A repetitive motion injury, also called a repetitive stress injury or WEAR and TEAR injury, occurs when the muscles ligaments, tendons, or nerves suffer damage as a result of making the same motion over and over again. Repetitive motion disorders arise from many microscopic tears in the tissue. Typically, the body will heal these small tears. However, if the body cannot heal the tears as quickly as they are occurring, this will lead to inflammation and possibly a repetitive stress injury (RSI). Depending on the severity of the injury, repetitive motion injuries can cause temporary or permanent damage.
Given the movement of employee specialization over recent decades, as well as an increased reliance on technology, more people suffer from repetitive motion injuries than ever before. In fact, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), repetitive stress injuries are the single most common workplace injury, affecting hundreds of thousands of workers per year. Approximately two-thirds of all repetitive motion injuries involve the upper body, including the wrist, elbow, or shoulder.
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the two most common types of repetitive stress injuries are tendonitis and bursitis. The symptoms of tendonitis and bursitis are somewhat similar, and both cause pain around the joints. However, the two are different conditions.
Those who suffer from a work-related repetitive stress injury may be entitled to New Jersey workers’ compensation benefits. However, it is crucial that employees suffering from a repetitive motion injury consult with a compensation attorney. There are strict guidelines when it comes to notifying an employer and obtaining treatment. An employee’s failure to follow the proper procedures can jeopardize their ability to collect workers’ comp benefits.
What Is Tendonitis?
Simply stated, tendonitis is the inflammation of a tendon. Tendons are thick, cord-like, tissues that connect muscles to bones. When a muscle contracts, the tendon is responsible for facilitating movement. Tendons are very strong; however, they can become irritated and inflamed. Tendons most often become inflamed where it connects with the bone.
The most common symptom of tendonitis is pain in the affected area. This pain will typically get worse when the tendon is used to move that part of the body. The skin in the area of the inflamed tendon may also become red. The areas of the body most often affected by tendonitis are the elbows, biceps, and shoulders.
What Is Bursitis?
A bursa is a sac found in parts of the body where friction may occur. Bursa cushion or lubricate the area between the tendon and bone. Bursitis occurs when a bursa becomes inflamed. There are more than 150 bursae in the human body, most of which are present at birth. However, some bursae form throughout a person’s life, in areas with a significant amount of musculoskeletal stress. Bursitis most often occurs in the elbows, hips, and knees.
The most common symptoms of bursitis are pain in the affected area and a limited range of motion. There may also be redness and swelling. Some patients report a “crunching” feeling when moving the affected joint.
New Jersey Workers’ Comp Claims for Repetitive Motion Injuries
Employees experiencing pain and a reduced ability to effectively do their job due to a repetitive stress injury can pursue a New Jersey workers’ compensation claim. The workers’ compensation system does not require an employee to prove that anyone was at fault for their condition, and provides ongoing benefits until an injured worker can get back to their job. Benefits may include both medical benefits and wage benefits.
While a WEAR and TEAR injury may be a legitimate workplace injury for which you should receive workers’ compensation benefits, filing a successful claim for workers’ compensation can be challenging. If you believe you suffer from a WEAR and TEAR injury and it may be work-related, the first step is to seek medical help. Let your doctor know you believe it is a workplace injury.
While workers’ compensation insurance companies can make recovery for WEAR and TEAR injuries difficult, it is possible – especially with the right workers’ compensation attorney representing your interests. Many times, insurance adjusters presume that a WEAR and TEAR injury is related to the natural aging process or that it is due to a pre-existing condition that has nothing to do with work.
It is in your best interest to contact aggressive, knowledgeable legal counsel experienced in successfully representing employees with repetitive motion or WEAR and TEAR injuries. It is important to note that the passage of time may be fatal to your claim.
Contact a Compensation Attorney for Immediate Assistance
If you recently suffered a workplace injury, including a repetitive motion injury, contact the dedicated injury attorneys at the New Jersey workers’ compensation law firm of Petro Cohen, P.C. We proudly help workers who have been seriously injured in all types of work-related accidents and WEAR and TEAR injuries. With our help, countless clients have obtained the medical treatment and compensation they need to recover from their injuries and get their life back on track. Our knowledgeable attorneys have decades of collective experience successfully handling all varieties of New Jersey workplace accident claims.
The workers’ comp attorneys are Petro Cohen are ready to work hard for our hard working clients. Our clients tell our story best, so take a moment and read what they have to say about their experience at Petro Cohen be visiting our Client Testimonial page.
We understand that the aftermath of a job-related accident can be a challenging time for you and your family, and we promise to make the recovery process as easy on you as possible. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case with an attorney, reach out to one of our dedicated workers’ compensation injury attorneys at Petro Cohen, P.C. today at 888-675-7607. For your convenience, we have offices in Northfield, Cherry Hill, Cape May Courthouse, or Hamilton, and are available 24/7 via Live Chat on our Web site. You can also contact us by completing our online form.