Injuring your neck or shoulder on the job can result in lasting complications and chronic pain. Workers’ compensation settlements for neck and shoulder injuries may cover the medical care and rehabilitative therapy you need and replace part of your lost wages. Still, they won’t cover the pain and suffering you experience from the injury.
In some cases, a person who suffers a workplace neck or shoulder injury could have options for pursuing additional financial compensation through a personal injury claim under New York Labor Law or a third-party claim against someone other than an employer or co-workers.
The Connection Between Neck and Shoulder Pain
The neck and shoulders share large muscle groups, and an injury to one area often affects the other. You may have a sore neck, but the pain's source could be a shoulder injury or vice-versa.
The neck and shoulder area of the body shares nerve connectivity, so what you feel in one area, you likely feel in the other. Shared bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons mean that it's easy for pain to radiate throughout the shoulder and neck area.
Neck and shoulder injuries are serious. Limited range of motion can make it hard to work and complete activities of daily living. The pain and stiffness can affect your sleep, making you constantly tired and sore.
Both home life and work life are impacted even with a minor shoulder injury. When you’re asking, “How much is a neck and back injury settlement?” you may also want to see if you can demand compensation for the impact of the injury on your daily life.
Common Shoulder and Neck Injuries at Work
Examples of some of the most common neck and shoulder injuries NYC workers experience include:
- Bursitis
- Dislocated shoulders
- Tendonitis
- Frozen shoulders
- Overuse or repetitive strain injuries
- Whiplash
- Neck strain from poor posture
- Pulled muscles or sprains from lifting heavy objects
Average Workers’ Comp Settlements for Neck and Shoulder Injuries
So many factors affect how much compensation is available for a neck injury at work and how much compensation is available for a shoulder injury at work.
Many things impact the amount of a potential settlement, including:
- Total medical care costs, including surgery, hospital stays, and doctor's visits
- The cost of physical, occupational, or other rehabilitative therapy
- How much money you were making at the me of your injury (your workers’ compensation wage-replacement benefit is based on this)
- Whether you are permanently disabled
- Whether you will be able to return to work in the same capacity
If you have a valid workplace injury claim under the Labor Law or against a non-employer third party, you may be able to pursue additional compensation, including the full extent of your lost income and benefits for non-economic losses like pain, suffering, and diminished quality of life.
Everyone’s situation is different, and with so many factors affecting your claim, it’s crucial to have legal advice to ensure you’re getting all the benefits you’re entitled to.
How Our Lawyers Can Help with Your Workers' Comp Claim
When you’ve had trouble getting your workers’ compensation benefits, or if you’re curious about whether other legal options exist, it’s crucial to seek solid legal advice. The skilled litigators at The Perecman Firm, are ready to fight for your rights and demand top-dollar compensation for your claim. We offer a free consultation, so contact us today.