Shoulder Injury Workers' Compensation in Los Angeles, California
Quick Answer
Shoulder Injury claims are common in Los Angeles's Healthcare & Nursing sectors, with settlements typically ranging from $30,000–$60,000. The average workers' compensation settlement in Los Angeles is $68,500. Your case will be heard at the WCAB office at 320 W. 4th Street, 9th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90013. An experienced attorney who knows the Los Angeles board can help you maximize your recovery.
Key Takeaways
- Shoulder Injury settlement values in California range from $30,000–$60,000
- Los Angeles area settlements average $68,500 across all injury types
- Key Los Angeles industries with shoulder injury risk: Healthcare & Nursing
- Your WCAB office: 320 W. 4th Street, 9th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90013
- 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
Los Angeles avg. across all injuries: $68,500
How Shoulder Injurys Happen in Los Angeles
Reaching overhead to adjust IV lines, restraining combative patients, and repetitive movements during patient care commonly lead to rotator cuff tears and shoulder impingement.
Los Angeles's economy relies heavily on Healthcare & Nursing, 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.
Los Angeles WCAB Office
Public parking is available at the Grand Central Market garage (paid). We recommend taking the Metro Red Line to Pershing Square station, which is just 2 blocks away.
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 Los Angeles
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 Los Angeles
- 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 Los Angeles WCAB office is at 320 W. 4th Street, 9th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90013 — arrive early as parking can be limited.
Shoulder Injury Claims in Nearby Cities
Other Workplace Injuries in Los Angeles
Shoulder Injury in Los Angeles FAQ
What is the average shoulder injury workers' comp settlement in Los Angeles?
Shoulder Injury settlements in California typically range from $30,000–$60,000. The overall average settlement in Los Angeles is $68,500. 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 Los Angeles?
Los Angeles workers' compensation claims are handled at the WCAB office at 320 W. 4th Street, 9th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90013. Phone: (213) 576-7335. 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 Los Angeles?
Most shoulder injury cases take 12-24 months to resolve, though complex cases can take longer. The Los Angeles WCAB caseload affects scheduling. Having an experienced attorney who regularly appears at the Los Angeles board can help move your case forward efficiently.
Which Los Angeles industries have the highest shoulder injury risk?
In Los Angeles, shoulder injury claims are most common in the Healthcare & Nursing industry. The LA board is notoriously busy. Our team knows how to expedite hearings here.
Injured at Work in Los Angeles?
Our attorneys handle shoulder injury claims at the Los Angeles 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?
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