If a worker cannot perform daily work without pain, he or she may be suffering from a repetitive stress injury.
Different types of injuries, irrespective of the cause and fault, are covered by workers’ compensation. A workplace injury can leave a person incapable of returning to work for weeks or even months. If a worker cannot perform daily work without pain, he or she may be suffering from a repetitive stress injury. The work may involve bending, pushing, pulling, typing, or standing for long periods of time. Not all employees are aware that repetitive stress injuries are covered by workers’ compensation.
Common Repetitive Stress Injuries
Repetitive stress injuries normally affect areas such as the hands, back, elbows, knees, wrists, shoulders, and arms. The injuries do not normally show up all of a sudden but instead worsen over time as pain progresses. After a certain stage, the pain starts interfering with the injured worker’s ability to perform daily activities. Some common repetitive stress injuries include tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, back injuries, bursitis, hearing loss, and ganglion cysts.
Repetitive stress injuries are caused when a worker performs the same actions repeatedly for a prolonged period of time. These injuries are normally diagnosed by a specialist or physician. Repetitive injuries commonly occur in jobs where a worker spends a large part of their day typing continuously, sitting in the same position, standing on the feet, bent consistently, or lifting heavy objects.
Workers’ Compensation Claim Denied
Although repetitive stress injuries are covered by workers’ compensation, many of these claims are denied, because the injured worker finds it difficult to prove that the injury is indeed a result of the work he or she performs. The insurance company may claim the injury is caused by a pre-existing condition or caused by factors outside of the workplace.
In many cases, the employee finds it difficult to define the date of onset of the injury as it normally progresses over time and does not occur suddenly. It may start off as a mild pain, but progresses into a chronic pain that affects normal life. Repetitive stress injuries can be compared to occupational illnesses that develop as a result of continuous and prolonged exposure to certain hazards at the workplace.
Missouri Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
It is important that the injured worker seeks help from a competent Missouri workers’ compensation lawyer. The lawyer will help navigate the complexities of the system, and will review the case, pursue compensation, and protect your legal rights. Depending on the seriousness of the condition, an injured worker may be entitled to long-term disability benefits if he or she is rendered unable to return to work. An experienced attorney can not only assist in getting wage loss and medical benefits, but can also help secure specialist treatment and coverage for surgery if required.
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