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Are Repetitive Stress Injuries Covered Under Workers’ Compensation?

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woman with hand injury

Repetitive stress injuries may not come on as violently or aggressively as some other ailments, but they are still painful and can prevent a worker from properly performing the functions of their job. If you were injured at or due to work you may be eligible for workers’ compensation. Speak with a New Jersey workers’ compensation lawyer to discuss the details of your case and acquire skilled representation.

What is a Repetitive Stress Injury?

A repetitive stress injury, or repetitive strain injury, is an injury that occurs due to repeating motion and pressure. It is a common workplace injury, especially for professions that require employees to participate in the same movements for long periods of time each day. These injuries typically affect the muscles and tendons in and around fingers, wrists, backs, knees, shoulders, etc. You may believe you are suffering from a repetitive stress injury if you have any of the following symptoms in areas of the body that you frequently use at work.

  • Swelling
  • Aches
  • Stiffness
  • Tingling
  • Weakness
  • Numbness
  • Cramping

Common workers impacted by repetitive stress injuries include administrative workers, musicians, cosmetologists, construction workers, and more. For example, a hairdresser uses their wrists and fingers to brush and style hair for hours every day. The twisting of a round brush when doing a blowout could cause tendonitis in the wrist.

Additionally, musicians often suffer from swelling, stiffness, and cramping in their fingers and wrists. Most instruments require precise and quick movements of the fingers which after time can cause a strain injury.

Administrative workers who type all day may develop aching in their fingers and carpal tunnel syndrome. Some employees may be able to receive compensation for costs associated with a repetitive stress injury if their employers offer workers’ compensation.

What is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that many employers are required to offer their employees. The insurance provides cash benefits and reimbursement for expenses related to injuries and ailments associated with the job. For example, if a construction worker is injured while working on a building they may be able to recover compensation.

Workers’ compensation provides employees with various benefits. After an injury or falling ill, employees can receive monetary compensation to cover the costs of doctor visits, hospital stays, medication, physical therapy, rehabilitation, time taken off work, and disability. Repetitive stress injuries can be covered under workers’ compensation given that there is enough evidence to validate the employee’s claim.

How Can I Prove a Repetitive Stress Injury for Workers’ Compensation?

Proving your injury is essential to receiving workers’ compensation. You should work with a skilled lawyer when filing a claim with your employer. With their help, you can collect the relevant evidence. You will need to prove that your injury occurred at work or due to the functions of your job. Collect medical records and incident reports as well as statements from coworkers and managers. With the help of an attorney, you can prove your injury and begin the process of receiving workers’ compensation coverage.

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