Repetitive Motion Injuries and Workers’ Compensation

When you think of a work injury that might entitle you to workers’ compensation, you might think of a huge slip and fall accident or a back injury. While these things can qualify for coverage, big issues such as these aren’t the only types of accidents and injuries that do. There’s a high percentage of workers who develop a repetitive motion injury, which does entitle the worker to workers’ comp coverage.

Some Examples of Repetitive Motion Injuries

A repetitive motion injury might go by another name as well, including a repetitive stress injury, but they’re all basically the same thing. There are various injuries that fall under this category, with the following being just a few.

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – More and more people in the nation are completing their work duties from behind a computer screen than ever before. With the repetitive motion of typing and the use of a computer mouse, the nerves in the wrist are going to receive a certain amount of pressure. This damages the nerves and the tendons in the carpal tunnel, which leads to weakness, numbness and pain. This condition is known as carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Tendinitis – Your muscles are connected to your bones by tendons. Anywhere in your body where you use those certain muscles over and over again could cause the tendons to inflame. This is known as tendonitis and presents itself with swelling and tenderness.
• Tennis Elbow – Although the name derived from a tennis injury, anyone who repeatedly bends their elbows can sustain tennis elbow. You’d feel pain on the outside of your elbow, and may also experience the loss of strength in your grip.

Some Common Jobs That Result in Repetitive Motion Injuries

Almost any job could result in a repetitive motion injury, but there are some that cause more of these injuries than others. Cashiers, healthcare workers, janitors, firefighters, musicians, secretaries and professionals in similar positions could develop carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, tendinitis and a wide range of other types of repetitive motion injuries.

Filing a Claim for Workers’ Compensation

As soon as you realize you are dealing with a repetitive motion injury, you should bring it up with your employer. Next, you should speak with a doctor about it. The sooner you get an actual diagnosis, the sooner you’ll be able to seek compensation. Your lawyer can help you complete the paperwork for the claim, which may include gathering evidence to prove your diagnosis was a direct result of employment.

If you have been injured at work, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact a work injury lawyer, like from Hickey & Turim SC, today for help getting your claim filed.