Sprained my trapezius rhomboid muscle...

by Anonymous
(USA)

I slipped on some water at work and before I could fall I caught myself on the basket next to me. I felt a pain in my upper shoulder and back when it happened. I went to the doctor's office with my manger and the doctor told me I sprained my Trapezius Rhomboid and an unspecified site of my upper shoulder and arm.

The doctor put me on work restriction not to lift more than 10 pounds and not to lift anything over my shoulders. Now I also have to go to therapy. I'm wondering how much compensation I deserve and how I handle this situation at work? Thanks.

ANSWER for "Sprained my trapezius rhomboid muscle... ":

Anonymous (USA):

Your injury is protected under your state's workmans compensation laws, and more specifically by your employer's insurance company. Your injury is relatively minor. As a result you will need to continue therapy until such time as you reach a level of maximum medical improvement (MMI). The level of compensation you may receive will be limited by the classification of your partial disability.

You are handling the matter properly. Because your injury is a relatively minor sprain any settlement you receive will be quite small, if any. The amount of your compensation will be proportionate to the amount of therapy you receive, and the cost thereof.

Additionally, your wages for the time you are at therapy should be partially paid as well. It's normally anywhere from about 65 to 75 percent of your previous wages, depending upon the state in which you live.

Hopefully your employer will pay you full wages during the time you are receiving therapy. Unfortunately, he or she doesn't have to. As a result, the quicker you finish your therapy, the faster your wages should return to 100 percent.

Since laws change frequently and across jurisdictions you should get a personalized case evaluation from an attorney licensed in your state (if you haven't already). Find an experienced local attorney to give you a FREE personalized case review here.

Best of luck,

Law Guy

How Much Is Your Case Worth?