After shoulder surgery, am I likely to get to work again?

For good advice see a lawyer and if you have questions about this blog, the law or your case write or call me directly. Steve Lombardi, sdlombardi@aol.com and 515-222-1110. I handle all types of personal injury cases including car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, workers' compensation cases. We help truckers all across the country who come through Iowa and end up in an accident. If we need other lawyers from other states we hire them and it costs you no more than what you would pay us; in other words, we split the fee between us. So call 515-222-1110 or email us at sdlombardi@aol.com.
Steve Lombardi, Attorney

That question is not so easily answered. But let's try. After the surgery and as you get closer to when the doctor will release you to return to work, I want you to start thinking about how this Iowa worker's compensation system will evaluate and then value your case. Today let's talk about the doctor and his opinion. You've had surgery, physical therapy has been stopped but the doctor has not yet fully released you. At one point the doctor did release you to light or modified duty about 3 months following the surgery, but right after that the employer fired you. As of yet you have no impairment rating and you're noticing you still having range of motion, pain and weakness issues.

I understand all that so let's outline for you the issues and how you should be thinking about the pain, weakness and loss of function in your shoulder. Here are benchmarks for the doctor and the Commission to consider when evaluating your shoulder to give a permanent impairment rating and to assign permanent restrictions.

1. Range of motion vs restricted motion that allows or doesn't allow the use of the shoulder during work activity.

2. Strength vs weakness that allows you to do the physical work your job requires.

3. Endurance vs fatigue that allows or reduces you ability to work a full day.

4. Pain vs no pain that restricts or allows shoulder use.

5. Confidence in physical abilities vs doubts and concerns that allows or interferes with you being able to do the physical work you've done at work to earn a living.

6. Emotional issues surrounding all of the above that interfere with you being able to do the work you're trained to do.

How does all of this translate to access or reduced access to past employment activities and the activities required in past employment?

After a worker is injured is when they need the support of their employer the most. But injured workers aren't given a level playing field. The company doctor often times is not helping them and the case manager isn't either. The worker is left alone to fend for themselves and to make mistakes that result in lower benefits or fewer weeks of benefits. Some are sent back to work too soon. There is only one person on your side and that understands this system. If your lawyer doesn't understand the nature of this claim you've got the wrong lawyer. Steve Lombardi has practiced in the area of workers compensation for over 30 years. He's tried hundreds of cases for more than one thousand clients. If you'd like help finding a competent lawyer we do assist people in locating a lawyer in Iowa or in Illinois. Call us.

If you have a question about your case, give us a call or drop us an email. LOMBARDI LAW FIRM - 515-222-1110 or sdlombardi@aol.com. If you or your spouse are involved in a work accident contact the Lombardi Law Firm. We will assist you with your claim.
Steve Lombardi, Attorney