Shoulder injuries are some of the most common injuries among railroad workers. They often require surgery and long recovery times which can result in substantial pain, suffering, and lost wages. Thankfully, the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) is designed to compensate workers who find themselves unable to work due to their injuries. For over 30 years, the attorneys at Doran & Murphy have helped railroad workers obtain significant settlements on behalf of railroad workers who suffer shoulder injuries on the job.
How Shoulder Injuries Occur
The shoulder mechanism is a complex ball and socket joint that is repeatedly utilized to complete a wide range of tasks on the railroad. It doesn’t matter if you are a carman, machinist, diesel mechanic, trackman, signal maintainer, engineer/conductor, or a laborer, workers in almost every craft on the railroad must utilize their shoulders to perform their job duties. Any task that requires a worker to manually lift, push, pull, and manipulate heavy objects creates a risk of damage to shoulder ligaments and tendons. That risk becomes even greater when employers fail to provide their workers with suitable tools, equipment, or manpower.
Types of Railroad Shoulder Injuries
Common shoulder injuries include rotator cuff tears, “SLAP” or labrum tears, shoulder dislocations, and shoulder strains. These injuries are not always immediately apparent when they occur. They can start out as a minor pain or discomfort, but if not treated properly, they will continue to get worse and require more invasive treatment options. That is why it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you feel that you injured your shoulder at work. It is also important to report shoulder injuries as soon as they happen, even if it does not seem significant at first. Failure to do so may affect your settlement value.
We Can Help
Obtaining a settlement after an on-the-job shoulder injury is not guaranteed for railroad workers as it is for most other American workers. It requires proof that the railroad’s negligence contributed to your injury. The attorneys at Doran & Murphy know how to establish the railroad’s negligence in FELA cases. We can help preserve evidence and provide crucial guidance after a shoulder injury that will maximize your recovery. Your actions immediately following a workplace injury can greatly affect the value of your shoulder injury settlement. If you have suffered a shoulder injury on the job, call us today for a free consultation. One call can make a BIG difference.
