Do Repetitive Stress Injuries Qualify for Workers Compensation?

 Posted on November 09, 2021 in Workers' Compensation

When people think of workplace injuries, they often picture a worker falling off a ladder or slipping on a wet surface. However, not all workplace injuries are caused by single catastrophic event; rather, some are caused by small, repetitive actions that wear down a body part over time. These are known as repetitive motion injuries or repetitive stress injuries (RSI).

According to the Columbia University Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, “Repetitive motion injuries are temporary or permanent injuries to muscles, nerves, ligaments, and tendons caused by performing the same motion over and over again.”

Although RSI could impact any part of the body, the joints in the hands, legs, neck, and feet are most at risk.

Common repetitive stress injuries include:

-          Carpal tunnel syndrome

-          Rotator cuff syndrome

-          Lower back pain

-          Tennis elbow

-          Shin splints

-          Shoulder impingement

-          Bursitis

Repetitive Stress Injuries in the Workplace

Repetitive stress injuries are among the most common workplace injuries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, they account for approximately 300,000 days away from work (DAFW) annually.

RSI can happen to almost anyone, but some professions are at higher risk, including:

-          Construction laborers

-          Manufacturing

-          Warehouse workers

-          Assembly line workers

-          Typists and secretaries

Repetitive Stress Injuries and Workers Compensation

RSI can render an employee unable to perform their job duties. When this happens, they can file for workers compensation benefits.

To access workers' compensation benefits, the employee first files a claim with their employer’s insurance company. They must submit evidence proving that the injury occurred, is worked-related, and will prevent them from performing their essential functions as an employee.

If the claim is approved, the employee may receive payment to cover medical costs and a percentage of their weekly wages while they are away from work.

Contact a Will County Workers Compensation Attorney

Navigating the workers' compensation process is challenging. It can be difficult to prove the injury is work-related, and the insurance company may try to poke holes in your story.

An experienced workers' compensation attorney can evaluate your case and craft a legal strategy that increases the chances of approval. If your claim is denied, they can file an appeal and provide vigorous representation before an arbitrator or judge.

If you need a Will County workers compensation attorney with decades of experience fighting for Illinois workers, call McNamara Phelan McSteen, LLC at 815-727-0100 to set up a free initial consultation.

Sources:

https://www.bls.gov/iif/oshwc/case/msds.htm

https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/rehab/staywell/repetitive-motion-injury