Some professions leave people more susceptible to accidents and injuries than others. For example, there are several industries where a worker may be more likely to develop a repetitive stress injury.
The personal injury lawyers at Nappa, Monterosso & Poznansky, LLP, have more than 30 years of combined experience serving clients in the greater NYC area in practice areas such as disability and workers’ compensation claims. Here, we highlight some jobs where employees may be more vulnerable to repetitive stress injuries and what they can do about them.
What Is a Repetitive Stress Injury?
Sometimes called a repetitive strain injury, this issue occurs when people make the same movements regularly, causing damage to the muscles, nerves, or tendons most affected by the motion. Work duties that may lead to these kinds of injuries include typing, lifting, raising arms, or flicking wrists.
Repetitive stress injuries encompass a variety of conditions, including:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tendonitis
- Shin splints
- Osgood-Schlatter disease, a condition that causes pain and swelling below the knee
These injuries typically result in symptoms such as pain, swelling, numbness, tingling, and stiffness in joints and muscles in the fingers, wrists, elbows, shoulders, and knees. The symptoms can significantly affect your ability to do your job and may cause further damage to your body.
Who Gets Repetitive Stress Injuries?
Anyone who does the same movements day after day can be affected by a repetitive stress injury, but some people are more at risk due to the nature of their careers or hobbies. These individuals include:
- Construction workers
- Warehouse and factory workers
- Housekeepers
- Musicians
- Hairstylists
- Athletes
- Typists or writers
If you think your repetitive stress injury is caused by work-related activities, make sure you report it to your employer and speak about accommodations.
Workers’ Compensation for Repetitive Stress Injuries
Most mild cases of repetitive stress injuries can be treated at home with limited activity and anti-inflammatory painkillers until the pain subsides. If your case is more severe, you may need to see a physiotherapist to receive a prescription for more effective medication.
If you are unable to work because of a repetitive stress injury caused by your job, you may be able to qualify for workers’ compensation. These benefits go beyond the standard injury and can apply to situations where employees encounter occupational diseases, such as chemical exposure, or industry-specific accidents such as construction site injuries.
You will have to prove your injury is related to your work activities, so keep documentation of any doctor’s visits, prescriptions, pay stubs, and other evidence. You may also want to keep a journal of your daily work activities, how often you complete the task causing the pain, and your pain levels when working.
In New York State, you must report your injury to your employer within 30 days and submit your claim within two years. New York offers advocates for injured workers to help you through the process.
Contact a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today
Dealing with a repetitive stress injury and filing for a workers’ compensation claim can be overwhelming. The experienced lawyers at Staten Island’s largest workers’ compensation firm, Nappa, Monterosso & Poznansky, LLP, understand these challenges and are here to assist.
Seek guidance from a trusted workers’ compensation lawyer who can lead you through the process and help you file your claim efficiently. We also have a Spanish-speaking attorney, partner Rolando Cubela, which allows Spanish-speaking clients to gain the representation they need. Contact us today to take advantage of our over 30 years of law experience.
References
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17424-repetitive-strain-injury
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/repetitive-strain-injury-rsi/
http://www.wcb.ny.gov/content/main/Workers/lp_workers-comp.jsp
https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/osgood-schlatter-disease-knee-pain/
