If you have suffered a SLAP lesion injury at your workplace, you may be eligible for workers' compensation payments. However, the process of claiming workers' compensation payments can be complicated, and you may need the assistance of an experienced workers' compensation attorney to recover the maximum compensation you are entitled to.

In this article, we will explain what a SLAP lesion injury is, how it can occur at work, and the steps you need to take to claim workers' compensation payments for your injury.

What is a SLAP Lesion Injury?  

A SLAP (Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior) lesion is a tear or damage to the labrum, a ring of cartilage that surrounds the socket of the shoulder joint. SLAP lesions can be caused by overuse, trauma, or degenerative changes, and they can result in pain, weakness, and instability of the shoulder joint.

How Can a SLAP Lesion Injury Occur at Work?

SLAP lesions can occur in a variety of occupations, but they are most common in jobs that require repetitive overhead arm movements, such as construction work, plumbers, electricians , mechanics and painting, and assembly line work. They can also occur as a result of a fall or direct trauma to the shoulder.

If you have suffered a SLAP lesion injury at work, you may be eligible for workers' compensation benefits. Workers' compensation is a type of insurance that provides medical treatment, wage replacement, and other benefits to employees who are injured on the job.

What Steps Do I Need to Take to Claim Workers' Compensation Payments?

If you have suffered a SLAP lesion injury at work, you should take the following steps to claim workers' compensation payments:

1. Report your injury to your employer: You should report your injury to your employer as soon as possible after it occurs. Your employer should provide you with a claim form to fill out and submit to their workers' compensation insurance carrier.

2. Seek medical treatment: You should seek medical treatment for your injury as soon as possible. Your employer's workers' compensation insurance carrier may have a list of approved healthcare providers that you can see.

3. File a claim with the workers' compensation insurance carrier: You should fill out and submit a claim form to the workers' compensation insurance carrier. You should include a detailed description of your injury and the circumstances surrounding it.

4. Attend an independent medical examination: The workers' compensation insurance carrier may require you to attend an independent medical examination (IME) with a doctor of their choosing. The IME doctor will evaluate your injury and provide a report to the insurance carrier.

5. Negotiate a settlement: If you have a permanent injury or disability, you may be able to negotiate a settlement with the workers' compensation insurance carrier. A settlement can provide you with a lump sum payment that covers your medical expenses, lost wages, and future damages.

Conclusion

If you have suffered a SLAP lesion injury at work, you may be entitled to workers' compensation payments. However, the process of claiming workers' compensation payments can be complicated, and you may need the assistance of an experienced workers' compensation attorney to recover the maximum compensation you are entitled to.

To ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve, you should report your injury to your employer as soon as possible, seek medical treatment, and file a claim with the workers' compensation insurance carrier. You should also consider consulting with a workers' compensation attorney to help you navigate the complex workers' compensation system.

Remember, the workers' compensation system is designed to protect injured workers, but it is often stacked against them. With the help of an experienced workers' compensation attorney, you can level the playing field and recover the compensation you deserve.