Can I Get Workers' Compensation For A Repetitive Motion Injury?

During the course of your workweek, it’s likely you complete a few repetitive motions throughout each day. This is true of virtually all workplaces – from physically demanding construction labor to sedentary office work in front of a computer. While we’re all aware that there is a risk of getting injured on the job when certain hazards are present, many workers may not realize that repetitive motion injuries are a greater risk. These injuries slowly build up over time due to repetitive stress on the same body parts, even from acts as simple as typing on a keyboard and using a mouse.

As you may know, almost all New York employees (with a few exceptions for public workers who have their own systems) are guaranteed workers’ compensation coverage in the event of an injury. These cases may be relatively straightforward in some workplace accidents. But what about conditions like tendinitis, which could take years to accumulate to the point where they prevent you from working? Are workers with repetitive motion injuries guaranteed the same rights?

All Work-Related Injuries Qualify, But Circumstances Vary

While it’s true that any work-related illness or occupational disease qualifies for workers’ compensation, it’s often difficult to receive the benefits you’re entitled to. Disputes and denials from employers and insurance companies are common – especially for repetitive stress injuries. You must provide medical evidence that backs up your claim, but your employer’s insurance carrier still may argue that your injury is not work-related. Workers in this situation often require the assistance of an experienced repetitive motion work injury lawyer.

Keep reading similar articles here: https://banvillelaw.com/workers-compensation/injuries/muscle-nerve/

Examples Of Repetitive Motion Injuries

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, repetitive motion injuries require some of the longest absences from work – with a median of 23 missed days. Common examples of RMIs which may result in missed days include:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome – Compressed nerves in the wrist which lead to pain, numbness, and tingling. Most commonly found in office workers, employees who frequently use computers, and those with job duties involving frequent wrist movements.
• Tendinitis and tendinosis – Inflammation of the tendons, common in the upper shoulders and elbows. Characterized by aches, pains, stiffness, and burning sensations. Tendinosis is the chronic form of tendinitis.
• Bursitis – Another condition involving swelling around muscle and bones. This most commonly occurs in the knees and elbows. Over time, the overuse of these joints can lead to bursitis. Employees who frequently work from awkward positions or do overhead work are at a high risk, such as plumbers and carpenters.
• Epicondylitis – More commonly referred to as Golfer’s Elbow or Tennis Elbow, depending on which area is affected. This involves swelling of the tendons which attach to your elbow. Commonly caused by repetitive physical labor, such as working with heavy objects.
• Trigger finger – A condition that develops from frequent use of a finger or thumb. This causes your finger to become stuck in a bent position. Job duties that involve frequent gripping actions are at a higher risk, such as construction workers, factory workers, and agricultural workers.

If you believe you have a work-related repetitive motion injury, you should file a report with your employer and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Job Duties Which Frequently Lead To RMIs