Statesboro Shoulder Injury Lawyer

Suffering a Shoulder Injury? Our Statesboro Shoulder Injury Lawyer Team Can Help.

Shoulder injuries can turn even the simplest tasks into painful challenges. You are not alone. Many people suffer serious shoulder damage in accidents at work, while driving, or going through their everyday lives. The road to recovery can be long and expensive.

At Merritt & Merritt Law Firm, we understand how overwhelming this time can feel. Our team helps injured people across Georgia pursue fair compensation so they can focus on healing without the added stress of unpaid bills or denied claims. If you have questions about your injury or need legal help right away, call us for a free consultation at 912-764-3434.

Common Causes of Workplace Shoulder Injuries

Jobs that require physical labor, repetitive movements, or heavy lifting often lead to shoulder problems over time. However, sudden accidents on the job can also cause immediate and severe damage. Regardless of how the injury happened, it can result in weeks or even months away from work. Common causes of shoulder injuries at work include:

• Lifting heavy objects overhead without proper support
• Slipping on wet floors or tripping over cluttered walkways
• Operating malfunctioning machinery or tools
• Repetitive motion from stocking, reaching, or packaging
• Falling from ladders or scaffolding while doing maintenance
• Getting struck by falling equipment or supplies

Shoulder injuries are particularly common in construction, manufacturing, warehousing, retail, and healthcare settings. Even office workers who spend hours each day reaching, typing, or carrying items between locations can experience strain and inflammation in the shoulder joint. Once an injury occurs, everyday tasks like dressing, bathing, or driving can become painful or impossible.

Injured workers often hesitate to file a claim because they fear retaliation or are unsure if the injury qualifies for benefits. However, if the incident occurred on the job or resulted from your work responsibilities, you may be entitled to compensation through the state’s workers’ compensation system. Speaking with a Statesboro shoulder injury lawyer can help clarify your rights and options.

What Medical Treatments May Be Covered by Workers’ Comp

If your shoulder was injured at work, you may be eligible to receive benefits through the Georgia workers’ compensation system. These benefits are designed to cover the costs associated with treating your injury and supporting you financially while you are unable to work. Coverage may include:

• Emergency room visits and hospital stays
• Diagnostic testing such as X rays, MRIs, or CT scans
• Surgery to repair torn muscles, tendons, or ligaments
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Prescription medications
• Medical devices like braces or slings
• Follow up visits with orthopedic specialists

In addition to medical expenses, workers’ compensation may provide income replacement for lost wages during your recovery. If you are unable to return to your job right away or if your earning capacity is permanently reduced, you may be entitled to ongoing payments or vocational training to help you transition to a different role.

Legal support can make a big difference during this time. A Statesboro shoulder injury lawyer at Merritt & Merritt Law Firm can help ensure your claim is documented correctly, advocate for appropriate medical care, and negotiate with insurers on your behalf. That way, you can focus on healing instead of worrying about paperwork or delays.

Working While Recovering from a Shoulder Injury

Returning to work after a shoulder injury can be a gradual process. Some workers can resume light duties within a few weeks, while others may need several months of rehabilitation before they can lift, carry, or perform repetitive tasks safely. In some cases, returning to the same job is not possible due to permanent damage or ongoing pain.

If your doctor determines that you are able to work in a limited capacity, your employer may offer a transitional position. This could include tasks that do not involve heavy lifting, overhead reaching, or forceful arm movements. These modified duties should align with your medical restrictions and be approved by your healthcare provider.

In Georgia, if your employer cannot accommodate your restrictions or if you earn less in your new role than before the injury, you may still be entitled to partial wage replacement through workers’ compensation. It is important to communicate clearly with your doctor, employer, and legal representative to avoid missteps that could impact your benefits.

Claim Denied? A Statesboro Shoulder Injury Lawyer Can Help

Getting hurt on the job is stressful enough. Receiving a denial letter from the insurance company can make things feel even more uncertain. In Georgia, workers’ compensation is supposed to provide financial support and access to medical care when an employee is injured while performing their duties. Unfortunately, the process does not always work as it should. Claims get denied for a variety of reasons, many of which are based on technicalities or incomplete documentation rather than the actual facts.

Common reasons for claim denial include missing deadlines, lack of medical evidence, disagreements over whether the injury is work related, or the employer arguing that the injury was caused by misconduct. These denials can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you know the truth about how your injury happened.

If your claim has been denied or delayed, do not give up. You still have the right to appeal the decision. A Statesboro shoulder injury lawyer at Merritt & Merritt Law Firm can guide you through the appeals process, help you gather additional evidence, and represent you in hearings before the State Board of Workers’ Compensation. In some cases, resolving the issue may involve getting a second medical opinion, requesting a formal review of the case, or filing paperwork to correct errors in your file.

Having someone in your corner who knows the system and understands what documentation is needed can make all the difference. Your focus should be on recovery, not battling bureaucracy. Our legal team will take on the burden of the appeal so you can move forward with confidence.

What Compensation Could Be Available to You

Compensation after a shoulder injury depends on the nature of the injury, how it occurred, and how it affects your ability to work. Workers’ compensation may provide full coverage for medical expenses, a percentage of your lost income, and benefits if you have a lasting disability. If your injury was caused by someone outside your workplace, such as in a car crash while driving for work, you may also have a separate personal injury claim.

The types of compensation that may be available include:

• Medical expenses, including surgeries, therapy, medications, and specialist visits
• Temporary total disability benefits if you cannot work at all during recovery
• Temporary partial disability benefits if you are earning less in a modified role
• Permanent partial disability if the injury results in long term impairment
• Mileage reimbursement for travel to medical appointments
• Rehabilitation services, including physical therapy and vocational retraining
• Settlements or awards for long term pain, reduced quality of life, or permanent damage

Every injury is different, and so is every claim. A Statesboro shoulder injury lawyer at Merritt & Merritt Law Firm will look at your full medical history, work history, and financial impact to calculate a fair value for your case. We never rush the process or settle for less than what you need to recover.

Georgia’s Statute of Limitations for Shoulder Injury Claims

It is important to act quickly after a workplace injury. In Georgia, there are strict deadlines for filing a claim. Most workers’ compensation cases must be reported within thirty days of the incident. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to benefits altogether.

In addition to the thirty-day notice requirement, there is also a statute of limitations for legal action. Generally, you have one year from the date of your injury to file a workers’ compensation claim if no benefits have been paid. If your employer or their insurer has paid any compensation, the deadline may be extended. For third party personal injury claims, the statute of limitations is typically two years.

Because deadlines can vary depending on the details of your case, it is smart to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. Waiting could cost you the compensation you are entitled to receive. At Merritt & Merritt Law Firm, we make sure every form is filed on time and that no deadlines are missed. Let us protect your rights from day one.

Take the Next Step with the Meritt & Meritt Law Firm’s Experienced Team

A shoulder injury can upend your life in ways you never expected. You may find yourself unable to work, unable to enjoy everyday activities, and unsure how to cover your medical costs. That is why legal guidance is so important. At Merritt & Merritt Law Firm, our Statesboro shoulder injury lawyer team is ready to support you every step of the way. You do not need to face insurance companies or court hearings alone. Call us today at 912-764-3434 for your free consultation and let us start working for the justice and compensation you deserve.