Shoulder & Arm Injuries

Repetitive stress injuries in the shoulders and arms are common among railroad employees whose job requires them to regularly:

  • lift heavy objects
  • regularly put excessive strain on their shoulder joints (either by regularly lifting the arms overheard or taking regular blows to the joint)
  • repeat the same arm movement fairly frequently in the course of their job duties

Railroad Employees at Risk

Railroad workers who have the highest risk of sustaining such shoulder and arm injuries include (but aren't limited to):

If you or a loved one has worked for CSX, Amtrak, Union Pacific, BNSF or any railroad company and has been diagnosed with cumulative stress injuries in the shoulders and/or arms, the most important thing you can do is get thorough medical treatment to prevent further, more serious injuries. The second most important thing for you to do is consult an experienced FELA lawyer to learn more about your legal rights. You may be entitled to a sizable settlement for your injuries and losses.

To schedule a consultation with an attorney experienced in cumulative injuries, contact a railroad lawyer at Gordon & Elias, L.L.P.

Types of Shoulder & Arm Injuries

The most common repetitive stress injuries that railroad workers develop in their shoulders and arms include:

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome, in which nerve damage causes tingling, weakness and pain in the elbow, lower arm, hand and/or fingers
  • Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), swelling of the tendon that runs from the elbow to the wrist
  • Rotator cuff tears, in which a tear affecting the group of tendons that secure the upper arm in the shoulder
  • Dislocated shoulder, in which the upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder joint and causes severe pain
  • Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), in which the development of scar tissue in the shoulder impairs movement and causes pain
  • Shoulder impingement, inflammation of the rotator cuff that causes pain when the shoulder is raised

Shoulder & Arm Injury Treatments

The precise course of treatment for a shoulder or arm injury will depend on:

  • the exact nature of the injury
  • the severity of the injury
  • a patient's individual medical history

In most cases, shoulder and arm injury treatment options include:

  • ice to reduce swelling
  • anti-inflammatory medications
  • steroid injections
  • surgery
  • pain medications
  • physical therapy

FELA Settlements for Shoulder & Arm Injuries

Those who have worked for a railroad company and have been diagnosed with a repetitive stress shoulder or arm injury may be entitled to a settlement for their injuries and losses.

Prospective plaintiffs should contact our law offices to schedule a free consultation during which we will:

  • Comprehensively evaluate the details of your case
  • Determine whether you have a FELA claim
  • Advise you regarding the most appropriate manner in which to pursue your case

If you’ve suffered a debilitating shoulder or arm injury after years of working in the railroad industry, you owe it to yourself to speak with an experienced attorney who can help you seek the compensation you are entitled to. Call Gordon & Elias, L.L.P at 800-773-6770.