compensation attorney who can review your employment status and explain your rights.
What workers’ comp benefits can I get after a shoulder or arm injury at work?
For a shoulder or arm injury in Colorado, workers’ compensation can provide the following types of benefits:
- Medical benefits. Coverage for all necessary medical treatments related to the injury, including doctor visits, surgeries, medication, and physical therapy.
- Wage replacement benefits. These provide payments for a portion of your wage loss (typically two-thirds) if you’re unable to work during your recovery or can only work in a reduced capacity.
- Vocational rehabilitation benefits. These provide assistance with job retraining or education if the injury prevents you from returning to your previous job.
These benefits are intended to help workers physically recover and maintain financial stability while healing from their injuries.
How do I file for workers’ comp in CO?
In order to get workers’ comp benefits after an injury in Colorado, it’s essential that you take certain steps. They include:
- Seek medical attention. Visit an employer-approved medical provider to receive a diagnosis and treatment for your arm or shoulder injury. Make sure to tell the doctor that your injury occurred at work.
- Report the injury. Notify your employer in writing within 10 days of the incident. In most cases, a delay in reporting could disqualify you from receiving benefits.
- File a claim. Next, you need to officially file a claim with the Colorado Division of Workers’ Compensation using form WC 15 “Worker’s Claim for Compensation.” You have up to 2 years to do this, but it should generally be done as soon as possible.
- Wait for a decision. Your employer is required to notify their workers’ compensation insurer within 10 days of being notified of your injury, and the insurer has 20 days to review the claim, so you should learn if your claim is accepted or rejected about a month after reporting it to your employer.
If your workers’ comp claim is denied or challenged, it’s highly recommended that you contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to guide you through the appeals process.
Injured your shoulder at work in Denver? We can help!
If you’ve suffered a serious arm or shoulder injury at work in Colorado, it’s crucial that you understand how much your claim is worth before accepting a settlement offer. At The Babcock Law Firm, our knowledgeable Denver work injury attorneys are here to guide you through every step of the workers’ compensation process.
We can assess the full extent of your injury, including past and future medical care and the long-term impact on your ability to work, and ensure you receive the maximum benefits you’re entitled to. Our team will work diligently to gather the necessary medical evidence, negotiate with the insurance company, and advocate for your rights.
Learn more about how we can help you get the full compensation you deserve by scheduling a free consultation with The Babcock Law Firm today.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2021, November 3). TABLE R13. Number of nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses involving days away from work by nature of injury or illness and selected parts of body affected by injury or illness, private industry, 2020: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. www.bls.gov. https://www.bls.gov/iif/nonfatal-injuries-and-illnesses-tables/case-and-demographic-characteristics-table-r13-2020.htm
