Shoulder Injury Compensation

Claiming for damage to the shoulders

The shoulder is a joint with a high degree of movement, yet it can also take heavy strains. By functioning at the top end of both abilities associated with joints, it can be more susceptible to injury than most.

Shoulder classification

The humerus, which is the bone in the upper arm, the clavicle, which is the collar bone, and the scapula, which is the shoulder blade, all converge to make the shoulder joint along with the attendant muscles, ligaments and tendons. Injuries to the collar bone and humerus are both covered in different articles. Injuries that can be sustained by the shoulder include fractures, dislocation, separation, and rotator cuff tears. Frozen shoulders have an article of their own.

Shoulder injury compensation claims

Should you have suffered an injury to the shoulder that proves to be painful and debilitating and it was as a result of someone else's actions or negligence then you are entitled to claim compensation. If you want to make use of this entitlement then your first action should be to contact a solicitor, from whom you can elicit advice and direction.

The compensation that you can claim will come in two distinct forms. One is known in judicial language as general damages and makes reparation for the hurt you have been subjected to. The other is dependent on the affect that your shoulder injury has had on your wallet, if you have been forced to pay out for treatment or been prohibited from undertaking your job, and therefore lost income, then you may be able to claim these losses back.

The following is a general idea of what you may get in damages for a shoulder injury claim:

• minor muscular and/or tendon injury – maximum of £2800 – recovery within 1 year
• minor injuries - £2800 to £5000 – recovery between 1 and 2 years
• frozen shoulder – maximum of £8100
• severe shoulder injury - £8000 to £31000 – fractures, dislocations, injured nerves possibly limiting shoulder movement.