Average Workers’ Comp Settlement For Shoulder Surgery
The average workers’ comp settlement for a shoulder injury requiring surgery is $49,838 as of the most recent data.
This settlement amount is broken down into two categories, medical and indemnity. The medical portion, or the portion directly covering the cost of medical expenses was $25,821. The indemnity, or what was paid as compensation, was $24,017.
Keep reading to see a full breakdown of compensation related to shoulder injuries in the workplace.

Factors Affecting Settlement For Shoulder Surgery
Multiple factors play into how much you can expect as a settlement for your workplace shoulder injury, including the severity of the injury, impact on work ability, medical costs and long term consequences.
Severity & Type Of Injury
The severity and type of shoulder injury play a crucial role in determining settlement amounts. More severe injuries, such as torn rotator cuffs that require surgery or cause long-term disability, can lead to settlements in the six-figure range, particularly if there is permanent disability involved. On the other hand, minor injuries like partial tears or frayed muscles often result in smaller settlements, typically in the low five figures.
Impact On Work Ability
Another key factor is how the injury affects your ability to work. If the injury prevents you from working entirely, the value of your case will be higher. Even if you can work but at a lower wage, your claim may still be worth more than if you were able to continue working at your previous salary. Injuries that impose permanent work restrictions or reduce future earning capacity will also increase the settlement value.
Medical Costs
The medical treatment required for the injury significantly influences the potential settlement as well. More intensive treatments and higher medical costs, especially when future medical needs like ongoing therapy or additional surgeries are required, will generally increase the settlement amount. Reaching Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) is often essential before considering a settlement, as it helps to fully assess the long-term impact of the injury.
Long Term Effects
The long-term consequences of the injury are another important consideration. Injuries with lasting complications tend to result in higher settlements, and physicians assigning a permanent impairment rating after MMI can significantly influence the final amount. Other factors that may affect the settlement include your pre-injury wage and work history, whether the injury involves multiple body parts, and specific laws and regulations in your state.
Is Your Shoulder Surgery Eligible For Workers’ Compensation?
When seeking compensation for a shoulder injury that requires surgery, several factors are crucial in determining eligibility for workers' compensation.
Did The Injury Happen Due To Work Duties?
First and foremost, the injury must be work-related, meaning there should be a clear causal link between the injury and the employee's job duties or workplace conditions. The injury must occur while performing work tasks or on work premises during employment hours.
Does The Injury Impact Your Ability To Work?
The impact of the injury on the employee's ability to work is another key consideration. The injury must be severe enough to hinder the ability to work for several days, and injuries that result in extended time off or permanent work restrictions are more likely to meet eligibility criteria.
Did You Report The Injury In A Timely Manner?
Timely reporting and documentation are essential for a successful claim. Employees must report the injury to their employer within the timeframe required by state law, and a prompt medical evaluation is necessary to establish the injury's work-related nature.
Make sure to check your local laws and regulations around reporting workplace injuries.
Does Your Employment Status Warrant Workers’ Compensation?
Employment status also plays a role in determining eligibility. Most full-time and part-time employees are covered by workers' compensation, while independent contractors and freelancers are generally not eligible.
Is The Surgery Medically Necessary?
The surgery itself must be deemed medically necessary, and a qualified physician must confirm that surgery is required to treat the work-related injury. Medical documentation supporting the need for surgery is critical.
Did You Have A Pre-Exisiting Condition?
Pre-existing conditions can complicate claims, but if a pre-existing shoulder issue is aggravated by work activities, it may still be covered. However, the work-related aggravation must be clearly demonstrated and documented.
Does Surgery Increase Workers Comp Settlements?
Yes, surgery can significantly increase workers' compensation settlements. The reason is that surgeries typically indicate a more severe injury, which often results in higher medical costs, longer recovery times, and sometimes permanent work restrictions or disabilities. Here are a few ways in which surgery impacts the settlement amount:
Higher Medical Costs: Surgery usually involves expensive medical procedures, hospitalization, follow-up care, and physical therapy. The more extensive the treatment, the higher the compensation needed to cover these costs.
Longer Recovery Time: Surgeries often require extended periods of recovery, during which the injured worker may be unable to work. Compensation will typically account for lost wages during this time, increasing the settlement amount.
Permanent Disability: Some surgeries result in permanent disability or reduced physical function, especially in cases involving serious injuries like torn rotator cuffs or fractures. If surgery leads to long-term or permanent work restrictions, this can substantially increase the settlement.
Future Medical Expenses: If surgery necessitates ongoing medical care, such as additional surgeries or long-term rehabilitation, future medical needs will be factored into the settlement amount.
Increased Compensation for Pain and Suffering: While workers’ compensation generally does not cover pain and suffering directly, the severity of the injury, surgery, and long-term effects can lead to a larger payout to account for the overall impact on the worker's life.
Overall, surgery can lead to higher settlements because it reflects a more serious injury with greater medical costs, longer recovery times, and a potentially greater impact on the worker’s ability to earn a living.
Takeaway
The average workers' compensation settlement for a shoulder injury is $49,838, according to recent data. However, this figure can vary significantly depending on several factors, such as the severity of your injury, whether surgery is required, how the injury affects your ability to work, and the overall medical costs involved. Each case is unique, and your specific settlement amount could be higher or lower based on these details.
For the best understanding of what you can expect from your claim, it’s important to speak with an experienced workers' compensation attorney. At Shultz Legal, we offer free consultations to ensure you are getting the compensation you deserve. Let us help guide you through the process and maximize your potential settlement.