If You’ve Injured Your Shoulder at Work Here is What You Should Do Next.

Shoulder injuries at work are all too common and can seriously disrupt your life. If you find yourself in this situation, taking effective action immediately is essential to promote healing and prevent long-term issues. If you’ve injured your shoulder at work, it can take you out of work for weeks—or even permanently. You expect workers’ compensation to help while you recover. But what if your benefits are denied or delayed? This blog explains what to do if you’ve been hurt and are having trouble getting your Massachusetts workers’ comp benefits.

At Bottaro Injury Lawyers, we help injured workers across Massachusetts get the help they need. We know the system, and we fight to make sure you’re treated fairly.

What Does Massachusetts Workers’ Comp Cover?

If you’ve been hurt while working, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation. This includes help with medical treatment and partial wage replacement while you’re out of work.

In Massachusetts, general laws like those in Chapter 152, Section 26 protect injured workers. This includes back and shoulder injuries from specific accidents—like lifting something heavy—or from repetitive motion over time, such as bending, pulling, or carrying throughout the workday.

Common Shoulder and Back Injuries Covered:

• Torn muscles or ligaments in the shoulder
• Herniated discs, sprains, or spinal damage
• Chronic lower back pain from years of labor
• Injuries from lifting, pulling, or falling at work

These injuries don’t need to happen in a single accident. Wear and tear over time can qualify too.

What Benefits Could You Receive When You’ve Injured Your Shoulder at Work?

When your claim is accepted, you may qualify for several key benefits:

Medical Costs Covered

You should not have to pay for treatment out of pocket. Covered medical care may include:

• Doctor visits and follow-ups
• Physical therapy and rehab
• Medications
• Surgery, if necessary

Be sure to see a provider who is authorized under your employer’s workers’ comp insurance. If you’re not satisfied with the care, you can request a change.

Weekly Wage Replacement

If you’re unable to work due to your injury:

• You may receive temporary total disability benefits—around 60% of your average weekly wage.
• If you’re working fewer hours or earning less while recovering, you may qualify for partial wage replacement.

Compensation for Lasting Injury

If your injury results in permanent damage—like limited range of motion, chronic pain, or weakness—you may be entitled to a lump-sum payment. A doctor’s evaluation will determine how much you’re owed.

What If Your Claim Is Denied?

It’s common for workers’ comp claims to be delayed or denied—sometimes unfairly. If that happens, take these steps:

1. Report the Injury Right Away: Tell your supervisor in writing. Document the date and details.
2. Get Medical Treatment: Make sure your doctor notes that the injury happened at work. Keep copies of everything.
3. File with the State: If your claim is denied, you can appeal through the Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents. This process includes important steps like filling out forms, attending hearings, and providing medical evidence. Although you can file the appeal on your own, hiring a workers’ compensation attorney can help you avoid mistakes, build a stronger case, and increase your chances of getting the benefits you deserve.

How Is Permanent Injury Measured?

When a doctor evaluates your injury, they might use a book known as the American Medical Association (AMA) Guides. This book helps them figure out how serious your injury is and how much it affects your everyday life, including your ability to work.

The outcome of this evaluation is called an “impairment rating,” which is shown as a percentage. This number is important because it influences how much money you might receive as compensation. Generally, the higher the percentage, the more financial support you could get. It can also determine whether you will receive a one-time payment or ongoing financial assistance for a long-lasting injury.

For example:

• A shoulder injury that prevents you from lifting your arm above your head or reaching across your body may receive a high impairment rating.
• A back injury that causes constant pain and limits your ability to sit, stand, or move around for long periods could also be rated as a serious impairment.

These evaluations help workers’ compensation insurers and the court understand the long-term impact of your injury on your work and daily life.

If You’ve Injured Your Shoulder at Work, Don’t Fight the System Alone

The workers’ comp system can be confusing—and sometimes unfair. Insurance companies may delay, deny, or underpay your claim. That’s where we come in.

Hiring an attorney who knows the Massachusetts workers’ comp system can make a real difference. At Bottaro Injury Lawyers, we:

• Know how to challenge denied claims effectively
• Work with doctors and specialists to build strong medical evidence
• Deal with the insurance company so you don’t have to
• Fight to get you full and fair compensation under the law

When you’re injured and out of work, you need someone on your side who knows the system and knows how to win.

Why It Helps to Work with a Lawyer

Workers’ compensation law can be hard to navigate on your own. Insurance companies may push back, delay benefits, or offer less than you deserve.

At Bottaro Injury Lawyers, we:

• Gather strong medical evidence for your claim
• Handle communication with the insurance company
• Meet all filing deadlines and legal steps
• Represent you at hearings if needed
• Work to maximize the financial support you receive

Having an attorney means you don’t have to guess or worry—so you can focus on getting better.

Massachusetts Workers’ Comp Claims: Final Thoughts

Back and shoulder injuries can stop you from doing your job and living your life. Workers’ compensation is supposed to help—but when it doesn’t, you need someone in your corner. Please don’t wait and don’t go it alone – Contact us today.

Get Legal Help You Can Count On

If your shoulder or back injury is keeping you from work and you’re not getting the help you need, now is the time to talk to someone who knows how to fight back.

Call or text Bottaro Injury Lawyers at (401) 777-7777 for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7. There are no upfront costs, and you don’t pay unless we win your case.

We can meet with you wherever is most convenient—by phone, at home, or even in the hospital.

It’s good to know Mike Bottaro.