Repetitive Stress Injuries Can Result in a Workers’ Compensation Claim

Repetitive motion injuries are very common in the workplace, but are often ignored until they become a problem. Repetitive motion injuries or cumulative trauma injuries develop as a result of a muscle doing the same action repetitively for long periods of time.

Doing the same thing over and over causes strain to soft tissues, tendons and ligaments. That said, many jobs that we do every day require workers to do the same thing – for instance typing, packing, loading and unloading, climbing, and lifting. These repetitive jobs can be found in just about any industry from assembly line work to construction and from office work to manufacturing work.

How do injuries happen?

If you stop to think about what you do at work, you may be able to identify activities that cause repetitive stress injuries. The following list of tasks include:

• Using tools and equipment not suited for the job
• Not using ergonomic equipment
• Repetitively reaching or bending over
• Standing or lifting while standing at an awkward angle
• Working with vibrating machinery
• Lifting heavy loads repeatedly
• Remaining in a stationary position for long stretches of time
• Assembling and/or packaging products
• Cleaning activities
• Welding

Repetitive stress injuries cost employers roughly $2 billion every year in the form of workers’ compensation claims, and cumulative trauma injuries cause the highest number of lost days at work (approximately 18 days for each injury). These injuries may also get worse over time and if not treated, can cause severe and/or permanent damage. Repetitive stress injuries are most common in situations involving repeated motions and movement requiring excessive force or activities performed while in an awkward position.

Types of repetitive stress injuries include, but are not limited to:

• Tendinitis
• Ganglion cyst
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Tenosynovitis
• Bursitis
• Rotator cuff injuries
• Repetitive shoulder strain
• Trigger finger
• Hearing loss
• Lower-back strain
• Nerve entrapment disorders
• Ulnar tunnel syndrome
• Arthritis
• Raynaud’s disease
• Impingement syndrome
• Radial tunnel syndrome
• Reflexive sympathetic dystrophy syndrome
• Thoracic outlet syndrome
• Epicondylitis
• Spinal injuries – ruptured/herniated discs
• Dystonia
• DeQuervain’s syndrome

Repetitive motion injuries are often difficult to prove in a workers’ compensation claim and have higher likelihood of being very closely scrutinized. For this reason, if you are suffering from a repetitive strain injury, it is a good idea to discuss your case with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney at Hessig & Pohl. We handle hundreds of workers’ compensation claims and can help you navigate the maze of filing a claim.

Recovering from a repetitive stress injury can take time. In fact, it may last several years depending on the nature of the injury and what is necessary to treat it. If you are dealing with a repetitive stress injury, call us at Hessig & Pohl for a free consultation regarding your case. We do not quit until we get justice. You can call or text us at 502-777-1111 anytime of day.