Shoulder Injury at Work in Queensland

Common workplace shoulder injuries

Shoulder injuries in Queensland workplaces include rotator cuff tears from heavy lifting or repetitive overhead work, shoulder dislocations from falls or sudden impacts, labral tears, frozen shoulder developing after a workplace incident, AC joint injuries, and impingement syndrome from repetitive movements. These injuries are particularly common in construction, trades, warehousing, healthcare, and any role involving overhead work or heavy manual handling.

WorkCover entitlements for shoulder injuries

A shoulder injury sustained at work in Queensland may entitle you to weekly compensation payments while you are unable to work or on reduced duties, coverage of medical expenses including orthopaedic consultations, MRI scans, surgery (including arthroscopy and rotator cuff repair), physiotherapy, and medication, rehabilitation support to help you return to work, and lump sum compensation if your shoulder injury results in permanent impairment. If employer negligence contributed to your injury, you may also be entitled to common law damages.

Shoulder injury claim process

The process for claiming WorkCover for a shoulder injury begins with seeing your doctor and obtaining a WorkCover medical certificate, reporting the injury to your employer, your employer lodging the claim with WorkCover Queensland, and WorkCover assessing and making a decision. If your shoulder injury requires surgery, your entitlements may increase. If you develop permanent impairment, you may receive a lump sum payment. ClaimHub Legal can guide you through every step.

Surgery and shoulder injury claims

Many shoulder injuries ultimately require surgical intervention, particularly rotator cuff repairs, arthroscopic procedures, and shoulder reconstructions. WorkCover covers the cost of reasonably necessary surgery. The recovery period following shoulder surgery is important for your claim — your ongoing entitlements to weekly payments and medical treatment continue while you recover. If surgery does not fully restore function, the permanent impairment assessment may reflect this, potentially increasing your lump sum entitlement.

Get expert advice on your shoulder injury claim

Shoulder injuries can be complex, particularly when they involve surgery or result in ongoing limitations. ClaimHub Legal has extensive experience with shoulder injury claims across Queensland. Contact us for a free assessment on 1300 390 394 or through our online free claim check.