GA Workplace Knee Injury Attorney and Macon Workplace Shoulder Injury Lawyer

Workplace knee and shoulder injuries can be extremely debilitating, especially if you use these parts of the body a lot.  Anyone in the construction or other labor fields can attest to this fact.  If your knees or shoulder have been injured while on the job, you may qualify for compensation through workers’ compensation.  However, it is important that you file your claim correctly as insurance companies always look for a way to deny a claim.  That is why you need a knowledgeable workplace knee and shoulder injury attorney on your side.

The attorneys at the Mann law firm have over 50 years of experience with workers’ compensation claims.  We truly care about our clients and have the knowledge and tenacity to help you fight for your rights.  Call us today at (478) 742-3381 for a free consultation.

The Shoulder

One of the largest and most complex joints in the body, the shoulder moves every time the arm moves. It doesn’t hold weight in the same way as a knee does, but it is undeniably important when you consider its proximity to the neck and head. The joint is of the ball and socket variety, formed where the upper arm bone (humerus) fits into the shoulder blade (scapula). The fit is a fairly loose one, allowing for the greatest range of motion of any joint in the body. That range is also supported by a set of muscles and tendons called the rotator cuff, which itself is protected by a sac of fluid (bursa). Despite all these safeguards, the substantial freedom of movement means that this part of the body is particularly vulnerable to injury.

Common Shoulder Injuries at Work

Shoulder injuries are often caused by repetitive movements. Excessive, recurring motion greatly elevates the risk of sprains, strains, and rotator cuff injuries. A worker who spends lots of time performing repetitive activities such as typing on a keyboard, painting, repairing vehicles on lifts, stocking shelves, filing, or lifting objects (e.g., food trays, construction materials, grocery bags, patients) is at an increased risk for shoulder injury. Jobs that require the majority of the work to be done with the arms out in front of the body or with frequent overhead motion often lead to rotator cuff tears, tendinitis, or bursitis. If you’ve suffered a workplace shoulder injury, it’s essential to consult with a skilled work injury lawyer to protect your rights.

Shoulder fatigue and injury to the rotator cuff can be avoided. To that end, employers should:

• encourage susceptible employees to participate in a pre-shift stretching program
• offer ergonomic workstations
• educate workers regarding proper lifting techniques
• make sure the right tool is available for the job.

The Knee

As the largest joint in the body, and one that has to carry a lot of weight, the knee is a complex structure made up of four basic parts: bone, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. Essentially, every part of your leg comes together at this central location that has to absorb impact and keep you upright every time you take a step. The thigh bone (femur), shin bone (tibia), and kneecap (patella) come together to form the joint. These three bones need something fairly viscous to allow smooth movement when you need to bend or straighten your leg, which is why a slippery substance called articular cartilage covers the ends of the femur and tibia, as well as the back of the patella.

The meniscus is a pair of tough, rubbery, wedge-shaped pieces of cartilage between the femur and tibia that act as a cushion and a stabilizer. This is the cartilage most often referred to when someone has “torn cartilage in the knee.” The bones also need to stay in place. That’s where the ligaments come in, connecting bones to other bones. One set in the knee acts as a brace against unusual movement and controls sideways motion. A second set controls the back and forth motion. The fourth part of the knee are the tendons, which connect the bones to the muscles.

What To Do If You Are Injured At Work

If you are injured while on the job, you should be able to file a workers’ compensation claim for your injuries.  However, there are steps to take after the injury to make sure the process of filing a claim goes smoothly.  You should try to follow these steps:

• Report the injury – Under Georgia law, you must report any work injury to your employer within 30 days of the accident.  This is very important.  You may lose workers’ compensation benefits if you fail to report the incident within this time frame.
• Get medical attention – Your employer will provide you with a list of approved medical providers.  Make sure to keep every record of your medical treatment because this information may be needed at a later time.
• File a claim with the workers’ compensation board – Submit a form WC-14 to the workers’ compensation board and make sure to keep copies for yourself.
• Talk to your employer – Keep your employer updated with any work-related decisions from your doctor.  This may entail any work restrictions and reductions in hours worked.

Call Our Work Injury Law Firm Today

Far too many injuries are caused by the failure of an employer to implement and maintain basic safety measures. Depending on the circumstances of your knee or shoulder injury, you may have a legal cause of action. If you received a debilitating shoulder or knee injury at work, it is important to contact a GA jobsite joint injury lawyer. The worker injury attorneys at the Mann Law Firm can help by reviewing the circumstances, outlining all available options, and guiding you through the legal system. Call us at (478) 742-3381 or fill out our online form. In addition to cases handled in Macon, we are prepared to handle claims on behalf of clients in Dublin, Warner Robins, Milledgeville and other Georgia communities. We would like to meet with you to discuss your case, and we are proud to offer free initial consultations.