Whether you lift, push, pull, reach, or type for a living, your arms and shoulders are essential to your job. When injured, even basic tasks can become difficult or impossible — and unfortunately, insurance companies often try to delay care or minimize how serious these injuries really are.
At Employees First Labor Law, we help injured workers across California get the medical treatment, disability payments, and permanent compensation they deserve for arm and shoulder injuries. Here’s what you need to know.
Common Work-Related Arm & Shoulder Injuries
Arm and shoulder injuries can result from a single accident or repetitive use over time. Common work-related conditions include:
- Rotator cuff tears
- Shoulder impingement syndrome
- Labral tears (SLAP tears)
- Bursitis or tendonitis
- Fractured or dislocated shoulder
- Tennis or golfer’s elbow
- Carpal tunnel or cubital tunnel syndrome
- Ulnar nerve entrapment
- Forearm or wrist fractures
- Muscle strains or sprains
These injuries are often caused by:
- Lifting heavy objects
- Overhead reaching or repetitive motion
- Slips and falls
- Falling objects
- Pushing or pulling tasks
- Workstation ergonomic issues (especially in office settings)
Are Arm and Shoulder Injuries Covered by Workers’ Comp?
Yes. If your injury arose out of your employment — whether from a sudden accident or wear-and-tear over time — it is likely covered under California’s workers’ compensation laws.
You may be entitled to:
- Free medical care with no out-of-pocket costs
- Temporary disability payments while you’re unable to work
- Permanent disability compensation for lasting damage
- Mileage reimbursement for medical visits
- Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits (SJDB) if you can’t return to your old job
Learn more about Temporary Disability Benefits »
Common Issues in Arm & Shoulder Injury Claims
1. Denial of Causation
Insurers may claim your injury is:
- Not work-related
- Pre-existing or degenerative
- Caused by “normal aging” or off-the-job activity
Our firm helps you develop medical evidence and timelines to prove the connection to your work duties.
2. Delayed Surgery or Specialist Care
Orthopedic surgeons, MRIs, or EMG studies are often denied or delayed, even when clearly needed. You may be left stuck with conservative treatment that doesn’t work.
We push to get authorizations for surgery, imaging, and referrals — fast.
3. Undervalued Permanent Disability
The insurance company may assign you a low impairment rating, failing to account for:
- Loss of range of motion
- Chronic pain
- Limitations in lifting or using your dominant arm
We help get proper medical reports and, if needed, vocational expert evaluations to support full compensation.
Reasonable Accommodations After Arm or Shoulder Injuries
You have the right to return to work with reasonable restrictions. These might include:
- Modified duties (no lifting, reaching, or overhead work)
- Ergonomic accommodations
- Part-time or light-duty work
- Use of assistive devices or splints
See our full guide to Work Restrictions & the Interactive Process »
How EFLL Fights for Injured Workers
At Employees First Labor Law, we know how painful and limiting arm and shoulder injuries can be — especially when insurance companies try to delay or deny the care you need.
We can help you:
- Get approved for MRIs, EMGs, or surgery
- Change doctors or fight MPN denials
- Challenge low disability ratings
- Maximize your workers’ comp settlement
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📞 Call us now to speak with a workers’ comp attorney
