Regardless of the physical demands of your profession, there is a significant risk of suffering repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) if you perform repetitive motions or maintain the same posture daily for months or years. Most people assume that work injuries occur with a particular life-changing incident. However, they can also develop gradually over time due to putting continuous strain on specific body parts while working. If you have created a repetitive stress injury from your work, you may be wondering whether you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits for this occupational disease. Please continue reading to learn how a determined Morris County Work Injury Attorney can help you understand your rights and fight for the funds you deserve.
What Are Repetitive Stress Injuries?
As mentioned above, some workplace injuries occur gradually over time due to doing the same repetitive tasks every day. Overusing the tendons, muscles, and nerves causes repetitive stress injuries. These injuries are often the result of performing routine motions, awkward posture, prolonged sitting, inadequate breaks, and poor ergonomics.
Identifying early warning signs of an RSI is crucial to preventing more severe conditions. Some common signs are persistent dull aches, weakness, tingling, swelling, numbness, stiffness, and discomfort in the muscles, tendons, or joints. This pain is often experienced in particular body parts such as the wrists, elbows, neck, and back. Unfortunately, these injuries are prevalent and can lead to various medical conditions:
- Tendinitis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)
- Bursitis
- Tennis elbow
- Trigger finger
- Back strains and sprains
- Shin splints and stress fractures
Am I Entitled to Workers’ Compensation?
If you have suffered repetitive stress injuries at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. However, you will be subject to more stringent requirements than an average case, as these injuries are less noticeable. In New Jersey, to qualify for workers’ compensation, the injury must have occurred while performing a task that falls within the scope of your job. Therefore, you will be eligible for compensation as long as you can prove that your injuries developed directly from your job duties rather than any external factors. Under New Jersey law, coverage for workplace injuries extends to occupational diseases.
Unfortunately, repetitive stress injuries can result in chronic pain, reduced function, and permanent damage to muscles, tendons, or joints. As such, it’s crucial to understand your legal rights. If you suffer from a repetitive stress injury due to workplace conditions or performing job-related tasks, please don’t hesitate to contact a dedicated Morris County work injury attorney. At Lutz Injury Law, we are prepared to help you fight for the compensation you need to get your life back on track.