Ratto Law Firm, P.C. – Northern California’s Trusted Knee & Shoulder Injury Workers’ Comp Attorneys

shoulder injury

For knee and shoulder injury workers comp representation, trust the team at Ratto Law Firm, P.C. in Northern California.

Knee and shoulder injuries can be very traumatic and, depending on the degree of severity of damage, result in permanent damage, and therefore often represent a more significant time away from work (which causes lost wages) and more extensive medical care possibly including surgery and physical therapy.

Need Help Now?

    Step 1/4

    Who was injured?

    Step 2/4

    What type of injury was it?

    Step 3/4

    What is your name?

    Step 4/4

    What is your phone and email?

    While any employee can injure their knee and shoulder at any time, the most common types of work that can cause this kind of serious arm include:

    ● Construction Workers
    ● Warehouse Workers
    ● Delivery Workers
    ● Painters
    ● Builders
    ● And Others That Require a Great Deal of Lifting, Reaching, Bending, or Kneeling

    Knee and shoulder injury workers’ comp claims can be a scary process to approach without knowing what needs to be done to ensure that your case is decided in your favor in a timely manner to offset the impact of lost wages and the coverage of medical expenses in what can be a painful and traumatic chapter of your life.

    The team at Ratto Law Firm, P.C. understands what you are going through and will represent you during this challenging time with compassion and a commitment to see that you are properly reimbursed for any injury that you have sustained.

    How Workers’ Comp Payments are Determined

    The Hidden Toll of Knee and Shoulder Injuries in the Workplace

    Knee and shoulder injuries are among the most common musculoskeletal conditions reported in workers’ compensation claims, especially in physically demanding industries. These injuries can start as minor strains or sprains, but they can quickly become chronic if not properly diagnosed and treated. Torn rotator cuffs, labral tears, meniscus damage, and ligament ruptures, such as ACL tears, can severely limit mobility, strength, and endurance.

    For many workers, these injuries are not just temporary setbacks; they are life-changing events that affect their ability to work and perform daily activities such as driving, dressing, and playing with children. Despite their prevalence, these injuries often go underestimated by insurance companies who may underestimate the long-term consequences and pressure injured workers to return to work before they are ready.

    Why These Injuries Are Especially Common in Certain Jobs

    The occupations listed – construction workers, warehouse staff, delivery drivers, painters, and builders – have a common feature: repetitive overhead movements, heavy lifting, prolonged kneeling, or awkward postures. For example, a warehouse worker who frequently lifts boxes above shoulder height may develop impingement syndrome or bursitis over time. A roofing worker kneeling on hard surfaces for hours may suffer cartilage degeneration in their knees, leading to osteoarthritis.

    Delivery personnel often pivot, twist, and carry uneven loads, placing immense stress on their joints. Even simple tasks like carrying tools or climbing ladders can cause microtrauma, which can lead to sudden, debilitating injuries. Unfortunately, many employers do not provide adequate ergonomic training, appropriate lifting equipment, or scheduled breaks, increasing the risk of avoidable harm.

    The Medical and Financial Burden of Delayed or Inadequate Care

    When insurers deny or delay authorization for medical treatments, such as MRI scans, orthopedic consultations, and physical therapy, the consequences can be serious. Without timely treatment, minor injuries can become more severe, scar tissue can form, limiting range of motion and potentially causing permanent disability.

    Workers may have to “push through” the pain, worsening their condition and increasing the risk of higher permanent disability ratings, but only if the injury is properly documented. Lost wages can add to the stress, as California’s temporary disability benefits typically cover only two-thirds of pre-injury earnings and there’s a cap based on state averages. This shortfall can mean choosing between medical bills and household expenses. Even worse, if an employer disputes the injury as work-related, the burden of proof falls on the employee. This is why skilled legal representation can be helpful and essential in such cases.

    How Permanent Disability Ratings Affect Your Compensation

    In California, workers’ compensation calculates the severity of long-term injuries into a “permanent disability (PD) rating” expressed as a percentage. This number determines the amount of compensation you will receive for PD benefits. Shoulder and knee injuries are evaluated using the American Medical Association’s (AMA) guidelines for evaluating permanent impairment, as well as specific state guidelines.

    However, this process is not always objective, and two different doctors may give vastly different ratings based on their interpretations of range-of-motion tests or imaging results. Insurance companies often rely on doctors who give consistently low ratings to reduce payouts. Ratto Law Firm P.C. works to ensure your injury is fairly assessed.. We may request an independent medical examination (IME) from a trusted expert to challenge inconsistent findings and provide vocational evidence to show how your injury affects your ability to do your regular job or any job in the labor market.

    Your Rights as an Injured Worker in California

    You have the right to choose your own doctor after the first 30 days of treatment (or immediately if your employer does not have an approved network of medical providers). You also have the right to receive any medically necessary treatment for your injury. If your doctor restricts your ability to work, you may be eligible for temporary disability payments. Most importantly, you have the right legal assistance without fear of retaliation from your employer.

    The California Labor Code, Section 132a makes it unlawful for employers to fire, threaten or discriminate against employees who file workers’ compensation claims. If you experience retaliation, you may entitled additional compensation and restoration of your job. Many injured employees unaware of these rights which is why early legal advice can make significant difference.

    Denied Workers’ Comp Claims

    Don’t Let a Joint Injury Derail Your Life—Act Now

    The longer you wait to seek legal assistance, the more difficult it becomes to collect evidence, obtain medical records, and meet crucial deadlines. In California, you are required to file a workers’ compensation claim within one year of your injury, but complications can arise well before that. Do not rely on your employer or their insurance company to act in your best interests. Trust a team that has devoted decades to fighting for injured workers like you.

    Contact the Ratto Law Firm, P.C., today for a free and confidential consultation. Allow us to shoulder the legal burden so you can focus on recovering from your knee or shoulder injury. Your health, livelihood, and future are worth fighting for, and we are ready to fight alongside you.

    Hablamos Español

    Common Knee, Shoulder & Back Injuries FAQs

    Are knee and shoulder injuries covered under workers’ compensation in California?

    Yes. If your knee or shoulder injury occurred while performing job duties—or was significantly worsened by your work—it is typically covered under California’s workers’ compensation system. This includes conditions like rotator cuff tears, meniscus damage, labral tears, bursitis, and arthritis aggravated by repetitive motion or trauma.

    What jobs are most at risk for these types of injuries?

    Workers in construction, warehousing, delivery, painting, roofing, landscaping, and manufacturing face the highest risk due to frequent lifting, reaching overhead, kneeling, climbing, or carrying heavy loads. Even office workers who perform occasional manual tasks may qualify if the injury is job-related.

    What benefits am I entitled to for a knee or shoulder injury?

    You may receive:

    Full coverage for all necessary medical care (including surgery, physical therapy, and medications)
    Temporary disability payments (about two-thirds of your wages) if you miss work
    Permanent disability compensation if you have lasting limitations
    Vocational rehabilitation or retraining if you can’t return to your previous role

    Why might my claim be denied or undervalued?

    Insurance companies often dispute whether the injury is work-related, argue it’s “pre-existing,” or rely on biased medical evaluations that minimize your impairment. They may also delay authorizing critical treatments like MRIs or surgeries, hoping you’ll settle for less.

    How is my permanent disability rating determined?

    A qualified doctor assesses your range of motion, strength, and functional loss using state-mandated guidelines. This translates into a percentage rating that determines your compensation. Small differences in evaluation can result in thousands of dollars in lost benefits—which is why an independent medical opinion and legal advocacy are crucial.

    Can I sue my employer for a knee or shoulder injury?

    Generally, no—workers’ comp is your exclusive remedy against your employer. However, you may file a third-party lawsuit if someone else caused or contributed to your injury, such as a defective tool manufacturer, negligent contractor, or property owner with unsafe conditions.

    Related Articles