A shoulder injury at work can instantly throw your life off course. Whether it happened while lifting heavy materials or slipped on a wet floor, the result is the same: you’re in pain, missing work, and needing answers. One of the first questions many injured workers ask is: What is the average workers’ comp shoulder injury settlement in Texas?
Honestly, there’s no standard or guaranteed settlement amount for a shoulder injury. The value of your workers’ comp claim depends on a wide range of factors, including the severity of the injury and how it affects your ability to work.
At The Zimmerman Law Firm, P.C., we help injured Texans navigate the workers’ comp system. With over eight decades of combined legal experience, our team understands how to evaluate claims, advocate for fair treatment, and fight for the support injured workers deserve.
This article will explain why there is no average settlement for shoulder injury workers’ comp cases and what factors influence the amount.
There’s No Single “Average” Settlement—Here’s Why
It’s understandable to want a clear number, especially when facing mounting medical bills and time off work. However, there is no accurate or reliable “average” workers’ comp shoulder injury settlement in Texas.
Each case is different. The value of your settlement depends on a range of factors. No two injuries or careers are alike, so neither are the settlements.
Instead of focusing on an average, it’s more helpful to understand what affects your claim’s value and to speak with an experienced workers’ comp attorney who can help you evaluate your situation.
What Factors Affect a Workers’ Comp Shoulder Injury Settlement?
Understanding the factors influencing the value of a workers’ comp settlement can help injured workers set realistic expectations and avoid delays or undervaluation. Key considerations include the following.
Severity and Type of Shoulder Injury
Not all shoulder injuries have the same treatment. A simple sprain will not carry the same weight as a torn rotator cuff or a shoulder fracture that requires surgical repair. The more serious and long-lasting the injury, the more it typically affects your ability to work, increasing your potential settlement.
Required Medical Treatment
The type and extent of medical treatment you receive significantly impacts your case value. Treatments can range from physical therapy and injections to invasive surgeries followed by long recovery periods.
Ongoing or future treatment needs, like follow-up surgeries, pain management, or rehabilitation, may increase your settlement due to their long-term cost and disruption to your life.
Effect on Income
One of the most significant factors in a workers’ comp shoulder injury settlement is how the injury affects your income. If your shoulder injury forces you to miss weeks or months of work, the lost wages can quickly increase. This lost income is often factored into your settlement, especially if your job involved physical tasks you can no longer perform.
In some cases, the injury permanently limits what kind of work you can do in the future. If you can’t return to your previous position or must accept a lower-paying job, your reduced earning capacity becomes part of the compensation discussion. The more your injury impacts your ability to earn a living in the long term, the more it may increase the value of your settlement.
Disputes in the Claim
Disputes can impact your workers’ comp shoulder injury settlement. Insurance companies or employers may question:
- Whether your injury is work-related,
- Whether your treatment was necessary, or
- Whether your injury is as severe as your doctor reports.
These disputes often lead to delays, denied benefits, or settlement offers that don’t reflect the actual value of your claim.
When these conflicts arise, having legal representation becomes even more critical. A workers’ comp attorney can step in to present medical evidence, communicate with the insurance adjuster, and advocate for the full benefits you’re entitled to under Texas law.
Pre-Existing Conditions
If you had a pre-existing shoulder issue aggravated by a work injury, it may complicate your case. Texas workers’ comp still provides benefits for aggravated conditions, but insurance companies often try to shift blame onto prior injuries.
Talk to a Texas Workers’ Comp Lawyer Today
There’s no reliable average workers’ comp shoulder injury settlement to measure your case against because no two injuries, jobs, or recovery paths are identical. Settlement values depend on your unique circumstances, including how long you’re out of work, the nature of your medical care, and whether any disputes arise.
Having the right legal support matters. At The Zimmerman Law Firm, P.C., our team is committed to making the process accessible and stress-free. We’ll even visit you at home or in the hospital if needed. You don’t pay anything up front, and you’ll always work directly with an attorney who knows your case.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s talk about how we can help you move forward.
Michael Zimmerman
Michael was born in Houston, Texas. His education at Baylor and Texas State Universities earned him a Bachelor of Science degree in 1987. His major was in Biology with a Minor in Chemistry. He finished his legal education at Texas Southern University in 1990, earning a Juris Doctorate from Thurgood Marshall School of Law. He was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 1990.
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