Repetitive Stress Injuries in New York City
Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is a common workplace injury caused by repeatedly performing the same tasks, sitting or standing in sustained or awkward positions, overexertion, or using vibrating tools or machinery. At Nappa, Monterosso & Poznansky, LLP, our workers’ compensation lawyers understand the ins and outs of complex repetitive stress injury cases. We help injured workers in the Greater NYC area obtain workers’ compensation and Social Security Disability Insurance benefits so they can get the medical treatment and financial support they need to heal and support their families.
Types of Repetitive Strain Injury
Sometimes known as repetitive stress injury or repetitive motion injury, RSIs can be painful and debilitating. Typically, they affect the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. They are among the most common workplace injuries in the U.S. Repetitive strain injuries usually develop and worsen over time, so many workers don’t seek medical care until their condition is advanced.
Although carpal tunnel syndrome is the most well-known type of RSI, our workplace injury law firm has represented workers who suffer from many different types of repetitive stress injuries.
Type 1 RSI
Type 1 repetitive strain injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome are identified as musculoskeletal disorders that include symptoms like swelling and inflammation of specific muscles or tendons. Other common Type 1 RSIs include:
Bursitis
Tendonitis
Tennis elbow
Cubital tunnel syndrome (an injured nerve causes tingling, numbness, or weak grip)
Ulnar tunnel syndrome (the ulnar nerve becomes compressed at the wrist, reducing blood flow)
Iliotibial band syndrome (a tendon becomes irritated or swollen from rubbing against bones in the hip or knee)
Ganglion cysts (lumps in the tendons or joints of wrists, hands, ankles, or feet)
Dupuytren's contracture (inability to extend fingers fully)
Raynaud’s disease (reduced blood flow, usually in fingers or toes, which can be triggered by cold weather, stress, or anxiety)
Writer’s cramp
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Thoracic outlet syndrome (shoulder or neck pain caused when blood vessels or nerves between the collarbone and ribs are compressed)
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Type 2 RSI
A Type 2 repetitive stress injury is not as easily pinpointed as a specific condition. Pain often is generalized, with no other obvious symptoms. In many cases, Type 2 RSIs are due to nerve damage caused by work activities.
Workers at Risk for Repetitive Strain Injury
Jobs that require repetitive motion, lifting, or standing or sitting in one position for long periods are found in a wide range of industries. Workers who may suffer from repetitive stress injuries include:
- Cashiers who scan products and run a cash register
- Assembly line workers who perform repetitive tasks
- Office and data entry workers who sit at a desk and keyboard all day
- Construction workers who operate vibrating tools such as jackhammers or drills
- Heavy machinery operators
- House painters who continually move their arms and necks in awkward positions
- Plumbers, electricians, and other workers who use their hands to grasp and use certain tools frequently
- Shipyard workers and fishermen
- People who sew or make textiles
- Warehouse workers who lift heavy objects and stock shelves
- Restaurant cooks and dishwashers
- House cleaners and custodians
- Hairstylists
- Gardeners and landscapers Assembly line workers who perform repetitive tasks
- Office and data entry workers who sit at a desk and keyboard all day
- Construction workers who operate vibrating tools such as jackhammers or drills
- Heavy machinery operators
- House painters who continually move their arms and necks in awkward positions
- Plumbers, electricians, and other workers who use their hands to grasp and use certain tools frequently
- Shipyard workers and fishermen
- People who sew or make textiles
- Warehouse workers who lift heavy objects and stock shelves
- Restaurant cooks and dishwashers
- House cleaners and custodians
- Hairstylists
- Gardeners and landscapers
Symptoms of Repetitive Stress Injury
Some employers and their insurance companies may try to brush off repetitive strain injuries as minor. However, RSIs can be some of the most debilitating workplace injuries out there. If you suspect you have or are developing a repetitive stress injury, it’s important to seek medical care as soon as you can. Early diagnosis and treatment are the best ways to halt or slow down the damage your RSI may be causing. Typically, repetitive strain injuries affect the fingers, thumbs, hands, wrists, elbows, arms, shoulders, knees, and back.
Symptoms to look out for include:
- Pain or tenderness in joints and muscles
- Swelling
- Inflammation
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Cramping
- Weakness
- Stiffness
- Limited range of motion
- Sensitivity to cold or heat
If you’re suffering from a Type 2 RSI, pain typically is more generalized. That’s why it’s crucial to see a doctor if you’re experiencing chronic pain, regardless of whether you believe it is work-related or not.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Repetitive Stress Injuries in New York
If you’re suffering from a condition caused by a repetitive strain injury, you may be able to obtain workers’ compensation benefits for your medical bills and a portion of lost wages. However, it can be challenging to prove your injury was caused on the job. Workers’ compensation insurance companies often try to deny claims or minimize the extent of your injuries so they can get away with paying as little as possible. It’s important to have an experienced work injury lawyer to help prove your claims and recover the full amount of benefits you deserve. Although you can’t sue your employer for negligence if you collect workers’ compensation benefits, if a poorly designed or defective product caused your injury, you may be able to bring a third-party personal injury lawsuit against the designer or manufacturer.
Why Choose Our Workplace Injury Lawyers?
Our workers’ compensation attorneys have helped thousands of injured workers in the Greater New York City area. We care about our clients and understand how stressful and painful it can be to deal with a repetitive stress injury and the medical treatment and lengthy recovery time that may be required. We also represent clients in New Jersey and other areas who work for New York-based companies. Our workplace injury law firm is conveniently located in Staten Island, which makes it easy to access the legal advice you need. We can evaluate your case and determine whether you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits as well. Attorney and partner Rolando Cubela is proud to serve our Spanish-speaking clients.
Contact a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Staten Island
For more than 30 years, our workers’ compensation attorneys have been dedicated to fighting for our clients’ rights and helping them get the care and benefits they need to heal and move on with their lives. Our team at Nappa, Monterosso & Poznansky, LLP, provides compassionate legal support you can trust. To schedule a case evaluation, call us at 718-273-9000 or contact us online.
