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Workers’ Compensation: Work-Related Shoulder Injuries in Iowa

In the high intensity of daily work life, it’s not uncommon for employees to suffer various forms of physical injuries.

Mark Chipokas law office at 866 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402

Common Workplace Injuries - Shoulder Injuries in Workers’ Compensation Cases

One of the most prevalent injuries that workers face is shoulder injuries. These can occur in any work environment, though they are most common in physically demanding jobs.

Common Causes of Workplace Shoulder Injuries

  • Repetitive Strain: Performing the same motion repeatedly can put stress on the shoulder joints and muscles.
  • Heavy Lifting: Lifting objects that are too heavy without proper technique can strain shoulder muscles.
  • Falls: Slips and falls can cause serious shoulder injuries, including fractures and dislocations.
  • Improper Ergonomics: Working in positions that do not support the natural structure of the shoulder can lead to injuries over time.
  • Vehicle Accidents: Employees who drive as part of their job may suffer shoulder injuries in case of a vehicle accident.
  • Direct Impact: Sudden impact from falling objects or during machine operations can injure the shoulder.

Common Types of Shoulder Injuries

  • Rotator Cuff Tears: Tear in the muscles or tendons surrounding the shoulder joint.
  • Frozen Shoulder: A condition characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint.
  • Shoulder Dislocation: Occurs when the upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder socket.
  • Shoulder Impingement: Happens when the shoulder muscles rub against the top part of the shoulder blade.
  • Fractures: Breaking of the shoulder bones usually due to a hard impact or fall.
  • Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that helps in reducing friction in the shoulder joints.

Choose An Experienced Workers Compensation Attorney

With Mark’s years of expertise and specialized abilities, Mark and his team will fight for your rights and the compensation you rightly deserve. If you’ve suffered a work-related shoulder injury, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re here to back you and take on insurers and defense teams on your behalf, just as we have for numerous clients throughout Iowa. Call (319) 366-7888 for your free consultation.

Practice Areas

Workers’ compensation is a critical system in place to protect employees who suffer from workplace injuries or illnesses, ensuring they receive the necessary medical attention and financial support during their recovery. Common workplace injuries range from strains and sprains, fractures, cuts, burns, to more severe cases like chronic illnesses due to long-term exposure to harmful substances, or injuries resulting from machinery malfunctions. The nature of these injuries can vary significantly across different industries, with some sectors being more prone to specific types of accidents.


Workers’ compensation plays a vital role in the construction industry, a field well-known for its high-risk work environments and the potential for severe accidents. Construction accidents can range from falls, machinery malfunctions, electrocutions, to being struck by falling objects, each bringing their own set of challenges in terms of both prevention and compensation. The intricate nature of construction work necessitates a thorough understanding of workers’ compensation laws to ensure that injured workers receive the appropriate medical care and financial support.

The roofing industry is notorious for its perilous working conditions, with employees routinely exposed to the risks of falls, equipment mishaps, and adverse weather conditions. Workers’ compensation serves as a vital safety net for roofing professionals, providing essential medical benefits and wage replacement in the unfortunate event of a workplace accident. Roofing accidents can result in a wide array of injuries, ranging from broken bones and concussions to more severe, life-altering conditions.

The manufacturing sector, with its heavy machinery, high-paced environment, and complex processes, is a hotspot for workplace accidents, making workers’ compensation a crucial component of employee welfare. Manufacturing accidents can vary widely, from machinery-related injuries, exposure to harmful substances, repetitive strain injuries, to severe accidents resulting in long-term disability or fatality. Navigating the workers’ compensation system in the event of a manufacturing accident requires a thorough understanding of both the legal framework and the specific nature of manufacturing injuries.

Workers in nursing homes play a crucial role in providing care and support to elderly and vulnerable populations, yet they are frequently exposed to a range of occupational hazards that can lead to serious injuries. From lifting and assisting residents, handling medical equipment, to potential exposure to infectious diseases, nursing home employees face daily risks that underscore the importance of comprehensive workers’ compensation coverage. Injuries in this sector may include back and shoulder strains, slips and falls, needlestick injuries, and more, each requiring immediate attention and adequate compensation to cover medical expenses and lost wages.

Volunteer emergency service employees provide invaluable contributions to their communities, often placing themselves in harm’s way to assist others during crises. However, the very nature of their work exposes them to a high risk of injury, making workers’ compensation a crucial consideration. From responding to accidents, natural disasters, to medical emergencies, these volunteers face potential injuries such as sprains, fractures, burns, exposure to hazardous materials, and psychological trauma.

Workers’ compensation benefits serve as a vital safety net for employees who sustain injuries or illnesses as a result of their work, providing essential financial support and access to medical care. These benefits encompass a range of provisions, including medical expense coverage, compensation for lost wages, disability benefits, vocational rehabilitation, and in some tragic instances, death benefits for the dependents of workers who have lost their lives on the job.

Navigating the intricacies of workers’ compensation in Eastern Iowa can be a daunting task, fraught with complex legal procedures and specific regional policies. Employees who have sustained injuries or illnesses on the job are often met with a barrage of questions about their rights, the extent of coverage they can receive, and the process for filing a claim.

Cedar Rapids Workers' Compensation Attorney

With over 30 years of experience in successfully navigating clients through their workers’ comp claims, Mark Chipokas is a dedicated attorney with a deep understanding of workers’ compensation law, committed to helping his clients maximize their benefits.