Workers executing repetitive motions, such as holding a jackhammer or even typing, can cause repetitive stress injuries (RSIs). Those workers are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits to prove their work duties are to blame for their injuries.
What Is A Repetitive Stress Workplace Injury?
Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) present as:
- pain, which can range from tenderness, a dull ache, throbbing to acute pain
- tingling
- numbness
- loss of strength or coordination, and
- reduced range of motion or flexibility.
RSIs will not be immediately recognizable and may build over time. Workers won’t be able to point to one moment in time that the injury occurred; instead, their everyday tasks accumulate in an injury.
Workers injury themselves through micro-movements, frequent lifting or carrying, using vibrating equipment, or holding an awkward position, such as standing over an operating table for hours.
Are Some Professions At Higher Risk For Repetitive Workplace Injuries?
When someone thinks of common repetitive injuries, normally carpal tunnel syndrome or tennis elbow may come to mind.
Jobs such as nurses or health care workers, janitors, grocery store workers, delivery workers, plumpers, firefighters, musicians, and professional athletes all have an increased risk of developing RSIs due to the repetitive nature of their jobs.
How Do I File A Claim For A Repetitive Workplace Injury?
If you suspect you have a repetitive workplace injury, reach out to Hyland, Padilla, & Fowler’s legal team right away. We provide free consultations to all prospective clients to help you understand the merits of your case.
If you decide to retain our services, we can help you take the proper steps to receive worker’s compensation. Laws differ from state to state, but you or your employer will need to file a claim to initiate your worker’s compensation case.
Depending on your state’s laws, you or your employer will need to file a claim to start your worker’s compensation case. Some states require a high standard of proof that an employee’s RSI occurred due to work tasks rather than the injury resulting from their normal day-to-day activities in their personal life.
Most states also have a statute of limitations on when an employee can file a worker’s compensation case, and for RSIs, the clock starts when the worker starts experiencing symptoms.
To cure your RSI, a doctor may recommend an absence from work to allow your body to heal. Often, the insurance company will try to make it challenging for you to receive benefits. The team at Hyland, Padilla, & Fowler can fight for you to receive benefits while you recover and heal.