Our Attorneys Can Help You Pursue A Workers’ Comp Claim For Repetitive Stress Injuries
When discussing workplace injuries, most people think of injuries related to a single accident. In many cases, this is how workplace injuries originate. However, it is also common for workers to be injured over time due to repetitive actions that put cumulative stress and strain on certain parts of the body. These are known as repetitive stress injuries or repetitive strain injuries (RSI).
If you’ve suffered a work-related RSI, you are likely entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Unfortunately, it can be challenging to prove that your RSI is work-related. Therefore, it’s a good idea to consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney like ours at Bahrie Law, PLLC. We have been helping injured Michigan workers claim much-needed benefits for over 45 years. We can help you, too.
Examples Of Cumulative Injuries In The Workplace
Nearly any activity, if done frequently enough, can lead to an RSI. The reason they are so commonly related to work, however, is simply the fact that the job requires them, and workers spend 40 or more hours per week doing them.
The parts of the body most likely to suffer a repetitive stress injury include the hands, arms, wrists, fingers, elbows, shoulders, back and knees. Common examples of health conditions caused by repetitive strain include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Lateral epicondylitis (commonly called tennis elbow)
- Tendonitis
- Shin splints
- Neck and spinal injuries
- Back sprains and strains
RSIs affect workers in nearly all industries, including construction workers, factory and assembly line workers, typists and office workers, warehouse workers, agricultural laborers, musicians and athletes.
Proving Your Injuries Are Work-Related
When you file a workers’ compensation claim for a repetitive stress injury, insurers may push back, alleging that your RSI could have been caused by activities in your personal life. Because your injury wasn’t tied to a single accident, it can be challenging to prove that work caused it.
Thankfully, our skilled attorneys are here to help. We will take all necessary steps to ensure your claim is as strong as it can be. These steps may include carefully documenting your injury and symptoms, seeking medical testimony from doctors and occupational therapists and studying which aspects of your job likely led to the injuries. If your claim is challenged or denied, we are ready to represent you at all necessary levels of appeal.
Workers Affected by Repetitive Stress Injuries
Repetitive stress injuries occur frequently in jobs that require computer usage. People who work for most of their days on computers experience these injuries primarily in their hands and wrists, though the pain can occur in their shoulders and lower backs, too.
Labor and service industry jobs can also require the repetitive motions that result in stress injuries. Laborers who work with heavy equipment can also experience such injuries through using vibrating tools.
Nurses are also susceptible to repetitive stress injuries.
Types of Repetitive Stress Injuries
Repetitive stress injuries occur because workers are required to perform too many repetitions of a motion over the course of their workdays, such as the motions associated with cutting hair or operating a computer. These types of tasks typically result in conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, wrist tendinitis, and tennis elbow.
Workers in physical jobs that require lifting and other manual labor can suffer from overexertion of their muscles and general muscle fatigue. When they’re lifting or moving items, they may also move unnaturally or otherwise twist in a way that causes injury. Laborers may also be prone to bursitis.
Nurses, plumbers, electricians, grocery workers, and factory workers often engage in both kinds of activities. They also do a lot of lifting and may work with vibrating machinery. They can suffer from different forms of tendinitis and develop cysts related to standing or rotating their wrists. The issues are exacerbated by incorrect posture.
In addition to muscles and tendons, both nerves and ligaments can be affected by repetitive stress injuries. The most common symptom is pain, sometimes to the point that workers can no longer perform their duties.
Tingling and numbness are usually signs that the nerves are affected. Loss of flexibility or strength may be warning signs that damage is becoming permanent.
Treatment for Repetitive Stress Injuries
Naturally, most people cannot stop performing their jobs because they’re developing a repetitive stress injury. Whenever possible, they should try to stretch out the affected areas and take breaks from the motions.
When they do get to the treatment phase, individuals have different options depending on the severity of the stress injury and location affected. For instance, if swelling occurs, they can apply cold compresses to the area. They may need to wear splints or braces to relieve the pressure on the nerves and muscles.
If the stress injuries get bad enough, they probably need some physical therapy. The therapist can help work out the injury and teach patients how to alleviate symptoms on their own.
Sometimes stress injuries get bad enough that the suffer needs surgery – this happens especially with carpal tunnel where a surgeon needs to sever the tendon that’s putting pressure on the nerves.
Compensation for Repetitive Stress Injuries
Repetitive stress injuries can lead to workers paying for treatments, undergoing surgery, and missing time from work. Luckily, in most states, workers may be eligible for workers’ compensation for their stress injuries. The key is to prove their work duties either caused or exacerbated their injuries.
That process involves many steps. The first step should be telling your employer you’re suffering symptoms related to repetitive stress injuries. A next step is a visit to the doctor. You may need to talk to human resources about the proper protocol. Once you’ve gotten an evaluation from a doctor, you must provide notice to your employer.
You may be eligible for a variety of benefits. These benefits include medical expenses associated with identifying and treating the stress injury. They also include rehabilitation. If you miss work, you might be eligible for temporary disability. These benefits are available even if your work re-injured a preexisting condition.
If you’re suffering from a stress injury because of your job, let us help you file a workers’ compensation claim.
Don’t Continue To Suffer – Contact Us For The Help You Need
From offices in Lansing and Metro Detroit, our attorneys at Bahrie Law, PLLC, offer skilled representation and personalized attention to clients throughout Michigan. To discuss your legal options in a free initial consultation, you can submit an online contact form or call 888-473-1289.