Rotator Cuff Injuries in Railroad Workers

A rotator cuff injury refers to any damaged sustained by the group of shoulder muscles and tendons known as the rotator cuff. Connecting the upper arm and shoulder blade, the rotator cuff secures the arm bone in the shoulder joint and has more range of motion than any other joint within the body.

While repetitive strain can injure the rotator cuff tendons and muscles, in many cases, a single traumatic event – such as an accident, fall, heavy lifting or a collision – causes a shoulder rotator cuff injury.

For railroad workers, the risks of sustaining a rotator cuff injury are particularly high, given the physical nature of the job, as well as the possibility of railroad collisions. Due to this increased risk of severe injury, railroad workers are protected by a distinct law, known as the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA), should they experience a rotator cuff injury on-the-job.

If you are a railroad worker who is suffering from a rotator cuff injury, contact the experienced FELA attorneys at Gordon & Elias, L.L.P. for help today. We will evaluate the details of your injury and fight to ensure you are fully compensated for any losses incurred.

Shoulder Dislocation

A shoulder dislocation is a particular type of rotator cuff injury in which the shoulder is distorted upwards and backwards, pulling the shoulder out of its socket. This painful injury is typically caused by the impact of some force, such as a railroad collision or a fall.

Railroad workers who dislocate their shoulder will usually experience:

  • difficulty moving the arm
  • severe shoulder pain
  • tenderness, when the side of the dislocated shoulder is touched

Should railroad employees start developing any of the above symptoms following an accident or some kind of trauma, it's essential that they see a doctor immediately to prevent further muscle and tendon damage.

Rotator Cuff Tear

When tendons around the shoulder joint are strained, stretched or ripped, a person will experience a rotator cuff tear, which is usually marked by:

  • a sudden tearing sensation in the shoulder
  • limited range of motion in the shoulder
  • severe arm and shoulder pain
  • tenderness at the site of the tendon damage
  • the inability to raise the arms to the side (abductly) without help

As with shoulder dislocations, rotator cuff tears can be caused by falls, collisions and/or heavy lifting.

Following a Rotator Cuff Injury: Medical and Legal Resources

Injured railroad employees should seek emergency medical attention to prevent further, possibly permanent damage to their health.

Once their health is stable, it's also essential that they meet with an experienced FELA attorney to find out if FELA entitles them to a settlement for their injuries and losses (FELA awards are typically higher than workers' compensation settlements, so it's important for railroad employees to explore this option before filing a workers' compensation claim).

At Gordon & Elias, L.L.P., we will evaluate your individual circumstances and investigate the accident to determine the best legal strategy. All initial consultations are free and we will not accept payment unless a settlement or court award is reached.

For more information, call us directly at (800) 773-6770. We stand ready to help you recover the compensation you are entitled to.