Work-Related Shoulder Injuries: Understanding Rotator Cuff Tears, SLAP Tears, Frozen Shoulder & More

At the Law Offices of James F. Aspell, P.C., we have extensive experience helping injured workers in Connecticut recover compensation for serious shoulder injuries sustained on the job. If you've suffered a rotator cuff tear, SLAP tear, frozen shoulder, clavicle fracture, or shoulder dislocation at work, understanding your rights under Connecticut workers' compensation law is essential.

Common Shoulder Injuries in the Workplace

The shoulder is a complex joint that plays a vital role in upper body movement and strength. Workplace accidents and repetitive tasks can place extreme strain on the rotator cuff muscles and tendons, often leading to:

  • Rotator cuff tendinitis or tendinosis from overuse or trauma

  • Shoulder bursitis due to inflammation of fluid-filled sacs

  • Shoulder impingement syndrome that limits mobility and causes pain with overhead motions

  • Rotator cuff strains and tears, either partial or complete

  • Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) caused by immobilization or delayed treatment

  • SLAP tears involving the labrum and surrounding cartilage

  • Clavicle fractures from falls or direct impact

  • Dislocated shoulders, often accompanied by soft tissue damage

These injuries can result from single traumatic incidents (lifting, falls, overhead work) or develop gradually due to repetitive motion. Learn more about workers' compensation coverage for repetitive trauma injuries.

Rotator Cuff Tears: Partial vs. Full-Thickness Injuries

Your settlement may depend on the severity and classification of your rotator cuff injury:

  • Partial-thickness tears involve damage to only part of the tendon. These can occur on the articular side, bursal side, or within the tendon itself.

  • Full-thickness (complete) tears involve a complete rupture of one or more tendons. Some are considered massive tears due to their size or impact.

Regardless of classification, partial tears can be just as painful and disabling as complete ones—especially if they limit your ability to work or require surgery.

We help clients document their medical limitations through Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) and advocate for full compensation.

Acute vs. Chronic Shoulder Injuries

In Connecticut, even pre-existing shoulder conditions may be compensable if a work incident exacerbates or accelerates the injury. Acute tears are easier to connect directly to a work-related incident, but chronic injuries caused or worsened by job tasks are also eligible for benefits—with proper medical documentation.

If your job duties aggravated a prior condition, our firm can assist in securing a treating physician's causation letter that ties the injury to your work environment.

Diagnosing a Shoulder Injury After a Work Accident

Proper diagnosis often includes:

  • Patient history of the incident and reported symptoms

  • Physical examination (e.g., Jobe test, Hawkins test, Drop-arm test, Liftoff test)

  • Imaging tests, including X-rays, MRI, CT scans, or ultrasound

In some cases, diagnostic arthroscopy is required to visualize internal shoulder structures.

If your injury involves nerve compression, neck pain, or spinal injuries, we may also investigate cervical spine injuries as part of your workers' compensation claim.

Frozen Shoulder After a Work Injury

Adhesive capsulitis, or frozen shoulder, often develops due to prolonged immobilization or treatment delays after injury. It presents in three stages:

  1. Freezing – Gradual onset of pain and stiffness (1-10 months)

  2. Frozen – Limited mobility despite decreased pain (3-12 months)

  3. Thawing – Recovery of range of motion (up to 2+ years)

Workers with diabetes, those with sedentary job duties, or injuries to the non-dominant arm are at greater risk.

Frozen shoulder is a compensable consequence under Connecticut law if it results from a work-related injury. We can help you document this secondary condition and pursue extended medical coverage.

SLAP Tears: Labral Injuries from Overhead Work

SLAP tears (Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior) affect the cartilage ring stabilizing your shoulder joint. These tears often occur from overhead tasks, lifting, or trauma. Common types include:

  • Type I: Degenerative fraying of the labrum

  • Type II: Labrum detaches from the shoulder socket (most common in workers)

  • Type III: Bucket-handle tear causing joint locking

  • Type IV: Labrum and biceps tendon damage requiring surgery

Surgical repair may lead to permanent restrictions and affect your long-term ability to return to work. Our team can help estimate future treatment needs and negotiate fair settlements.

Shoulder Dislocations and Fractures

Falls, equipment malfunctions, or sudden impact can result in:

  • Shoulder dislocations (anterior, posterior, or inferior)

  • Clavicle (collarbone) fractures

  • Proximal humerus fractures near the shoulder joint

These injuries can involve ligament tears, rotator cuff damage, and may require ORIF surgery or shoulder replacement.

If your accident caused multiple injuries, we can coordinate treatment and claim benefits for all compensable components of your shoulder trauma.

Workers' Compensation for Shoulder Surgery and Recovery

Treatment for shoulder injuries may include:

  • Physical therapy and injections

  • Arthroscopic or open surgery

  • Debridement, tendon reattachment, or acromioplasty

  • Post-operative rehabilitation and assistive devices

Time to Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) depends on your procedure:

  • Non-surgical care: 3–6 months

  • Surgical recovery: 10–15 months or longer

We'll ensure you receive appropriate temporary total disability benefits during recovery and fight for a strong settlement or permanent partial disability award.

Get the Compensation You Deserve for a Shoulder Injury at Work

Shoulder injuries can be career-altering. Don't let an insurance company minimize your claim.

At the Law Offices of James F. Aspell, P.C., we understand the complexities of workplace shoulder injuries and the toll they take on your health and livelihood. Whether you're dealing with a denied claim, need surgery, or want to discuss a settlement, we're ready to help.

📞 Call (860) 523-8783 or schedule a free consultation online.

Serving injured workers across Connecticut—including those suffering from serious rotator cuff injuries, frozen shoulder, or SLAP tears.