If you’re suffering from a repetitive stress work injury in the St. Louis area, don’t wait to seek help.
Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) are among the most common workplace injuries in Missouri, affecting thousands of workers across various industries. Whether you work at a computer all day, operate machinery, or perform repeated lifting tasks, you may be at risk for developing these painful and potentially debilitating conditions.
At the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann, we understand the challenges workers face when dealing with RSIs. We are committed to helping you understand your rights under Missouri workers’ compensation law.
What Qualifies as a Repetitive Stress Injury?
Repetitive stress injuries, also known as repetitive motion injuries or cumulative trauma disorders, develop over time from repeated movements or sustained positions that put strain on muscles, tendons, and nerves. Common examples include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome from typing or using vibrating tools
- Tendinitis from repeated lifting or reaching
- Tennis elbow from repetitive arm movements
- Back strain from constant bending or lifting
- Trigger finger from gripping tools or equipment
- Shoulder injuries from overhead work
Unlike sudden accidents, RSIs typically develop gradually, making it crucial to understand how they’re covered under workers’ compensation.
Your Rights Under Missouri Workers’ Compensation Law
If you’ve developed a repetitive stress injury due to your job duties, you have several important rights under Missouri law:
- Right to Medical Treatment: Your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance must cover all necessary medical treatment for your RSI, including:
- Doctor visits and specialist consultations
- Physical therapy
- Surgery if required
- Prescribed medications
- Medical devices or equipment
- Right to Temporary Benefits: If your RSI prevents you from working or requires you to work reduced hours, you may be entitled to:
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits if you cannot work
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) benefits if you can only work with restrictions
- Right to Permanent Disability Benefits: For RSIs resulting in lasting impairment, you may qualify for:
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) benefits for partial loss of function
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD) benefits in severe cases