If you injured your shoulder while repositioning ventilator-dependent patients as a respiratory therapist in Fountain Valley, you are entitled to file a California workers’ compensation claim. Shoulder injuries from patient handling are among the most common injuries in health care, and they can stem from a single strenuous move or from months of repetitive lifting and pulling. Either way, workers’ comp can cover your treatment and part of your lost wages.
Why Do Respiratory Therapists Suffer Shoulder Injuries?
Respiratory therapists in Fountain Valley hospitals, ICUs, and long-term acute care facilities often help reposition patients who cannot move on their own. Ventilator-dependent patients present unique challenges:
- Patients may be heavily sedated and unable to assist
- Therapists must manage tubing, circuits, and lines while lifting
- Prone positioning and turning often require awkward, sustained reaching
- Short staffing can leave too few people for a safe transfer
- Lift equipment may be unavailable or impractical in tight ICU rooms
What Shoulder Injuries Are Common?
Patient handling places heavy loads on the shoulder joint, often with the arms extended. This can lead to:
- Rotator cuff strains and tears
- Labral tears
- Shoulder impingement and bursitis
- Tendinitis
- Nerve irritation radiating into the arm and neck
Does California Law Protect Health Care Workers Who Handle Patients?
Yes. California requires general acute care hospitals to maintain a safe patient handling policy, including trained lift teams or other support staff and appropriate lifting equipment. Health care workers also have the right to refuse to lift or reposition a patient when that equipment or support is not available, and hospitals cannot retaliate against them for doing so. If you were disciplined for raising safety concerns or filing a claim, you may have additional protections under California employment law.
What Should You Do After a Shoulder Injury at Work?
Protect your claim with these steps:
- Report the injury in writing to your supervisor or employee health department.
- Request a DWC-1 claim form, which your employer must provide within one working day.
- Get medical treatment and describe exactly how the injury happened, including the patient transfer.
- Note staffing levels and whether lift equipment or a lift team was available.
- Keep copies of incident reports and medical records.
If you predesignated your personal physician before the injury, you may be able to treat with that doctor instead of one in your employer’s medical provider network.
Is a Repetitive Shoulder Injury Still Covered?
Yes. Even if you cannot point to one specific moment, years of repositioning patients can cause cumulative trauma that is covered by workers’ compensation. Your doctor should document your full work history, including how often you assisted with turns and transfers.
What Benefits Can a Respiratory Therapist Receive?
Through a California workers’ compensation claim, you may receive:
- Medical treatment, including physical therapy, injections, and surgery
- Temporary disability payments, generally about two-thirds of your average weekly wages
- Permanent disability benefits for lasting loss of strength or motion
- Supplemental job displacement benefits if you cannot return to patient care
How Can an Attorney Protect Your Claim?
Hospital insurers may dispute whether your injury is work related, delay surgery approval, or pressure you back to full duty too soon. An experienced attorney can push back on those tactics and protect your benefits. Learn more about our attorneys and their decades of experience.
Reach Out to PLBH About Your Fountain Valley Shoulder Injury
You spend your shifts caring for others, and you deserve the same care when you are hurt. PLBH is ready to help you secure the treatment and benefits you need. Call (800) 435-7542 today for a free, confidential consultation.