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Repetitive Motion Injury Lawyer

When many people think of an on-the-job injury, they usually think of something going wrong — for example, someone burning or cutting themselves on accident or being harmed by a malfunctioning piece of equipment. However, there are other ways to get hurt at work. A repetitive motion injury is one which develops over time. In other words, making the same motion repeatedly can lead to damage to the part of the body you’re using. If you or your loved once are involve in this kind of injury contact a repetitive motion injury lawyer.

If repetitive motion at work has led to a medical condition or injury, or you are in chronic pain, then you may be eligible for workers’ comp in your state.

The skilled repetitive motion injury attorneys at The Joel Bieber Firm can help you file a workers’ comp claim. In addition, we also help appeal denied claims or file a lawsuit for damages so you get the compensation you deserve.

What Is a Repetitive Motion Injury?

Many jobs require workers to perform the same physical tasks over and over. Over time, repeating the same motion damages joints, muscles, or other types of soft tissue. This, in turn, causes repetitive motion injuries.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a commonly known repetitive motion injury. For example, people who type for many hours a day without proper hand and wrist support can develop it. It is similar to arthritis in that the joints and ligaments in your hands and wrist swell.

People working physical jobs, like manual labor, package delivery, or construction, often develop back injuries. This is because constantly bending and twisting can injure the back. Sometimes, workers can end up with painful pinched nerves or back spasms.

Without treatment and resting the injured body part, you can become permanently disabled. In addition, the pain or limitations can affect your ability to do your job.

Some Workers Are More Vulnerable to Repetitive Motion Injuries

Many common work duties cause repetitive motion injuries. For example, these duties can cause them:

  • Product assembly or component assembly
  • Climbing ladders and stairs
  • Lifting heavy objects
  • Standing or squatting
  • Prolonged sitting without a break
  • Hammering nails or placing screws
  • Operating a jackhammer
  • Using a mouse and keyboard

But who is most at risk for a repetitive motion injury?

Some jobs come with a higher risk than others. For instance, these careers may see more repetitive motion injuries:

  • Professional athletes and dancers
  • Writers
  • Meat processing and agricultural workers
  • Textile workers or other manufacturing plant employees
  • Construction workers
  • Housekeepers and janitors
  • Nurses and paramedics
  • Professional drivers

Therefore, companies employing these professionals must take steps to ensure that workers have the correct medical support devices to reduce repetitive motion injuries. In addition, employers should train workers on how to perform job duties to minimize the risk of a repetitive motion condition.

A Repetitive Motion Injury Causes Long-Term Damage

Chronic inflammation of the ligaments and tendons around the repetitive motion injury site hurts. As a result, many people aren’t able to do their jobs anymore because of pain or physical limitations.

Treating repetitive motion injuries involves:

  • Rest
  • Alternating hot and cold compresses
  • Targeted exercise and conditioning to strengthen the affected area
  • Physical therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Surgery

Your employer is responsible for paying for the cost of your medical treatment if you develop a repetitive motion injury on the job. So, you can file a workers’ comp claim for injury coverage.

But sometimes, your employer may deny your claim. For example, it may allege that you had a pre-existing condition. Other times, it denies the seriousness of your injury. In either scenario, you don’t get the full amount of benefits you’re entitled to.

If this occurs, contact a workplace injury lawyer. An attorney can determine whether you have a case for damages. Additionally, a lawyer can appeal workers’ comp denials or unpaid claims.

Workers’ Compensation Can Cover a Repetitive Motion Injury

Workers’ comp insurance covers workplace injuries. In addition to the harm caused by a sudden accident, the insurance covers any type of work-related injury.

Therefore, you can follow these steps to obtain employer-covered medical care:

  • Visit a doctor to diagnose your condition and its cause
  • Report the injury to your manager
  • Visit your employer’s workers’ comp doctor to confirm your diagnosis
  • File a workers’ comp claim with your state agency
  • Follow all the doctor’s directions for treatment and healing
  • Schedule a return-to-work date with your employer

Your employer may permit you to work light-duty or part-time as you heal. However, some people never regain the abilities they had before their repetitive motion injuries. If this happens to you, workers’ comp provides some short- or long-term disability payment, too.

Your Options If You Cannot Get Workers’ Compensation

Multiple factors affect your workers’ comp status. For example, if you had a pre-existing condition or if you had an old injury in the same place, you may not be covered. Workers’ comp insurance companies may deny claims in these cases. However, you may be able to appeal the denial.

Employers failing to provide the right support and safety equipment to prevent repetitive motion injuries may be negligent. Suppose that your injury could have been prevented but wasn’t. Perhaps the company didn’t want to pay for the right support equipment. In that case, they may be liable for your injury.

Your workplace injury lawyer knows if your employer is negligent. And if the company was negligent, then you may be able to file a lawsuit for damages. Workplace injury lawsuits can provide the same medical care coverage as workers’ comp. In addition, you can receive payment for your pain and suffering.

Sadly, taking legal action is sometimes the only way that you can get the coverage you deserve.

Do You Need Help After Suffering a Repetitive Motion Injury at Work?

If you developed a repetitive motion injury on the job, then we can help. The Joel Bieber Firm fights for the rights of injured workers. Our track record of success proves that our team believes workers should be treated fairly. Contact us today to schedule a free case review with a workplace injury lawyer in your area.