Understanding Workers’ Compensation For Repetitive Motion Injuries

In the world of workers’ compensation, injuries are not limited to sudden accidents or falls. Repetitive motion injuries are a common and often overlooked category of workplace injuries. These injuries occur over time due to the repetitive nature of certain tasks, and they can be just as debilitating as acute injuries. 

What Are Repetitive Motion Injuries?

Repetitive motion injuries, also known as repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) or cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs), develop gradually as a result of performing the same motion or task repeatedly. These injuries can affect various parts of the body, including the hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, neck, and back. Some common types of repetitive motion injuries include:

1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Often associated with repetitive typing or assembly line work, carpal tunnel syndrome results from pressure on the median nerve in the wrist.
2. Tendonitis: Tendonitis occurs when tendons become inflamed due to repetitive movements, leading to pain and limited range of motion.
3. Rotator Cuff Injuries: Jobs that involve frequent overhead lifting or reaching can lead to rotator cuff injuries, causing shoulder pain and weakness.
4. Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow: These conditions involve pain and inflammation in the tendons of the forearm, typically from repetitive gripping or wrist movement.
5. Trigger Finger: Trigger finger causes the finger to lock or catch when bent, often caused by repetitive gripping or fine motor tasks.

The Impact Of Repetitive Motion Injuries

Repetitive motion injuries can have a significant impact on a person’s life and ability to work. These injuries often result in symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness. If left untreated, they can lead to chronic pain and permanent damage.

A Hollywood, FL workers’ compensation lawyer understands that workers who suffer from repetitive motion injuries may find it challenging to perform their job duties, impacting their productivity and quality of life. Seeking prompt medical attention and workers’ compensation benefits is crucial to address these injuries effectively.

Workers’ Compensation For Repetitive Motion Injuries

Workers’ compensation is designed to provide benefits to employees who are injured or become ill due to their work-related activities, including repetitive motion injuries. Here’s how workers’ compensation can help:

1. Medical Treatment: Workers’ compensation covers the cost of medical treatment and rehabilitation for your repetitive motion injury, including doctor visits, physical therapy, and medications.
2. Temporary Disability Benefits: If your injury temporarily prevents you from working, you may be eligible for temporary disability benefits, which provide partial wage replacement during your recovery.
3. Permanent Disability Benefits: If your injury results in permanent impairment or disability, workers’ compensation can provide benefits based on the severity of your condition.
4. Vocational Rehabilitation: In cases where you cannot return to your previous job due to your injury, workers’ compensation may cover vocational rehabilitation to help you transition to a new occupation.

Navigating The Workers’ Compensation Process

While workers’ compensation is designed to provide support to injured workers, the process can be complex and challenging to navigate. Employers and insurance companies may dispute claims, and injured workers may face hurdles in receiving the benefits they deserve. It is important to call a team you can trust, like the Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt. When you are ready, call our office for a consultation.