Shoulder Injury Workers' Compensation in Fresno, California
Quick Answer
Shoulder Injury claims are common in Fresno's Healthcare sectors, with settlements typically ranging from $30,000–$60,000. The average workers' compensation settlement in Fresno is $58,400. Your case will be heard at the WCAB office at 2550 Mariposa Mall, Suite 4080, Fresno, CA 93721. An experienced attorney who knows the Fresno board can help you maximize your recovery.
Key Takeaways
- Shoulder Injury settlement values in California range from $30,000–$60,000
- Fresno area settlements average $58,400 across all injury types
- Key Fresno industries with shoulder injury risk: Healthcare
- Your WCAB office: 2550 Mariposa Mall, Suite 4080, Fresno, CA 93721
- Report injuries to your employer within 30 days and file a DWC-1 claim form
- Free consultation available — represented workers recover 3-5x more on average
- Report shoulder pain immediately, even if it seems minor - rotator cuff tears can worsen over time
Shoulder Injury Settlement Range
$30,000–$60,000
Fresno avg. across all injuries: $58,400
How Shoulder Injurys Happen in Fresno
Overhead reaching, patient repositioning, and restraining combative patients are leading causes of shoulder injuries in healthcare settings.
Fresno's economy relies heavily on Healthcare, making shoulder injury claims a significant portion of local workers' compensation cases. If you've been injured on the job, understanding how your specific industry and role affect your claim value is critical to getting fair compensation.
Fresno WCAB Office
Underground parking is available at the spiraled garage on Van Ness & Tulare. We validate parking for our clients during court appearances.
Shoulder Injury Symptoms to Document
Shoulder pain
Persistent aching or sharp pain in the shoulder, often worsening with overhead activities or reaching behind the back
Weakness with lifting
Difficulty lifting objects, raising the arm, or performing overhead tasks that were previously easy
Night pain
Severe pain when lying on the affected shoulder, often disrupting sleep and indicating rotator cuff involvement
Limited range of motion
Inability to fully raise the arm overhead, reach behind the back, or move the shoulder through normal range
Clicking or popping
Audible or palpable clicking, grinding, or popping sensations during shoulder movement
Arm numbness or tingling
Sensation changes in the arm or hand, potentially indicating nerve involvement or cervical spine issues
Treatment Options Covered by Workers' Comp
Physical therapy and rehabilitation
Strengthening exercises for rotator cuff muscles, range of motion restoration, and functional training
Typical timeline: 8-12 weeks, 2-3 sessions per week
Anti-inflammatory medications
NSAIDs and prescription medications to reduce inflammation and manage pain
Typical timeline: Ongoing as medically necessary
Cortisone injections
Steroid injections into the shoulder joint or subacromial space to reduce inflammation
Typical timeline: Series of 1-3 injections over several months
Arthroscopic surgery
Minimally invasive surgery using small incisions to visualize and repair shoulder structures
Typical timeline: 4-6 months recovery, return to work in 6-9 months
Factors That Affect Your Shoulder Injury Settlement in Fresno
Type of tear
Partial tears settle for 30-50% less than full-thickness tears
Partial rotator cuff tear: $20,000-$40,000 vs. Full tear: $40,000-$80,000
Need for surgery
Surgical cases settle for 2-3x more than conservative treatment
Conservative treatment: $20,000-$35,000 vs. Surgical repair: $50,000-$100,000+
Dominant vs. non-dominant arm
Dominant arm injuries receive 20-30% higher settlements
Non-dominant shoulder: $40,000 vs. Dominant shoulder: $55,000
Success of surgical repair
Failed repairs or re-tears significantly increase value
Successful repair: $50,000 vs. Failed repair requiring revision: $100,000+
Filing Your Shoulder Injury Claim in Fresno
- Report shoulder pain immediately, even if it seems minor - rotator cuff tears can worsen over time
- Describe overhead work, repetitive reaching, and lifting in detail when documenting job duties
- Request an MRI early - insurance often delays imaging hoping the tear will be attributed to aging
- Track activities you can no longer perform (reaching overhead, lifting, sleeping on affected side)
- If surgery is recommended, get a second opinion before proceeding
- Don't settle before surgery outcome is clear - re-tears and failed repairs occur in 20-40% of cases
- Ensure settlement accounts for permanent restrictions like no overhead work or lifting limits
- The Fresno WCAB office is at 2550 Mariposa Mall, Suite 4080, Fresno, CA 93721 — arrive early as parking can be limited.
Shoulder Injury Claims in Nearby Cities
Other Workplace Injuries in Fresno
Shoulder Injury in Fresno FAQ
What is the average shoulder injury workers' comp settlement in Fresno?
Shoulder Injury settlements in California typically range from $30,000–$60,000. The overall average settlement in Fresno is $58,400. Your actual settlement depends on factors including your wages, the severity of your disability rating, your age, occupation, and the quality of your medical evidence.
Where do I file a shoulder injury workers' comp claim in Fresno?
Fresno workers' compensation claims are handled at the WCAB office at 2550 Mariposa Mall, Suite 4080, Fresno, CA 93721. Phone: (559) 445-5051. First, report your injury to your employer within 30 days, then complete the DWC-1 form they are required to give you within one business day of your report.
How long does a shoulder injury workers' comp case take in Fresno?
Most shoulder injury cases take 12-24 months to resolve, though complex cases can take longer. The Fresno WCAB caseload affects scheduling. Having an experienced attorney who regularly appears at the Fresno board can help move your case forward efficiently.
Which Fresno industries have the highest shoulder injury risk?
In Fresno, shoulder injury claims are most common in the Healthcare industry. Agricultural injuries are common here; we know the specific safety regs.
Injured at Work in Fresno?
Our attorneys handle shoulder injury claims at the Fresno WCAB regularly. We understand local procedures, know the judges, and fight for maximum compensation. Free consultation — no fees unless we win.
Settlement values are estimates based on historical California workers' compensation data and are not guarantees. Every case is unique. Consult with an attorney for advice specific to your situation.
How Much Is Your California Work Injury Case Worth?
Get a free, confidential case evaluation from our experienced attorneys. No obligation, no fees unless we win.
We respond within 15 minutes during business hours