A torn rotator cuff is very painful and can be debilitating as well. It is a common shoulder injury for California workers. This is especially true if your job involves pushing, repetitive overhead motions, or heavy lifting. You may wonder if this is covered by California workers’ compensation. The answer is yes, as long as your injury is work related.
At Ratto Law Firm, P.C., our California workers’ compensation attorneys can help you make a torn rotator cuff claim and seek the money you are owed.
How Rotator Cuff Injuries Happen at Work
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. When these tissues are torn or strained, workers may experience:
- Sharp or aching shoulder pain
- Weakness when lifting or reaching
- Limited range of motion
- Pain that worsens at night
- Difficulty performing routine tasks
Rotator cuff injuries can occur in several ways:
Acute Injuries
These happen suddenly, often due to:
- Lifting heavy objects
- Falling on an outstretched arm
- Sudden jerking motions
- Direct impact to the shoulder
Repetitive Stress Injuries
Repetitive motions are common culprits for rotator cuff injuries, including:
- Reaching overhead
- Operating tools or machinery
- Stocking shelves
- Assembly line work
- Repetitive lifting or pulling
Are Torn Rotator Cuffs Covered by California Workers’ Compensation?
Yes. Your injury is covered if it happened because of your work. This includes:
- Full-thickness tears
- Partial tears
- Tendonitis
- Impingement syndrome
- Labrum involvement
- Post-surgical complications
You do not need to prove your employer was negligent. You only need to show that work activities contributed to the injury.
What Benefits Are Available for a Torn Rotator Cuff?
Injured workers may qualify for several types of benefits.
Medical Treatment
Workers’ comp must cover all reasonable and necessary medical care, including:
- Diagnostic imaging (MRI, X-rays)
- Physical therapy
- Steroid injections
- Surgery, if needed
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
- Medications
- Specialist referrals
There are no co-pays or deductibles.
Temporary Disability Benefits
If your doctor says you cannot work or must work with restrictions your employer cannot accommodate, you may receive temporary disability payments. These benefits replace a portion of your lost wages while you recover.
Permanent Disability Benefits
If your shoulder won’t fully recover, you could get permanent disability compensation based on:
- How severe the impairment is
- Your age
- Your occupation
- Medical evaluations
Job Displacement Benefits
If your employer cannot offer modified or alternative work after you reach maximum medical improvement, you may qualify for a Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit (SJDB) voucher to help pay for retraining or education.
Potential Settlement Options
California workers’ comp settlements typically take one of two forms:
- Stipulated Award (ongoing medical care remains open)
- Compromise & Release (lump-sum settlement that closes medical care)
Rotator cuff cases often involve significant medical treatment, so settlement strategy should be considered carefully.
Common Challenges in Rotator Cuff Workers’ Comp Claims
Shoulder injuries are frequently disputed because insurers may argue:
- The injury is due to aging or degeneration
- The tear existed before the job
- The injury happened outside of work
- The worker waited too long to report symptoms
- The job did not involve enough physical strain to cause the tear
Your attorney can help you work through these challenges.
Move Forward After a Rotator Cuff Injury: Hire an Experienced California Workers’ Comp Attorney
A torn rotator cuff not only hurts, it affects your ability to work. This affects your finances and your home life. This is compensable through the workers’ comp system, and in some cases, a separate third-party lawsuit to help you win compensation. Let our team talk you through your options and seek the benefits you’re owed.
Our team at Ratto Law Firm, P.C. provides you with the advice and representation you need. Contact us today for a consultation.