Shoulder Injury Workers' Compensation in Santa Rosa, California

David Lamonica, Esq. · California Workers' Compensation Attorney
Reviewed by David Lamonica, Esq. · Board Certified Workers' Compensation Specialist
Published January 1, 2025
Updated February 5, 2026

Quick Answer

Shoulder Injury claims are common in Santa Rosa's Healthcare and Construction sectors, with settlements typically ranging from $30,000–$60,000. The average workers' compensation settlement in Santa Rosa is $65,400. Your case will be heard at the WCAB office at 50 D Street, Suite 420, Santa Rosa, CA 95404. An experienced attorney who knows the Santa Rosa board can help you maximize your recovery.

Key Takeaways

  • Shoulder Injury settlement values in California range from $30,000–$60,000
  • Santa Rosa area settlements average $65,400 across all injury types
  • Key Santa Rosa industries with shoulder injury risk: Healthcare, Construction
  • Your WCAB office: 50 D Street, Suite 420, Santa Rosa, CA 95404
  • 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

Santa Rosa avg. across all injuries: $65,400

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How Shoulder Injurys Happen in Santa Rosa

Overhead reaching, patient repositioning, and restraining combative patients are leading causes of shoulder injuries in healthcare settings.

Overhead work, carrying heavy materials, and repetitive hammering and drilling cause shoulder injuries in construction trades.

Santa Rosa's economy relies heavily on Healthcare, Construction, 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.

Santa Rosa WCAB Office

50 D Street, Suite 420, Santa Rosa, CA 95404 (707) 576-2391

Santa Rosa has its own WCAB office. Free 2-hour parking on surrounding streets. Paid garage on 3rd Street is one block 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

Covered

Anti-inflammatory medications

NSAIDs and prescription medications to reduce inflammation and manage pain

Typical timeline: Ongoing as medically necessary

Covered

Cortisone injections

Steroid injections into the shoulder joint or subacromial space to reduce inflammation

Typical timeline: Series of 1-3 injections over several months

Covered

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

Covered

Factors That Affect Your Shoulder Injury Settlement in Santa Rosa

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 Santa Rosa

  • 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 Santa Rosa WCAB office is at 50 D Street, Suite 420, Santa Rosa, CA 95404 — arrive early as parking can be limited.

Shoulder Injury Claims in Nearby Cities

Other Workplace Injuries in Santa Rosa

View all Santa Rosa workers' comp info →

Shoulder Injury in Santa Rosa FAQ

What is the average shoulder injury workers' comp settlement in Santa Rosa?

Shoulder Injury settlements in California typically range from $30,000–$60,000. The overall average settlement in Santa Rosa is $65,400. 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 Santa Rosa?

Santa Rosa workers' compensation claims are handled at the WCAB office at 50 D Street, Suite 420, Santa Rosa, CA 95404. Phone: (707) 576-2391. 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 Santa Rosa?

Most shoulder injury cases take 12-24 months to resolve, though complex cases can take longer. The Santa Rosa WCAB caseload affects scheduling. Having an experienced attorney who regularly appears at the Santa Rosa board can help move your case forward efficiently.

Which Santa Rosa industries have the highest shoulder injury risk?

In Santa Rosa, shoulder injury claims are most common in the Healthcare, Construction industries. Santa Rosa is wine country's economic center. Agricultural workers, hospitality staff, and healthcare employees each face distinct injury risks.

Injured at Work in Santa Rosa?

Our attorneys handle shoulder injury claims at the Santa Rosa 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.

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