Are Repetitive Use Injuries Compensable?
Repetitive stress or trauma injuries are gradual damage to muscles, tendons and nerves from repeated motion. These types of injuries can occur in any person who repeats the same motion over and over. Repetitive use injuries that caused by or aggravated by work can be compensable, meaning you can obtain workers’ compensation benefits for the injury. Insurers will usually deny and fight these claims. The success of these claims depends a lot on the medical evidence.
Common Repetitive Use Injuries
Tendinitis is the inflammation of the tendons that connect muscle to bone. It is commonly found in biceps, elbows and rotator cuffs. Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa sac found where friction occurs in the body, meant to cushion the area between the tendon and bone. It is commonly found in knees, elbows and hips. Repetitive use injuries can happen to workers in any industry. They are equally common in athletes, medical professionals and blue-collar workers. Even jobs in office settings can lead to repetitive use injuries.
Signs of Repetitive Use Injuries
As repetitive use injuries are not the result of a sudden impact or occurrence, there are signs and symptoms to look out for. You may experience burning, aching and shooting pain in the injured area. The injury may present as numbness or tremors. Weakness or lack of strength in your extremities or extreme fatigue can make it difficult to function without assistance. These injuries are debilitating when they prevent you from the tasks of daily living.
Obtain Compensation for Repetitive Use Injuries
Injured workers should report injuries to their employers, seek medical attention. Since insurers usually always fight these types of claims, it is important to retain a workers’ compensation lawyer and file a workers’ compensation claim. Call my office today at 978-654-6670 to schedule a free consultation.