How Much Is a Shoulder Injury Worth in Illinois Workers’ Comp?

Shoulder and rotator cuff injury settlements in Illinois workers’ compensation cases depend on the severity of the injury, whether surgery is required, permanent restrictions, and whether you can return to your old job. Most cases fall somewhere between the five- and six-figure range, but serious tears with surgery or career loss may settle much higher.

Hurt your shoulder or rotator cuff at work in Illinois and wondering what your case is really worth?

You’re not alone. Some of the most common questions we hear are:

• “What is the average workers’ comp settlement for a torn rotator cuff in Illinois?”
• “How much is a shoulder surgery case worth in workers’ comp?”
• “Does my settlement change if I can’t go back to my old job?”

The honest answer is that there’s no single “average shoulder injury settlement” that fits everyone. Shoulder and rotator cuff injury settlements in Illinois workers’ compensation cases depend on the severity of the injury, whether surgery is required, permanent restrictions, and whether you can return to your old job. Most cases resolve somewhere in the five- to six-figure range, but serious tears with surgery and career loss can go much higher.

This guide explains how Illinois workers’ comp actually values shoulder and rotator cuff injuries, how Amazon and UPS shoulder cases fit into that picture, and what to watch for before you accept a settlement offer.

Common Shoulder & Rotator Cuff Injuries in Illinois Work Comp Cases

Illinois workers get shoulder injuries in all kinds of jobs: construction, warehouses, Amazon, UPS, nursing and healthcare, factories, trucking, and more. We routinely see:

• Rotator cuff tears (partial and full-thickness)
• Labral tears and SLAP lesions
• Shoulder impingement and bursitis
• Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
• Biceps tendon tears or ruptures
• Dislocations and shoulder instability
• Fractures of the clavicle or upper arm bone (humerus)

These injuries can be caused by:

• Heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling at work
• Repetitive overhead work (stocking shelves, painting, assembly line work)
• Slip-and-fall accidents, especially when you land on an outstretched arm
• Warehouse and construction accidents involving machinery or falling objects
• Package delivery work with constant loading and unloading (Amazon, UPS, FedEx, etc.)
• Poor ergonomics or awkward positions at a workstation over time

Whether your shoulder problem came on suddenly from one bad lift or gradually from repetitive work, it can still qualify as a work injury under Illinois law if your job caused it or made it worse.

How Illinois Workers’ Comp Law Treats Shoulder and Rotator Cuff Injuries

Shoulder and rotator cuff injuries are covered under the same law that applies to other work injuries in Illinois: the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act. Disputed cases and settlements are handled through the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC).

If you want to see the law and Commission resources yourself, here are the primary sources:

• 
  Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305)
  
• 
  Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) – Official Site
  

You don’t need to memorize the statute or Commission rules — that’s our job — but it’s helpful to know your case is grounded in a clear legal framework.

Main Factors That Drive a Shoulder or Rotator Cuff Settlement in Illinois

Illinois doesn’t use a one-size-fits-all “shoulder chart” for settlements. Instead, arbitrators and insurance companies look at a combination of factors:

• Your diagnosis – strain vs. partial tear vs. full-thickness rotator cuff tear vs. labral tear vs. fracture
• Your treatment – rest and therapy vs. injections vs. one or more surgeries
• Permanent loss of function – range of motion, strength, ongoing pain, and overhead restrictions
• Your ability to work – whether you can return to your old job, must take lighter-duty work, or can’t work at all
• Your average weekly wage (AWW) – which helps set your benefit rates under Illinois law

No single factor tells the whole story. A lower-wage worker whose rotator cuff tear ends a heavy-labor career may have a higher overall case value than a higher-wage worker whose shoulder strain fully heals. But when we start plugging in sample numbers or ranges, your AWW becomes very important because it’s built into almost every calculation Illinois uses.

For a broader overview of how Illinois workers’ comp cases are valued, not just shoulders, this guide is a good starting point:

What Is My Illinois Workers’ Comp Case Worth?

Illinois Shoulder & Rotator Cuff Settlement Ranges in 2025

There is no meaningful “average shoulder injury settlement” that applies to everyone. The ranges below are not promises or guarantees. They’re realistic patterns we see after considering:

• How bad the shoulder looks on MRI or in surgery
• What treatment you needed (therapy, injections, surgery)
• How much permanent loss of use you’re left with
• Whether you can return to your old job, move into another job, or work at all
• Your average weekly wage and benefit rates

1. Mild Shoulder Strain / Tendinitis (No Structural Tear)

These cases usually involve conservative care — therapy, medications, rest — with no major structural tear on MRI and no surgery.

• Lower AWW (around $500–$700/week):
  settlements often land in roughly the $5,000–$15,000 range when symptoms resolve, you finish therapy, and return to full duty.
• Higher AWW (around $1,500–$2,000+/week):
  similar injuries can support settlements in the $15,000–$40,000+ range, especially if treatment is prolonged or some lingering loss of function is documented.

2. Rotator Cuff or Labral Tear – No Surgery Yet

When MRI shows a tear but you’re treated with therapy, medications, and possibly injections instead of surgery, the permanent partial disability (PPD) value is usually higher than a simple strain.

• Lower AWW (~$500–$700/week):
  many cases fall somewhere in the $15,000–$40,000+ range, depending on pain, weakness, and overhead restrictions.
• Higher AWW (~$1,500–$2,500/week):
  similar tears can reach $40,000–$90,000+, particularly if there’s ongoing pain, measurable loss of motion, or permanent restrictions.

3. Rotator Cuff or Labral Tear With Surgery

A torn rotator cuff or labral tear that requires surgery is a major value driver in an Illinois workers’ comp case because it usually means:

• More serious structural damage
• Higher medical costs
• Longer time off work
• Greater risk of permanent weakness or stiffness

• Lower AWW (~$500–$800/week):
  surgical shoulder cases often resolve somewhere in the $40,000–$100,000+ range, depending on recovery, restrictions, and impairment.
• Higher AWW (~$1,500–$2,500+/week):
  similar surgeries can support settlements in the $100,000–$250,000+ range, especially after multiple surgeries or when permanent restrictions prevent overhead or heavy work.

4. Frozen Shoulder, Multiple Surgeries, or Severe Loss of Use

Some workers develop complications like frozen shoulder, chronic impingement, or need more than one surgery. Others are left with major loss of motion and can’t do heavy or overhead work ever again.

In those situations, it’s common to see:

• Higher PPD values due to serious loss of use of the shoulder
• Potential wage differential claims if you must take lower-paying light-duty work
• In extreme cases, permanent total disability (PTD) if you can’t work at all in any stable job

These cases can range from roughly $75,000 on the low end up to several hundred thousand dollars or more, and in rare, catastrophic cases, into the high six- or seven-figure range when long-term wage differential or PTD benefits are factored in.

To see real-world examples of results we’ve obtained for Illinois workers, including shoulder and other serious injuries, you can review our case results:

Illinois Workers’ Compensation Case Results

Loss of Occupation: When a Shoulder Injury Ends Your Old Job

The biggest shoulder and rotator cuff cases aren’t just about the MRI — they’re about what the injury does to your career and future earning power.

This is especially true for:

• Amazon warehouse workers doing frequent overhead and away-from-body lifting
• Amazon and other delivery drivers carrying heavy packages up and down stairs
• UPS drivers and package handlers loading and unloading trucks all day
• Construction workers, union trades, and laborers doing heavy, overhead tasks
• Healthcare workers lifting and transferring patients

If a shoulder injury means you:

• Can’t return to your old job at all, or
• Have to move permanently into lower-paying light-duty or a different field

then wage differential or permanent total disability benefits can dramatically increase the long-term value of your case. Broadly speaking, Illinois shoulder and rotator cuff cases involving permanent job loss or major wage loss can range anywhere from around $75,000 to well over $1,000,000+, depending on:

• Your age and remaining work life
• Your pre-injury wages and overtime
• How much your earnings drop after the injury
• Whether you can work at all in any capacity
• How long wage differential or PTD benefits may be paid under Illinois law

For more detail on how permanent restrictions and FCEs impact settlements, this guide goes deeper:

How FCEs and Permanent Restrictions Affect Workers’ Compensation Settlements in Illinois

Amazon & UPS Shoulder Injury Claims in Illinois

We see a high number of shoulder and rotator cuff injuries from:

• Amazon warehouse employees (picking, stowing, moving heavy totes, working at pace)
• Amazon delivery drivers lifting and carrying packages to doorsteps, porches, and apartments
• UPS drivers and package handlers loading, unloading, throwing, and stacking boxes for entire shifts

These jobs combine:

• High-frequency lifting and reaching
• Overhead, away-from-body, and awkward lifting positions
• Production pressure and tight delivery windows

Shoulder cases from Amazon and UPS often involve rotator cuff tears, labral tears, impingement, and frozen shoulder. Because these are physically demanding, often higher-wage or overtime-heavy jobs, a serious shoulder injury can completely change your work life — which is exactly what Illinois workers’ comp case valuation is supposed to account for.

For more on your rights as an Amazon or UPS worker with a shoulder injury:

• 
  Amazon Workers’ Comp in Illinois: Your Rights After a Warehouse or Delivery Injury
  
• 
  UPS Workers’ Comp in Illinois: Help for Drivers, Package Handlers & Seasonal Workers (2025 Guide)
  

What Illinois Workers’ Comp Benefits Are Available for Shoulder Injuries?

A shoulder or rotator cuff case isn’t just about the final lump sum. Illinois workers’ compensation can provide several categories of benefits, including:

• Medical benefits – payment of reasonable and necessary treatment related to the shoulder, including orthopedist visits, MRIs, injections, surgery, physical therapy, and medications.
• Temporary total disability (TTD) – wage replacement when you’re completely off work on doctor’s orders (generally 2/3 of your AWW, subject to state minimums and maximums).
• Temporary partial disability (TPD) – partial wage replacement if you’re on light duty for reduced pay while you recover.
• Permanent partial disability (PPD) – compensation for permanent loss of use of the shoulder based on Illinois’ schedule and your degree of disability.
• Wage differential benefits – if you can’t return to your old job and must work long-term at a significantly lower wage.
• Vocational rehabilitation – job retraining and support if you need help transitioning into suitable work after a shoulder injury.
• Permanent total disability (PTD) – lifetime benefits if your work injury prevents you from maintaining any stable, gainful employment.

Your ultimate “settlement” often focuses on resolving the PPD or wage differential portion of your claim, and may involve closing out some or all rights to future medical care for that shoulder in exchange for a lump sum. That’s why it’s dangerous to settle before you understand your long-term condition and work outlook.

For a big-picture overview of the types of benefits available in Illinois workers’ comp, see our guide on Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Illinois (Updated 2025).

What to Do After a Work-Related Shoulder or Rotator Cuff Injury

Whether your shoulder injury came from a single accident or repetitive work, some early steps can protect both your health and your case:

• Report the injury to your employer as soon as you realize it’s work-related (Illinois law gives you up to 45 days, but sooner is better).
• Get appropriate medical care – including a shoulder specialist or orthopedist if necessary.
• Be clear and consistent describing how work caused or aggravated your shoulder pain to your doctors and employer.
• Follow your work restrictions – don’t push through heavy lifting or overhead work if your doctor has limited you.
• Keep simple notes about your pain, treatment, missed work, and trouble with daily tasks like dressing, reaching, or sleeping.

It’s also smart to get legal advice early, even if you’re not sure you want to hire a lawyer yet. These guides answer some of the most common questions:

• 
  Do I Need an Illinois Workers’ Compensation Attorney?
  
• 
  How Much Does a Workers’ Comp Lawyer Cost in Illinois?
  

When to Be Careful About a Shoulder Injury Settlement Offer

Insurance companies sometimes make early settlement offers on shoulder and rotator cuff cases — especially if they think you don’t appreciate the long-term impact of the injury. Be very cautious if:

• You still have significant pain, weakness, or limited range of motion.
• Your doctor is still considering injections, surgery, or additional treatment.
• You have permanent restrictions on lifting, overhead work, or repetitive use of the arm.
• You work in a physically demanding job (Amazon, UPS, construction, healthcare, etc.) and you’re not sure whether you can safely return.
• You’re being pressured to settle before you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) or before you’ve had an FCE or final opinion on restrictions.

Before you sign anything, it helps to walk through a few key questions:

5 Questions to Ask Before Accepting a Workers’ Comp Settlement Offer in Illinois (Updated 2025)

Frequently Asked Questions About Illinois Shoulder & Rotator Cuff Settlements

What is the average workers’ comp settlement for a shoulder or rotator cuff injury in Illinois?

There isn’t one “average” settlement that fits everyone. Milder strains that heal well might resolve in the low five figures, while rotator cuff or labral tears with surgery often land in the mid–five-figure to six-figure range. Severe cases with frozen shoulder, multiple surgeries, or permanent loss of occupation can range from roughly $75,000 to well into the six figures or higher, especially if wage differential or permanent total disability benefits apply.

Does rotator cuff surgery increase the value of my Illinois workers’ comp case?

Rotator cuff or labral surgery is usually a major value driver because it shows a serious structural injury, substantial medical costs, and a longer recovery period. Surgery also increases the likelihood of permanent loss of motion, weakness, or lifting restrictions. That said, the ultimate value still depends on your long-term ability to work and your pre-injury wages.

Can I get workers’ comp for a rotator cuff injury that developed over time?

Yes. Illinois recognizes repetitive trauma injuries. If your shoulder or rotator cuff problems developed gradually from repeated lifting, overhead work, or other job tasks — or if work significantly aggravated a pre-existing condition — the injury can still qualify as a compensable work injury.

What if I had shoulder problems before I got hurt at work?

Pre-existing shoulder issues don’t automatically kill your claim. Under Illinois law, if your job aggravated, accelerated, or worsened a pre-existing shoulder or rotator cuff condition, you may still be entitled to full medical and wage-loss benefits for the aggravated injury.

Can I still receive a settlement if I return to work?

Yes. Many injured workers complete treatment, return to their old job, and still receive a permanent partial disability (PPD) settlement for lasting loss of use of the shoulder. The case may be worth less than one involving permanent job loss or wage differential, but it can still have meaningful value depending on your medical evidence and benefit rates.

How long does it take to settle a shoulder or rotator cuff case in Illinois?

It’s common for shoulder and rotator cuff cases to take several months to more than a year, depending on how long treatment takes, whether surgery is needed, and how cooperative the insurance company is. In most serious cases, it’s safer to wait until you’re at or near maximum medical improvement (MMI) and your permanent restrictions are clear before negotiating a final settlement.

Talk to an Illinois Workers’ Compensation Attorney About What Your Shoulder or Rotator Cuff Case Is Really Worth

If you suffered a shoulder or torn rotator cuff injury at work in Illinois, your case value is too important to guess at or leave entirely in the hands of an insurance adjuster. A proper evaluation should look at:

• Your MRI findings and exact diagnosis
• Whether you needed injections, surgery, or multiple surgeries
• Whether you have permanent pain, weakness, or loss of motion
• Whether you can return to your old job, move into a different job, or work at all
• Whether wage differential or permanent total disability benefits might apply
• Your correct average weekly wage (AWW) and benefit rates under Illinois law

As an Illinois workers’ compensation attorney, I help injured workers understand the real-world value of their shoulder and rotator cuff claims before they sign anything — and I push back when the insurance company offers far less than the case is worth.

If you have questions about your Illinois shoulder injury settlement, your current offer, or your rights after a work-related shoulder or rotator cuff injury, you can contact our office for a free, confidential consultation.