Introduction
Shoulder injuries are common in workplaces where lifting, carrying, or repetitive movements are required. They can also result from slips, falls or machinery accidents. These injuries often cause pain, restricted movement and long recovery times, which may affect your ability to work or carry out daily activities. If your shoulder injury was caused by unsafe working conditions or employer negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.
This page explains common shoulder injuries, employer responsibilities, what evidence helps, and how much you could claim.
At a glance
- Around 106,000 workers were injured while handling, lifting or carrying between 2021/22 and 2023/24, a rate of 336 per 100,000 workers (Source: WAAC analysis of the HSE LFS data published 12/2024)
- Shoulder injuries include rotator cuff tears, dislocations, fractures, sprains and frozen shoulder.
- Employers must follow the Health and Safety at Work Act and Manual Handling Regulations.
- Compensation can include pain, suffering, lost wages, medical costs and rehabilitation.
- You usually have three years from the accident or diagnosis to start a claim.
Get immediate treatment and report your injury. Photograph bruising. Note your dominant arm, reach limits and sleep disruption. Keep physio plans and time off details to support your claim.
John Kushnick
Legal Operations Director
National Accident Law
What is a shoulder injury at work?
A shoulder injury is any damage to the muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones or joints in the shoulder area. These injuries may result from sudden trauma or long-term strain. Common workplace causes include:
- Manual handling accidents – lifting heavy or awkward objects without training.
- Slips, trips and falls – leading to fractures or dislocations.
- Repetitive strain – from overhead reaching, typing or repetitive lifting.
- Falling objects – striking the shoulder and causing acute trauma.
- Machinery accidents – involving entanglement or crush injuries.
Examples of shoulder injuries and causes
| Injury type | Common cause | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Rotator cuff tear | Repetitive overhead lifting or sudden strain | Severe pain, weakness, possible surgery |
| Dislocation | Slip, trip, or fall onto the arm | Intense pain, immobilisation, long recovery |
| Fractured shoulder | Falling object or fall from height | Broken bones, restricted mobility, surgery |
| Frozen shoulder | Repetitive strain or injury leading to stiffness | Long-term restricted movement, physiotherapy |
| Shoulder sprain | Sudden heavy lift or awkward movement | Pain, swelling, limited mobility |
Am I eligible to claim?
You may be able to claim if:
- Your shoulder injury occurred at work in the last three years, and
- Your employer failed to provide training, safe systems of work, PPE, or risk assessments, and
- Medical evidence confirms your injury and its link to the accident or working conditions.
If unsure, see Do I have a claim and The claim process.
How much compensation can I claim?
The value of a shoulder injury claim depends on your individual circumstances. Compensation is made up of two parts:
- General damages: for the pain, suffering and impact on your quality of life.
- Special damages: for financial losses such as lost earnings, medical treatment, rehabilitation and travel expenses.
Our compensation calculator uses the latest Judicial College Guidelines to estimate how much you could claim. It considers the type and seriousness of your injuries, multiple injuries where relevant, and any additional financial losses.
When is my employer responsible?
Employers are legally responsible under the Health and Safety at Work Act and the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992. Your employer must:
- Provide training in safe lifting and handling techniques.
- Carry out risk assessments for manual handling and repetitive tasks.
- Provide safe equipment such as trolleys or lifting aids.
- Ensure workstations are ergonomically designed.
- Provide PPE such as shoulder supports if required.
If these duties are breached, your employer may be liable.
Employment status and shoulder injury claims
Shoulder injuries from falls, manual handling or repetitive tasks occur across many roles. If someone else was negligent, your contract type shouldn’t stop a claim. See how employment status affects your claim:
Evidence that strengthens a shoulder injury claim
- Medical records, x-rays, MRI scans and physiotherapy notes.
- Accident book entries and workplace incident reports.
- Risk assessments and training records.
- Witness statements from colleagues.
- Photographs of the accident site or unsafe equipment.
Time limits for shoulder injury claims
You usually have three years from the accident date or the date you realised your injury was caused by work (the “date of knowledge”). Exceptions apply for children and those lacking capacity. See time limits for claims.
New to claims? Start with our work injury claim guide, or see the full work injury claim FAQs.
FAQs
New to claims? Start with our work injury claim guide, or see the full work injury claim FAQs.
Can I claim if I already had shoulder pain?
Yes. If your work aggravated an existing condition, you may still claim. See claims for pre-existing conditions.
What if I didn’t take time off work?
You can still claim. Compensation includes pain, treatment and other losses even if you remained at work. See claims without time off.
Do I need to attend a medical assessment?
Yes. An independent medical expert will examine you and provide a report to support your claim. See What happens at a medical appointment.
Call now for free, specialist advice
We'll put you straight through to an experienced work injury advisor:
- Advice that's right for your case
- Check if you can claim
- No Win, No Fee explained clearly
If you decide to make a compensation claim, we'll connect you with the right solicitor.
Calls are confidential and are handled by our partners at National Accident Helpline. Work Accident Advice Centre (WAAC) is a Claims Management Company regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Ref number: 835858). Registration is recorded on the FCA website https://register.fca.org.uk/.
About the author
Chris Salmon is a legal commentator and co-founder of Quittance Legal Services. He has written extensively about workplace accidents, employment rights and the claims process. Chris's work has been cited in national media and he regularly contributes practical guidance to help injured workers understand their options.
Last reviewed October 2025 by Chris Salmon
External references
- NHS: Shoulder pain and injuries - provides information on shoulder injury causes, treatments, and recovery advice relevant to workplace incidents.
- HSE: Manual handling safety - offers guidance on safe manual handling practices to prevent shoulder injuries in the workplace.
- Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 - outlines legal requirements for employers to assess and reduce risks associated with manual handling tasks.
- GOV.UK: Compensation after an accident or injury - explains the process for claiming compensation for shoulder injuries sustained in workplace accidents.