Generally, when we think of workers’ compensation, we tend to think of accidents or one-time incidents that result in injuries. However, not all workplace injuries occur in a single event. Repetitive stress injuries develop over time and can be just as painful and challenging to recover from. If your job duties caused you to develop a repetitive stress injury, you might be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, but it is crucial that you seek legal representation.
What is a Repetitive Stress Injury?
Repetitive stress injuries can cover a vast range of conditions, including tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff syndrome, and more. These types of injuries can affect various parts of the body, resulting in the following symptoms:
- Tingling sensation
- Pain that might range from tenderness to throbbing and acute discomfort
- Limited range of mobility
- Numbness
- Issues with coordination and loss of strength
If you are still in the early phases of one of these conditions, you might not necessarily experience these symptoms or, if you do, you might only experience them when performing a specific task or moving the afflicted body part in a specific motion. In the absence of treatment, a repetitive stress injury will worsen, resulting in weakness and pain. In severe cases, these types of injuries might even result in permanent damage, preventing a worker from returning to work.
Jobs That Commonly Result in Repetitive Stress Injuries
Any repetitive task can result in the development of a repetitive stress injury, though some jobs create a much higher risk of the development of such conditions. Occupations that commonly result in repetitive stress injuries include:
- Nurses
- Bus drivers
- Professional athletes
- Janitors
- Delivery workers
- Musicians
- Agricultural workers
- Store clerks
- Plumbers
If you believe you developed a repetitive stress injury that was caused by performing your job duties, you must notify your employer as soon as possible and seek medical treatment. Trying to work through your injury might prevent you from achieving a full recovery or prolong the process. Additionally, it could also harm your chances of obtaining the vital workers’ compensation benefits you need while you are unable to work.
Schedule a Consultation with a Knowledgeable Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today!
Repetitive stress injuries are painful and can potentially render you unable to return to your job. If you developed this type of injury due to your job, you could be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, but you must hire an attorney who is experienced in handling such matters. At Smolich and Smolich in Sacramento, we are ready to help you navigate the complexities of filing a workers’ compensation claim will guide you through every step of the process, no matter what stage you are in.
Our legal team also believes you should take this time to focus on your recovery, which is why you will not owe us any legal fees until we are able to win your case.
Begin the process of obtaining workers’ compensation benefits and contact us at (916) 571-0400 to request a complimentary consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.