Pleasantville Workers Compensation Attorneys

The legal challenges following a workplace injury can be daunting. Our workers' compensation attorneys are here to help. With unwavering dedication and specialized expertise, our team is committed to advocating for the rights of injured workers. We ensure you receive fair treatment and proper compensation, allowing you to focus on recovery.

Work-Related Frozen Shoulder & Recovering Workers' Compensation

Each year, hundreds of Iowans sustain work-related shoulder injuries. While some individuals make a good recovery, others develop frozen shoulder syndrome, also known as adhesive capsulitis. This condition is characterized by a loss of range of motion in the shoulder, which can be caused either by immobilization, such as placing the arm in a sling, or by the injury itself. Regardless of the cause, frozen shoulder can be a devastating injury with limited treatment options available.

Causes and Prognosis of Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder occurs when the shoulder joint stiffens due to the thickening and stiffening of the capsule of connective tissue surrounding the joint. The synovial fluid that lubricates the joint can no longer function properly, leading to decreased mobility. The exact cause of frozen shoulder is not well understood, but it often follows a period of immobilization after surgery or a fracture.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, frozen shoulder progresses through three stages:

1. Freezing: Over a period of six weeks to nine months, the joint gradually stiffens.
2. Frozen: The shoulder becomes difficult to move even if pain subsides somewhat. This stage can last between four and six months, making daily tasks challenging.
3. Thawing: Movement slowly returns to the joint over six months to two years, although patients continue to experience pain and limited movement during this period.

Treatment options include pain medications, cortisone injections, and physical therapy. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Surgical interventions involve either manipulation under anesthesia, where the doctor forcibly moves the shoulder to break up the scar tissue, or using small instruments to tear and remove the scar tissue.

Challenges to Frozen Shoulder Claims

Like other workers' compensation claims, establishing that frozen shoulder is work-related can be challenging. Workers must demonstrate that their frozen shoulder resulted from a work injury or a subsequent period of immobilization due to a work-related surgery or fracture. This requires comprehensive medical records, physician testimony, and other supporting evidence.

Workers' compensation provides medical benefits covering all treatment and care costs related to the injury. If surgery or immobilization due to a work injury leads to frozen shoulder, the subsequent treatment and any additional surgeries can also be covered. It is crucial for workers to discuss these connections with their attorney to ensure all relevant treatments are included in their compensation claim.

Temporary disability benefits are available for workers unable to work (temporary total disability) or those returning to work with reduced capacity and wages (temporary partial disability). Permanent impairment might entitle workers to an impairment rating and permanent partial disability benefits, which for shoulder injuries, also consider several other factors.

Returning to Work After Surgery

Whether a worker can be forced to return to work after surgery depends on their doctor's recommendations. If the authorized surgeon states that the worker is unable to work, they should not be forced to return and should receive weekly workers' compensation benefits, provided the insurance company acknowledges the work-related nature of the injury.

If a worker is given light-duty work restrictions, such as lifting up to 25 pounds, they should inform their employer and be willing to work within those restrictions. Keeping a copy of the work restrictions and showing them to the employer if asked to work outside those restrictions is crucial. If issues arise, the worker should notify their employer and contact their surgeon to discuss any problems, which may result in adjusted restrictions.

If the employer cannot accommodate the work restrictions, the worker or their attorney should notify the insurance company to ensure the worker receives temporary total disability benefits. Refusing to try the work offered can lead to negative consequences, including the loss of weekly benefits, potential termination, denial of unemployment benefits, and a reduced value of the workers' compensation claim.

Addressing Non-Compliance with Work Restrictions

It is not uncommon for employers to fail to adhere to work restrictions, sometimes due to communication lapses or the actions of an aggressive supervisor. Workers should keep a copy of their restrictions accessible and inform any new supervisors about these restrictions to prevent issues.

If a worker's restrictions are being followed but they still experience problems, they should inform their employer and contact their doctor, who may need to adjust the restrictions. Proper communication is vital to prevent further injury and ensure compliance with the restrictions.

In the unfortunate event that a new injury occurs while working within the restrictions, the worker should report the injury immediately. Delaying the report can complicate proving that the injury is new and not a continuation of the existing condition.

In summary, frozen shoulder resulting from work-related injuries poses significant challenges for recovery and workers' compensation claims. Proper documentation, communication with employers and doctors, and legal assistance are crucial to navigate these challenges and secure the necessary benefits for treatment and recovery.

Getting Legal Assistance In Pleasantville

Navigating the complexities of Iowa workers' compensation laws can be daunting, especially during the recovery process from a workplace injury. Seeking guidance from a seasoned Pleasantville Workers' Comp attorney is invaluable in ensuring your rights are protected and maximizing your chances of a favorable outcome.

Legal professionals play a pivotal role in gathering evidence, preparing documentation, and advocating for your interests throughout the claims process. Don't risk missing out on the compensation you deserve – enlist the support of a qualified attorney to navigate the complexities with confidence.

The Iowa Workers' Compensation attorney team at Walker, Billingsley & Bair know the importance of protecting your work injury claim from the get-go. That's why we provide this FREE book; Iowa Workers' Compensation - An Insider's Guide to Work Injuries: 7 Deadly Mistakes To Avoid If You Are Hurt At Work. To learn more about what our legal team will do to help you protect your Iowa work injury claim, contact Walker, Billingsley & Bair to schedule a no-cost consultation - 641-792-3595.