The federal government demands that states have a program providing workers with compensation for on-the-job injuries. Unless your employer is exempt because of its size or the scope of the work, you have the legal right to file a compensation claim for work-related injuries of all sorts, including depression and anxiety.
What Is A Job-Related Injury?
Workers’ compensation claims often involve a sudden physical injury, but that is not always the case. Some physical injuries form over a long period of time and require a different burden of proof for compensation. If you believe you might have a repetitive stress injury, it is essential to file your claim now to ensure it is approved.
What Are Repetitive Stress Injuries?
Also called cumulative trauma injuries, these afflictions result from performing the same task countless times. Rather than a sudden incident causing the injury, the tissue damage occurs in minute amounts, compounding with each repetition of the motion.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most well-known repetitive stress injury, but these injuries can affect any tissue that has been subject to repeated stress. If the injury is caused by making the same repeated motion while on the clock, it counts. The harm results from using the muscles, tendons, ligaments and other tissues in the same motion for multiple hours each day for several years.
Who Is At Risk?
The cumulative nature of the injuries means workers who have been in the field longer have a greater risk of developing an injury.
Office workers who regularly use computers are at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis and tendonitis. Because of technological advances in recent decades, people in many fields are subject to these damaging conditions. Whether you are a customer communications specialist or a data analyst, if you are using a keyboard most of the day, you are at risk.
Construction and manufacturing jobs requiring repeated motions, such as assembly line jobs, put workers at risk of repetitive stress injuries. Many employment positions, including cashiers and stock people, also increase the possible occurrence of repetitive stress injuries.
When Should I File A Claim?
If you believe you have a repetitive stress injury, it is essential that you take action immediately. Inform your employer, visit the doctor and obtain legal counsel to get the ball rolling. The law limits how long you have to file a claim, and a workers’ compensation attorney can help protect your interests during the process.
Learn more during a free consultation at our Morristown or Red Bank offices by filling out the form below or calling 732-936-9901.
