A repetitive stress injury can develop when you keep doing the same thing over and over again. Carpal tunnel is one type of this injury that you’ve probably heard of. Some people develop their injury at work, which makes them wonder if they are eligible for workers’ compensation. If this describes your situation, you may want to talk to our Westchester County workers’ compensation attorneys.
What Are Symptoms of a Repetitive Stress Injury?
A repetitive stress injury can show itself in a few ways. These injuries are often painful, but they can also feel like stiffness, weakness, or a tingling, pins-and-needles sensation. This kind of injury can make it difficult to do your work and accomplish other tasks.
Usually, a repetitive stress injury needs to be formally diagnosed by a medical professional, especially if you are planning to ask for workers’ compensation due to your ailment. Technology like X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans can all be used to help diagnose this kind of injury.
Which Body Parts Are Usually Affected by a Repetitive Stress Injury?
The joints in your body are especially likely to be affected by this kind of injury. Commonly affected body parts include:
- Knees
- Elbows
- Hands
- Fingers
- Forearms
- Wrists
- Back
- Shoulders
If you perform any kind of repetitive activity, like typing, using power tools, or even cutting hair, you are at risk. Any repetitive stress injury is almost certain to make it more difficult to do your job or accomplish other daily tasks, no matter which body part is affected.
How Can I Treat a Repetitive Stress Injury?
There are some ways to treat these types of injuries. Common solutions include:
- Physical therapy
- Steroid injections
- Compression
- Surgery
Surgery is often a last resort. Any of these treatments can cost a lot of money though. Should you have to worry about these costs if you developed your injury while you were on the job?
Can I Get Workers’ Compensation?
In theory, but this can be a heavier lift than the usual workers’ compensation claim. Many workers’ comp claims are made in response to a specific accident that causes injuries. When you file a claim over this type of injury, there is no specific event to point to. Your condition developed and got worse with time.
Because of this, your employer’s insurer can try to deny your claim. They may claim that your ailment developed outside of work and that your employer had nothing to do with it. This is why it can be helpful to have an experienced attorney on your side, one who can help you make a claim and follow up with an appeal if needed.
Talk to an Attorney Today
If you develop a repetitive stress injury at work, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact Hausman & Pendzick today and ask to schedule an appointment with our team. We can tell you which options are available to you.