Riverside Rotator Cuff Injury Claims Lawyers
Fighting for Workers’ Comp Benefits for Injured and Disabled Workers in Riverside
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons in the shoulder. It helps you move your arms away from the body. You are never more aware of your rotator cuff than when you suffer a serious injury and suddenly find yourself unable to move your arm or shoulder without severe pain and functional limitation. Rotator cuff injury can be caused by any number of accidents in the workplace, on the road, or even at home.
At Ochoa & Calderón, our dedicated California rotator cuff injury attorneys have over twenty years of experience helping injured workers get the medical care and benefits they are owed after an on-the-job injury. We work for injured employees suffering from all manner of workplace injuries or illnesses. We know how to build the strongest case for maximum compensation, whether the connection to the work environment is simple or complex. If you were hurt because of your work, you are entitled to coverage for your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. If you were hurt outside of work because of someone else’s negligence, you may be able to recover even more. Either way, we’re here to help.
What Causes Rotator Cuff Injury?
The rotator cuff can be injured in any number of accidents, whenever the shoulder is severely impacted. Rotator cuff injury can also result from overuse or cumulative stress on the shoulder, and it is a common affliction suffered by factory and construction workers.
Traumatic impact. Rotator cuff injury can occur as a result of a sudden impact. Typically, rotator cuff injury occurs when a person falls and catches themselves by their hands, putting severe pressure on the shoulder. Rotator cuff injury commonly results from accidents such as:
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Falls from heights
- Colliding with or catching a heavy object
- Car or motorcycle accident
- Sudden impact during sports
Overuse injury. Rotator cuff damage is often caused by progressive wear and tear over time from repetitive, stressful use. Overuse damage to the rotator cuff commonly results from repetitive movements at work. Cumulative rotator cuff injury can be caused by:
- Constant lifting or carrying heavy objects
- Regular pulling or pushing heavy machinery
- Sports injury, such as throwing a baseball repeatedly over time
California’s workers’ comp law requires employers and insurers to compensate workers for overuse injuries, so long as the injury was caused or exacerbated by work-related tasks. Proving an overuse injury was caused by work, as opposed to outside activities, can be challenging. Make sure you have a savvy workers’ comp attorney on your side to maximize your chances at a full recovery.
Common Rotator Cuff Injuries
There are many different ways in which the shoulder and rotator cuff can suffer harm. The most common rotator cuff injuries include:
- Tendonitis. Tendonitis involves the irritation and swelling of the tendons that connect the muscles to the shoulder bones. Swelling can occur as a result of constant pinching and irritation from overuse of the shoulder over time.
- Bursitis. The bursa is a soft sac that contains fluid to pad the area between the shoulder bones and the rotator cuff. If the shoulder is overused over time, the muscle and bone rub the bursa too much, causing painful swelling and functional limitations.
- Rotator cuff tear. Perhaps the most painful rotator cuff injury occurs when the rotator cuff tendon is torn, either in an accident or from use over time. Tears can go partway through the tendon (a partial tear) or completely through (a full tear). Rotator cuff tears are extremely debilitating and painful, and they can lead to long-term functional limitations.
Symptoms of a Rotator Cuff Injury
Rotator cuff injuries can be mild or severe. Even a mild rotator cuff injury can, however, lead to pain and functional limitations. If you’ve been involved in any kind of accident involving your shoulder, or if you notice any symptoms of an overuse injury, talk to a doctor immediately. Continuing to use your shoulder can aggravate your injury and lead to more severe, long-lasting consequences.
A seasoned rotator cuff injury attorney at Ochoa & Calderón can help you recover compensation for your rotator cuff problems. Watch out for any rotator cuff damage symptoms, including the following:
- Dull ache in the shoulder
- Limited shoulder mobility
- Constant or growing pain that worsens with use
- Difficulty sleeping on the injured side
- Pain when lying down, lifting the arm, or reaching behind the back
- Muscle weakness and inability to perform normal daily activities
Our Riverside Rotator Cuff Injury Attorneys Are Standing by to Help You Recover the Benefits You Deserve
For help getting benefits after an on-the-job injury or workplace illness, call Ochoa & Calderon to discuss your case with a zealous, successful California workers’ comp lawyer. Call 951-901-4444 in Riverside or 844-401-0750 toll-free throughout Southern California.
