Can I Get Workers’ Comp for a Shoulder Injury in California?

 Posted on October 11, 2025 in Workers' Compensation

A shoulder injury can happen during the course of any type of work. No matter what your job is, shoulder pain can make it difficult to work or handle daily activities. California’s workers’ compensation system is designed to help employees who get hurt while working. If your shoulder injury happened at work or was caused by your job duties, you may qualify for benefits. Our San Benito County, CA workers’ compensation lawyers can help. We will walk you through filing a claim and handle the liable insurance company for you.

Common Types of Work-Related Shoulder Injuries

Shoulder injuries are common in jobs that require lifting, reaching, or repetitive motion. Construction workers, healthcare employees, warehouse staff, and even office workers can all be affected. Some injuries happen suddenly, like when there is a fall or accident. Others develop slowly over time because of repeated strain.

Common examples include rotator cuff tears, dislocations, tendonitis, bursitis, frozen shoulder, and fractures. Even if your pain started gradually, you may still qualify for benefits if your work duties caused or worsened your condition.

How To Prove Your Shoulder Injury Is Work-Related

To receive workers’ compensation, you must show that your job caused or made your shoulder injury worse. You do not have to prove that your employer did anything wrong. Fault does not factor into workers’ comp cases. You only need to show that your work duties led to the injury or contributed to it.

Medical records and doctor reports can help prove this connection. Statements from coworkers who saw the incident or understand your daily job tasks will strengthen your case. You also need to report your injury to your employer within 30 days of realizing it may be work-related, as required by California Labor Code § 5400. However, it is in your best interest to report the injury as soon as possible.

What Will Workers’ Compensation Benefits Cover for a Shoulder Injury?

If your claim is approved, you may receive several types of benefits that help you recover without financial strain. Examples include:

• Medical expenses for doctor visits, surgery, therapy, and medications

• Temporary disability payments to replace part of your wages while you cannot work

• Permanent disability payments for ongoing compensation if your shoulder does not fully heal

• Job retraining with a voucher for education or training if you cannot return to your old job

What To Do if Your Shoulder Injury Claim Is Denied

If your claim is denied, you still have options. Insurance companies sometimes argue that a shoulder injury came from a past issue, age, or something outside of work. You can ask for an independent review from a Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME), who can offer a new medical opinion. You can also file an appeal with the California Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB). Our experienced attorneys can guide you through this process, help you gather supporting medical evidence, and represent you in hearings to protect your rights.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Hollister, CA Workers’ Compensation Attorney

You deserve fair treatment and the full benefits available under California’s workers’ compensation system. At Cramer + Martinez, we are dedicated to helping injured employees recover medical care and wage benefits after a work injury.

Our firm has served clients in Gilroy and nearby communities for nearly 30 years. Together, our attorneys have more than two decades of combined experience focused on workers’ compensation law. We use that experience to guide you through each step of your case and make sure your claim receives the attention it deserves.

Call us today at 408-848-1113 to schedule a free consultation in English or Español with our San Benito County, CA workers’ compensation lawyers.