Injuries on the job are quite common, and the types of injuries vary. While most people think of accident injuries, certain injuries can develop over time.
Thankfully, just like other workplace injuries, employees can seek compensation for their repetitive stress injuries. There are a few important things to understand about this process.
What it is
A repetitive stress injury is a type of injury that occurs from a person repeating the same actions over a period of time. People can experience such injuries in a variety of ways, including sports. However, employees who repeat the same tasks day in and day out have a high risk of such injuries. These tasks may range from using a jackhammer on a construction site to sitting at a computer typing for eight hours a day. Not only can the means of obtaining the injuries vary, but so can the type of injuries parties experience. Some of the more common types include:
- Shoulder injuries
- Back strain
- Carpal tunnel
- Tendonitis or bursitis
While these are some of the more common injury types, other injuries may fall under the repetitive stress injury umbrella. It is also important to note that because these injuries develop over time, parties should pay attention to early warning signs.
Treatment
If left unaddressed, a repetitive stress injury can develop into a debilitating injury or serious condition. Therefore, parties must seek proper treatment. A physician can implement treatment and rehabilitation methods to help reduce, or possibly reverse, injury effects.
Filing a claim
As with any on-site injury, the first step to take toward workers’ comp is to report it according to company policy. The employee will likely have to validate the injury claims with a diagnosis from a physician. However, in the case of a claim denial, employees may pursue a claim through the court.
Workers’ compensation benefits are there to assist employees who truly need them. In the case of repetitive stress injuries, it may not be easy to prove, but for those employees who experience them, it can be worth the effort.
