Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) at work are no laughing matter. These injuries, which can be caused by a variety of different kinds of workplace activities, can leave you in pain and unable to continue working. You might even find yourself unable to continue in your chosen profession. If you’ve suffered an RSI in the workplace, you may be able to benefit from filing a workers’ compensation claim.
Understanding RSIs
While you may associate repetitive stress injuries or WEAR and TEAR injuries with computer workers who get carpal tunnel syndrome from long hours at the keyboard, many types of workplace activities can cause RSIs. Truckers can develop rotator cuff problems from frequent gear shifting; retail workers can develop problems from the frequent, repetitive lifting of boxes or even the repetitive scanning of items at the grocery checkout.
Repetitive motions of any kind, or working conditions that expose workers to prolonged periods of cold or vibration, can cause RSIs. That means construction workers who handle power tools or those who work outside in the cold during the winter are just as likely as office workers to develop RSIs.
Symptoms of RSIs
If you develop numbness, tingling, stiffness, swelling, sensitivity to cold or heat, or weakness in any part of your body, but especially the hands, arms, or shoulders, you could be suffering from an RSI.
What to Do If You Think You Have an RSI
If left untreated, an RSI can lead to severe, chronic pain, and loss of function that could leave you unable to work. If you think you’re developing symptoms of an RSI, seek medical care immediately. Don’t wait. Even if your discomfort and loss of function is mild, you risk total loss of function and severe pain if you fail to seek treatment and take steps to minimize further injury.
Employers are required by federal law to take steps to prevent RSI. If you develop an RSI due to workplace activities, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation. You may also be entitled to accommodations at work to make your job easier to perform, and to minimize the risk of further injury.
Experienced New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Lawyers
Repetitive stress or WEAR and TEAR injuries in the workplace happen more often than you might think. Unfortunately, this type of injury can affect you for the rest of your life. This is just one reason it’s important for you and your family members to get any benefits you deserve.
If you or someone you love has suffered a repetitive stress injury, and would like to receive more information on workers’ compensation settlements, wage loss, workplace injuries, wage claims, and how to receive workers’ compensation benefits, we can help.
Contact the workers’ compensation attorneys at Petro Cohen, P.C. as soon as possible at (609) 677-1700 or fill out the form online to schedule your free consultation. We can answer your questions and determine the most efficient way to proceed in order to help you and your family obtain the compensation that you deserve.
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