Many employees are required to perform certain manual or physical tasks repeatedly during the course of their work. Unfortunately, these repetitive movements leave workers at risk of suffering from repetitive stress injuries (RSIs). RSIs can produce numbness, pain, and loss of strength, which can make it difficult for victims to continue performing the duties of their jobs. As such, workers need to understand when they may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits in New York based on these injuries. Please continue reading to learn the potential long-term consequences of RSIs and how a determined New York City Personal Injury Lawyer can help you fight for the just compensation you need to get your life back on track.
What Are Repetitive Stress Injuries?
Workplace injuries are often associated with a single, life-altering incident. However, many work-related injuries develop over time from the cumulative effect of repetitive movements or postures on the job. That said, a repetitive stress injury (RSI) is defined as damage to your muscles, tendons, or nerves caused by repetitive motions and constant use. Essentially, it’s pain caused by doing the same motion or activity repeatedly.
Unfortunately, many workers are impacted by repetitive stress injuries as a result of the duties they have to perform for their position, which may require them to perform the same motions over and over again. It’s a common misconception that only manual labor jobs can lead to RSIs. Typing on a keyboard, scanning groceries, lifting heavy objects, and using tools can cause RSIs. These injuries can result in various conditions that can affect a worker’s productivity and hinder their ability to execute their daily responsibilities. These injuries can lead to the following medical conditions:
- Tendinitis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tennis elbow
- Bursitis
- Trigger finger and trigger thumb
- Osgood-Schlatter disease
- Back strains and sprains
- Herniated disks
- Nerve compression syndrome
- Shin splints and stress fractures
In the early stages of RSIs, you may not notice any symptoms or experience them only when engaging in a particular activity. Nevertheless, without treatment, you will eventually experience pain, weakness, and other symptoms all the time, even when you’re resting, which will render you unable to perform simple actions needed for your job or daily life.
Am I Entitled to Workers’ Compensation?
Generally, repetitive stress injuries are covered under workers’ compensation. It’s important to note that you can qualify for workers’ compensation benefits if you can prove that your assigned duties directly caused the injury rather than external factors. Workers’ compensation is only available when an injury happens within the scope of their job. Under New York law, repetitive stress injuries are treated as an occupational disease.
Proving a workers’ compensation claim can be challenging. As such, it’s in your best interest to contact James Newman, P.C. Our legal team is prepared to help you fight for the funds you deserve.
