Rotator Cuff Compensation

If you’ve suffered a rotator cuff injury at work, you’re automatically entitled to basic weekly entitlements. You can also get an additional lump sum benefit if your injury causes long-term issues. And if your employer’s negligence caused your rotator cuff injury, you might have a common law damages claim.

Basic workers compensation entitlements

If you’ve strained or torn your rotator cuff because of work, you’re generally entitled to workers compensation payments.

Depending on your specific situation, your rotator cuff workers compensation settlement can include:

• Weekly wage-replacement payments (up to 95% of your previous income).
• Coverage for hospital visits and treatment costs.
• Rehab and support to get you back to work.
• Travel expenses between medical appointments.

Crucially, almost all workers are eligible, whether you’re casual, part-time or full-time. All you need to show is that your rotator cuff injury is work-related.

Permanent impairment lump sums

On top of weekly workers compensation payments, you might also be eligible for a lump sum payout if your rotator cuff injury has left you with permanent impairment.

To access this, you’ll need to undergo a Whole Person Impairment (WPI) assessment — a medical evaluation that measures how your injury affects your daily life and overall functioning long-term. The amount of compensation you receive is based on your level of impairment, with higher WPIs resulting in larger payments.

Keep in mind that some states also have a minimum WPI threshold you’ll need to meet before you can claim a lump sum. To see what applies in your state and how it could impact your claim, check out our full guide to permanent impairment lump sum payments.

Common law damages

If your employer’s negligence led to your rotator injury, you could have a common law damages claim.

Common law claims can lead to significantly higher compensation than standard workers compensation — often in the hundreds of thousands. If your rotator cuff injury is severe, you could receive millions.

Beyond your basic workers comp entitlements, a successful common law claim may cover:

• Future lost income and super contributions.
• Long-term medical and rehabilitation expenses.
• Pain and suffering (depending on your state).

If you’ve injured your rotator cuff in a car accident, your compensation will depend on a few key factors, like which state you’re in and who was at fault.

Depending on your situation, your rotator cuff car accident settlement could include:

• Lost income: covering both the wages you’ve lost so far, plus an estimate of your future earnings (if someone else caused the accident).
• Pain and suffering: to acknowledge the emotional and psychological impact your injury has caused.
• Care and support: whether it’s from professionals or loved ones. You may also be entitled to compensation if your injury prevents you from caring for someone who depends on you.
• Out-of-pocket expenses: including medical treatments, travel to appointments, or any necessary home and vehicle modifications.

For a deeper understanding of what you could be entitled to, check out our full guide to motor accident compensation, or reach out to one of our expert rotator cuff injury lawyers for free, personalised advice.

If your rotator cuff injury occurred in a public, private, or rental space due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to a public liability compensation claim. This also applies if the injury happened during a recreational activity, such as skiing or an organised sport.

Depending on your specific situation, your rotator cuff injury payout could include:

• Lost income and superannuation: covering both past wages and your future earning potential.
• Care and support: for yourself and any dependents who rely on your assistance.
• Pain and suffering: compensation for the emotional toll your injury has taken on your life.
• Out-of-pocket expenses: including medical costs, rehabilitation fees, and any necessary modifications to your home or vehicle.

For a more accurate idea of your potential payout, check out our comprehensive guide to public liability compensation or get in touch with one of our expert rotator cuff injury lawyers today. Your first consultation is completely free.

If your rotator cuff injury has left you permanently unable to work, you may be eligible for a Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) claim through your superannuation. A successful claim provides a lump sum to help secure your long-term financial stability.

While the average TPD payout ranges from $60,000 to $450,000, some policies can offer well over a million dollars, depending on the level of coverage and the severity of your injury.

To find out how much compensation you could get for a rotator cuff injury, reach out to us. Our experienced TPD lawyers will take the time to understand your situation, review your policy, and explain your potential payout.

Before starting your rotator cuff injury claim, it’s worth having a quick chat with a lawyer who specialises in this area. In your free consultation, we’ll walk you through how the claims process works, what compensation you might be entitled to, and how your specific injury and circumstances shape your options.

We’ll also check if you’re eligible for extra payouts, like a lump sum for permanent impairment, a common law damages claim, or even a TPD claim if you can’t return to work. The goal is to make sure you know exactly where you stand and don’t leave any entitlements on the table.

Winning a rotator cuff injury claim often comes down to having strong expert evidence, especially if you’re trying to show that someone else was at fault. It’s not just about proving how serious your injury is, but also clearly connecting it to what the other person did (or didn’t do).

That’s why we team up with trusted medical professionals who specialise in rotator cuff and other shoulder injuries, including orthopaedic surgeons, physios, occupational doctors, and sports medicine experts. Their professional assessments provide the medical backing needed to prove your case. And the best part? We cover the cost of all these experts, and you won’t pay anything unless we win your rotator cuff claim.

Once everything is in place, your lawyer will manage the entire claims process so you don’t have to worry about a thing:

• Work-related injuries: we’ll submit your workers compensation rotator cuff claim to the insurer, making sure all medical reports and forms are filed correctly and on time.
• Accidents in public or private places: your lawyer will guide you through the legal process, including filing in court if needed.
• TPD claims through super: we’ll handle the full application to your super fund or insurer, double-checking every detail to avoid delays.

Whatever your situation, we’ll keep things running smoothly and make the process as stress-free as possible — so you can focus on recovery.

Once your rotator cuff injury claim is lodged, here’s what typically happens next:

• Workplace injuries: the insurer reviews your claim and decides whether to approve it. If it’s accepted, weekly compensation payments usually begin soon after. If the claim is denied or the payment seems unfair, we’ll step in quickly to challenge it and fight for what you deserve.
• TPD claims: super funds or insurers generally respond within a few months. Because we prepare your application thoroughly, approvals are common. If successful, we’ll guide you through the payout process and ensure you receive your lump sum without unnecessary delays.

If your rotator cuff claim ends up going to court, the first step is usually a mandatory pre-court mediation. This is a chance for both sides to try to settle the matter without needing a trial. Your lawyer will handle the negotiations for you, so you won’t need to deal with any of the legal back-and-forth.

In many cases, we’re able to secure a fair outcome during mediation thanks to strong preparation and expert evidence. But if the other side won’t make a reasonable offer, we’re fully prepared to take the case to court and fight to get you the compensation you’re entitled to.

If you’ve injured your rotator cuff, acting quickly can make a huge difference for both your recovery and your compensation. Here’s what you should do:

1. Report the injury: always notify the right authority. For work injuries, inform your employer. If it happened on the road, contact your state insurer and the police immediately to create an official record.
2. Seek medical attention: get checked out by a doctor ASAP. They’ll assess your injury, recommend treatment, and provide a medical certificate — which is crucial for your claim. Even minor pain can escalate, so don’t delay.
3. Keep track of your symptoms: note how the injury impacts your day-to-day life — work, physical activities, and even relationships. This helps show the full scope of the injury’s impact.
4. Consult a lawyer: a rotator cuff injury lawyer can explain your options, manage the paperwork, and advocate for the compensation you deserve. The earlier you get advice, the stronger your claim will be.

While the exact amount of compensation you receive depends on the severity of your rotator cuff injury and whether employer negligence played a role, we’ll use the following example to illustrate how a settlement is typically calculated for a rotator cuff injury at work.

Background

Imagine you work in construction in NSW, and while lifting heavy materials, you suffer a severe, full-thickness rotator cuff tear. This occurs because your employer failed to provide you with adequate safety training and equipment. Once your condition has stabilised, you undergo a WPI (Whole Person Impairment) assessment and receive a WPI of 23%.

How your settlement is calculated

Weekly workers compensation entitlements

Based on your injury, you are entitled to weekly workers compensation payments for the period you are unable to work. These payments cover a portion of your lost income, typically around 95% of your pre-injury earnings for the first 13 weeks, followed by a reduced amount for the remainder of your recovery period.

So if you earned $1,000 per week before your injury, you may receive around $950 for the first 13 weeks and a reduced amount after that.

Lump sum payments

As mentioned earlier, some states require a minimum Whole Person Impairment (WPI) to qualify for a permanent impairment lump sum. In NSW, that threshold is 11%. This means that with a WPI of 23%, you’re eligible for a lump sum payment of $74,080.

This amount applies to injuries sustained between 1 July 2024 and 1 July 2025. For the full list of lump sum entitlements by WPI percentage, refer to the SIRA Workers Compensation Benefits Guide.

Common law damages entitlements

In addition to workers compensation, you may also have a common law damages claim because your employer’s negligence caused your injury. This allows you to claim more substantial compensation for things like pain and suffering, future lost income and ongoing medical costs.

In NSW, you need to have at least 15% WPI to make a common law claim. Your WPI easily exceeds this threshold, so you’re eligible to claim.

You can continue receiving weekly payments and treatment costs while your lawyer prepares your common law claim. But if your common law claim is successful, you give up your right to future workers compensation benefits (except medical expenses).

As an example, let’s say you receive $300,000 in common law compensation for your rotator cuff injury.

Your total settlement for a rotator cuff injury at work

Based on this example, your total compensation would include:

• Weekly workers compensation payments (up to $950 per week for 13 weeks, then a reduced amount after this).
• Lump sum for permanent impairment ($74,080).
• Common law damages ($300,000)

It’s important to note that this is just a rough example — your exact settlement depends on the state you’re in, the severity of the injury, the ongoing impact on your ability to work, and the extent of employer negligence.

For a more accurate estimate of your potential settlement, get in touch today. Our expert lawyers will listen to your story and explain how much you can claim — free of charge.

Rotator cuff injury claims typically have strict time limits, but these can vary based on the type of claim and your location in Australia.

If you’re worried you’ve missed the deadline, don’t stress — there are still options. Several states offer extensions in certain circumstances, and our expert lawyers know how to navigate these processes. We’ve successfully helped many clients file late claims and secure the compensation they deserve.

Unsure about the time limit for your case? Contact us for a free consultation, and we’ll walk you through your options and the next steps.

Workers comp rotator cuff injury claims

It’s crucial to report your rotator cuff injury to your employer as soon as possible, preferably in writing. Most states will then require you to file a workers compensation claim within 6 to 12 months of the injury.
For common law claims, the deadlines are also different. In some states, you have up to three years from the date of the accident, while in others, the clock starts when you first become aware that your employer’s negligence contributed to the injury.

Public liability claims

The time limit for filing a public liability claim varies by state. In some areas, you have up to three years from the date of your rotator cuff injury, while in others, the deadline starts when you first realise that someone else’s negligence may have caused the injury.

TPD rotator cuff injury claims

Time limits typically don’t apply to TPD claims unless your policy specifically states otherwise. However, we strongly recommend filing your claim as soon as possible after your injury. As time passes, gathering evidence becomes more difficult, and insurers may be more likely to deny claims.

No, you don’t have to have surgery on your rotator cuff to qualify for compensation. What matters most is showing how your injury is affecting your life and ability to work. Even if you don’t need surgery, things like physiotherapy, pain management, or just taking time off work all count when it comes to your claim.

Your compensation is based on how the injury is limiting you, not on whether you’ve had surgery or not. So, whether you’re opting for surgery or just focusing on rehab, it’s important to keep track of your treatments and how they’re impacting your everyday activities.

Yes, you can still claim compensation for a rotator cuff injury, even if you had a pre-existing condition. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Aggravation of the injury: if an accident or incident has made your pre-existing rotator cuff condition worse, you may be entitled to compensation for the aggravation. The focus is on how the incident contributed to or worsened your condition.
2. Medical evidence: you’ll need medical evidence to show how the injury occurred and how it impacted your pre-existing condition. This could include reports from doctors that explain how the event made your condition more severe or changed its course.
3. Link to the incident: whether it’s from a work-related accident, a car crash, or an incident in a public place, it’s essential to establish that the event contributed to the worsening of your condition. Proving the link between the incident and the aggravation of your injury is key.
4. Ongoing symptoms: even if the injury isn’t entirely new, you can claim compensation for any ongoing symptoms, pain, or limitations caused by the incident. The compensation will generally cover the impact on your ability to work and carry out everyday activities.

If you’re thinking about claiming compensation for a pre-existing rotator cuff injury, it’s a good idea to speak with a lawyer first. In our experience, these claims are more complex: insurers tend to push back harder, so you’ll need stronger evidence to show the extent of your injury and link it to a particular incident or person’s actions.

Our lawyers have decades of experience in claims for pre-existing conditions and know exactly what’s required for success. We’ll help you put together a watertight claim backed by compelling evidence from our network of medical and vocational experts.

We’ve spent over 25 years helping Australians get the rotator cuff injury payouts they deserve. In our experience, some of the most common causes of injuries include:

• Falls: landing hard on an outstretched arm can jolt the shoulder, tearing the cuff. These are common in construction, maintenance, and other height-based jobs.
• Heavy lifting: carrying or lifting weight without proper form or gear is a major risk — especially for warehouse, dock, or trades workers.
• Repetitive strain: overhead tasks done daily (like painting or cleaning) can wear the tendons down over time.
• Direct impact: a heavy blow from a car accident or dropped object can cause acute shoulder trauma.
• Degeneration: as we age, tendons weaken. Long-term manual labour can make older workers more vulnerable to tears.

A rotator cuff or shoulder injury isn’t just painful — it can interfere with almost every aspect of your working life, especially if your job requires physical effort or repetitive movement.

In the days and weeks following the injury, you may find it difficult to:

• Lift or carry objects, even light ones.
• Perform tasks above shoulder height.
• Sit or stand comfortably for extended periods.
• Use a keyboard or mouse for long durations.

These limitations often lead to sick leave, reduced hours, or light duties — all of which can reduce your income and productivity.

Long-term consequences

For many, a rotator cuff injury isn’t just a short setback. Longer-term effects can include:

• Chronic pain or stiffness that limits your physical capabilities.
• Ongoing rehab and medical appointments that disrupt your routine.
• Reduced strength or endurance, especially in manual or trade-based roles.
• Anxiety about reinjury or loss of confidence in physical performance.
• Career shifts or early retirement if you can’t return to your previous role.

Why this matters for your rotator cuff compensation claim

When calculating compensation, insurers and courts don’t just look at your medical bills. They also assess how the injury has affected — and will continue to affect — your ability to earn. This includes:

• Lost wages during recovery.
• Reduced earning potential in the future.
• The need for retraining or a career change.
• Emotional distress and reduced quality of life.

With so much compensation on the line, we strongly recommend speaking with an expert lawyer before starting your claim. We’ll help you uncover the full impact of your rotator cuff injury — not just on your ability to work, but across every part of your life. This ensures you get the highest possible compensation, along with the support and recovery time you deserve.