Workers across all injuries are exposed to a wide variety of injury risks every day. Some of these injuries can be severe and even life altering. While some injures can be caused by workplace falls or equipment explosions, some of the most common injuries are the result of repetitive movements that are required to perform various job duties. Whether you are typing at a keyboard all day long or bagging groceries for 8 hours a day, repetitive stress injuries can develop over time and cause you great discomfort. If you can prove that your work duties caused your repetitive stress injury, you can collect workers’ compensation benefits.
What Is a Repetitive Stress Injury?
Repetitive stress injuries have several different names in state workers’ compensation systems. Sometimes they are referred to as overuse injuries, repetitive strain injuries, or cumulative trauma. There are many forms of repetitive stress injuries, including:
- Bursitis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Epicondylitis
- Lower back pain
- Rotator cuff syndrome
- Tendonitis
- Trigger finger
The following are common symptoms of a repetitive stress injury:
- Tingling
- Loss of strength
- Loss of coordination
- Numbness
- Pain & tenderness
- Dull aches
- Throbbing or acute pains
- Reduced range of motion or flexibility
You might not notice the symptoms of a repetitive stress injury until you perform certain motions or maintain a specific posture. If these symptoms aren’t treated, the pain, weakness, and other symptoms might get so bad that you feel these things all the time. This can make it very difficult to perform your job and other every day activities.
What Types of Workers Tend to Sustain Repetitive Stress Injuries?
Repetitive stress injuries are common among workers who frequently use computers. Common computer-related cumulative injuries tend to happen to the hands, wrists, and arms. Jobs that require frequent lifting and carrying, using heavy machinery, and standing or sitting in awkward postures also cause a lot of repetitive stress injuries.
The following occupations are at high-risk for repetitive stress injuries:
- Plumbers & pipefitters
- Bus drivers
- Grocery & stock clerks
- Nurses & health care aides
- Firefighters
- Professional athletes
- Musicians
- Delivery workers
- Agriculture workers
- Meat processing workers
- Assembly line workers
- Janitors
- Housekeepers
What to Do if You Think You Have a Repetitive Stress Injury
If you notice that you are experiencing the symptoms of a repetitive stress injury, you want to get a diagnosis from a medical professional as soon as possible. If you think your injury is related to your job duties, you need to immediately tell your employer. Waiting too long to have your symptoms assessed by a doctor can complicate your workers’ compensation claim.
Make sure you tell the doctor what your duties are at work and when you experience symptoms. The doctor might tell you to stop working for some time or to work shorter hours until you recover from your injuries. The doctor might also recommend job restrictions or ergonomic adjustments to your workspace.
How Do I File a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
Your employer files a claim with their insurer that will officially start your workers’ compensation case. Repetitive stress injuries are covered under workers’ compensation, but proving that the injury is related to your job can be difficult.
Get Help From a San Antonio Workers’ Comp Lawyer
Do you think you have a repetitive stress injury? If so, you should get in touch with our lawyers to get help filing your workers’ compensation claim. At The Law Office of George P. Escobedo & Associates, PLLC., we are here to assist with all matters pertaining to workers’ compensation law. Our legal professionals are dedicated to serving clients across San Antonio, and we have the skills and extensive resources that you need to secure the compensation you deserve. Let us take a look at your case today.
Call (210) 807-3178 to schedule your free consultation with a workers’ comp attorney in San Antonio.