Will I Receive Workers’ Comp for a Repetitive Stress Injury?

When you perform the same motion repeatedly, it can lead to a repetitive strain. This usually causes pain in your muscle or tendon that will only worsen if you keep it up. Most workers suffer from this but assume it’s a part of their job. Due to this, they never try to get the workers’ compensation they deserve to cover for the injuries.

Repetitive stress injuries can have a significant consequence on your health and your overall ability to work. But, unfortunately, the few people aware of the dangers of this injury don’t know what to do about it. In addition, most are confused about whether they can get workers’ compensation for repetitive stress injury.

This article covers all you need to know about repetitive stress injuries. Contact our workers’ comp lawyers at Waple & Houk, PLLC if you have more questions.

What Is Repetitive Stress Injury, and What Are the Symptoms?

Many people also refer to repetitive stress injury as repetitive strain injury (RSI) or motion injury. Many things could cause repetitive stress injury, like a traumatic event that takes place. However, RSI develops gradually, and many workers usually ignore it till it’s severe. RSI can lead to permanent damage to your nerves, muscles, tendons, and many more. It is borne out of a repetition of the same motion over and over again.

The most popular repetitive stress injury is carpal tunnel syndrome. There are many telling signs for this, including pain, stiffness, numbness, weakness, cramp, and many more. It affects the upper body parts like the shoulders, hands, low back, forearms, knees, etc. It doesn’t matter your type of job; it can happen to anyone.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is common amongst those who work with computer keyboards. It also affects those who perform the same task on an assembly line repeatedly. Women are more prone to this ailment than men. It might be due to the smaller tunnel panel in their wrist. You also risk developing the syndrome if you suffer from diabetes, trauma, thyroid disease, or even pregnancy.

Seeking Workers’ Compensation for Repetitive Stress Injuries

If you discover that you developed repetitive stress injuries due to a work-related task, you can file for workers’ compensation. The process and forms differ with every state, and if you want your claim to be considered, you have to abide by it. However, there are vital steps you need to take so you get the compensation you deserve.

When seeking workers’ compensation for repetitive stress injuries in North Carolina, follow the steps below.

• Notify your employer of your injury within 30 days. Keep the notification simple but ensure it contains the injury description, notification date, and date of injury occurrence. In addition, ensure you document the proof that you informed your employer within 30 days.
• Inform your doctor the injury took place at your job. This action allows your health care to file bill treatment as a workers’ compensation claim when informed. When you let the doctor know, they will file your bill appropriately and ensure documentation.
• If you want to start the claim process, you have to file Form 18. However, you can get your employer to report the injury. Always make sure you file the form within two years of the injury.

The whole process can be confusing, especially if your employer is disputing your claim. This doesn’t mean you have to miss out on workers’ comp. You need a workers’ compensation lawyer to pursue your claim, answer your questions and provide you with all the assistance you need.

Proving You Have Repetitive Stress Injuries

These injuries usually affect muscles, nerves, and ligaments and are therefore quite dangerous when unattended to. Although these injuries are common, proving they’re work-related can be difficult. If you feel numbness or an unsettling sensation in the affected area, it could prove your claims.

Other signs are loss of mobility in the area and ongoing medical care for the pain. Sometimes, the insurance company denies claims by the victim for insignificant reasons. That’s why it’s best to seek legal assistance to provide support for your case.

Get the Help You Need Today!

You have the right to receive workers’ compensation for repetitive stress injuries on the job. You shouldn’t take repetitive stress injuries lightly as they can lead to severe health issues. However, if your employer tries to dispute your claims, you can always seek the help of a workers’ compensation lawyer to assist you in your claims.

The work comp lawyers at Waple & Houk, PLLC believe that injured workers should get all their deserved benefits. Therefore, book a consultation today if you sustained repetitive stress injuries at the workplace and have difficulties getting your compensation. Our attorneys are always happy to assist with your claims.