Jobs that require repetitive motions sometimes result in injuries that can be debilitating. Here is some information regarding this type of harm that every employee should know.
Defining Repetitive Motion Injuries
The body is as delicate as it is sophisticated. Especially fragile are the tendons, muscles, ligaments, and joints. When these parts perform the same motions many times, they can become damaged. Symptoms appear gradually and sufferers may not realize they are being hurt until their suffering becomes unbearable. In many cases, the individual is forced to stop working because of their discomfort.
Classifications of Repetitive Motion Injuries
- Numerous forms of repetitive stress injuries exist. The ones you are susceptible to are dependent upon what activities you regularly engage in.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the most common. It’s marked by sensations of tingling, numbness, and pain in the wrists. Carpal Tunnel is often found in workers who constantly type.
- Tendonitis occurs when the protective sheaths that cover tendons become inflamed, making movement difficult. This condition often afflicts construction workers who operate jackhammers or similar power tools.
- Extremely physical jobs place workers at risk of a herniated disc.
- A common spinal injury, it’s most often referred to as a protruded or slipped disc. An extremely painful condition, this injury can take a great time to heal.
- Fibromyalgia is particularly difficult to diagnose, as it causes overall body pain without an apparent trigger.
- Neuritis is an inflammation of the nerves that creates numbness and hypersensitivity, whereas myositis is a form of muscle irritation that results in intense muscle spasms and cramps. Connecting these conditions with one’s working conditions can be tricky.
Proving Repetitive Motion Injuries
Those who suffer a repetitive stress injury as a result of handling on-the-job duties may be eligible for workers’ compensation. Proving your condition was caused by work is necessary for your claim to be accepted. Save evidence from doctor’s visits, including MRIs, PET scans, and X-rays. Take photos and videos of your workplace. Gather testimony from co-workers regarding your experience. Request employer records that prove how many hours you worked. Place everything into a marked folder so that nothing gets lost.
Medical treatment for a repetitive motion injury can be costly. Losing income from a subsequent inability to work compounds the financial drain. If your devotion to a job resulted in physical trauma, you deserve workers’ compensation. Contact an attorney specializing in this field to help make your claim.
There are many different kinds of damages that a victim may be able to claim, as an attorney, like a delray beach workers’ compensation lawyer from a law firm like Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt, can explain.”
