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Repetitive Trauma Injury

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Many work-related injuries develop over time and they are mainly caused by the cumulative effect of repetitive movements or specific postures in the workplace—from hammering nails and holding a jackhammer to scanning groceries and typing. Fortunately, there are workers’ compensation benefits available for workers that have suffered a work-related repetitive trauma injury.

What are repetitive trauma injuries?

Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) go by different names including repetitive stress injuries, overuse injuries, and cumulative trauma, which is a broader group that comprises injuries that develop over time like hearing loss caused by loud noises at work. Common examples of repetitive stress injuries include:

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Tendonitis
  • Bursitis
  • Tennis elbow
  • Lower back pain
  • Back problems
  • Neck strain
  • Shoulder injuries

Workers’ comp claim for a repetitive trauma injury

You need to file a claim in order to receive good workers’ comp benefits for your RSIs. Workers’ comp usually covers repetitive strain injuries, but these cases can be extremely complex without the assistance of a workers’ comp lawyer. First, you must prove that your injury is linked to the job. A single incident that causes an injury is generally easy to probe while the cause of an injury that has developed over time may require legal expertise. This is why it is crucial that victims get themselves suitable medical treatment as soon as possible so that they have the medical documentation needed to prove the RSI is work-related.

Contact a Miami workers’ compensation attorney

If you have developed a repetitive trauma injury, you need to consult with an experienced workers’ comp lawyer. There are times when your employer’s insurer may deny your claim and medical coverage. An experienced attorney can handle your case efficiently and gather the required medical evidence to support your claim. To learn more about the legal services we offer at Gallardo Lawyers, please contact us today to set up a free case evaluation.

FAQS
Some of the symptoms of RSIs include pain, numbness, tingling, less flexibility, and motion. Unfortunately, many workers don’t feel these symptoms during the early stages or may experience them when holding a specific posture. If you aren’t treated, you will eventually experience these symptoms permanently.
A repetitive stress injury is more common on people working with computers since these type of jobs require a keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, and so on. But there are also other job tasks that may involve repeated micro-movements such as lifting and carrying equipment or holding an uncomfortable position. Other high-risk jobs for repetitive strain injuries include: Housekeeping cleaners, Bus drivers, Nurses and healthcare aides, Delivery workers, Firefighters, Musicians and athletes
If you feel the symptoms are related to your job tasks, it’s important you notify your employer right away and see a doctor. But you must follow the workers’ comp system’s rules. Waiting too long to seek medical treatment and legal advice will not only hinder the recovery process but also make it more challenging to receive workers’ compensation benefits. You must explain to your doctor when you started experiencing these symptoms and how it happened. The doctor may recommend you stop working for a while or work part-time to allow your repetitive strain injury get better. Some work restrictions may apply such as time limits on how long to perform specific tasks and taking frequent breaks.
If your injury is not work-related and it doesn’t result in permanent injuries or require extensive medical treatment and long periods off work, chances are workers’ comp will not cover it.
Some steps you can take to prevent workplace injuries include: • Attend workplace safety workshops • Report poor lighting, wet floors, broken nails, or any other hazard • Put away workplace equipment when not in use • Use the right ladders when trying to reach items on high shelves • Don’t store heavy objects up high • If possible, invest in a good ergonomic chair to keep your body in a correct position and work comfortably • If you have a stationary job, get plenty of exercise and take breaks to walk around.
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