Fort Oglethorpe Repetitive Motion Injuries Lawyer
While many employees in Fort Oglethorpe understand that they may receive workers’ compensation benefits if they suffer an acute injury on the job, many may not realize they could be entitled to benefits for repetitive motion injuries that develop gradually over time. When overuse or repetitive stress injuries are caused by working conditions, you may receive medical treatment through workers’ compensation as well as income benefits.
However, because the onset of repetitive stress injuries is often gradual, insurers are more likely to find reasons to deny a claim based on such a condition. For that reason, you might find it helpful to work with a Fort Oglethorpe repetitive motion injuries lawyer. A dedicated workers’ compensation attorney with experience fighting for employee rights could help you pursue the benefits you need and deserve.
Repetitive Motion Injuries as Defined by OSHA
The United States’ Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has recognized that repetitive motions in the workplace cause various forms of musculoskeletal disorders in workers. OSHA observed that employees with severe musculoskeletal disorders could become permanently disabled and not only be unable to work, but unable to perform “simple, everyday tasks like combing their hair, picking up a baby, or pushing a shopping cart.”
Since this discovery, OSHA has encouraged employers to implement ergonomic solutions to protect workers from injuries caused by repetitive or awkward motions and overuse. Unfortunately, our attorneys still see numerous employees in Fort Oglethorpe suffering injuries on the job from repetitive stress motions.
Common Injuries
Examples of repetitive motion conditions identified by OSHA include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome caused by performing hand-intensive tasks with a bent wrist
- Tenosynovitis injuries to tendons due to repetitive motions
- Muscle strain in back and shoulders to frequent elevated reaching motions
- Tendinitis caused by repeatedly tensing a muscle
Absences from work due to carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive motion injuries are often lengthier than absences due to fractures or other injuries. Because the condition develops gradually, people are often surprised how debilitating it might become.
Benefits Available for Workers Suffering Repetitive Motion Injuries
When a repetitive stress injury is shown to have stemmed from work performed by an employee in the scope of employment, that employee may be entitled to different types of benefits through workers’ compensation insurance that most employees are required by law to provide. Medical benefits from these plans might provide medical care for on-the-job injuries including surgery and rehabilitation.
Additionally, if an employee is unable to work or only able to perform light duties or reduced work hours, workers’ compensation may provide benefits to make up for lost income. Temporary total or partial disability benefits are often paid while the employee is recovering.
If an employee reaches a stage where a doctor believes no further improvement could occur, the employee may receive additional payments for any permanent disability that remains. A repetitive motion injuries lawyer in Fort Oglethorpe could help an injured worker identify what kinds of benefits he or she may be entitled to under his or her unique circumstances.
Work with a Knowledgeable Fort Oglethorpe Repetitive Motion Injuries Attorney
Although repetitive motion injuries can potentially be just as debilitating as sudden onset injuries, workers’ compensation claims for these injuries are often more difficult to prove. Insurance companies might argue that an employee suffers from a pre-existing condition or that the injury is due to activity outside of work.
An experienced Fort Oglethorpe repetitive motion injuries lawyer from our team could assist with demonstrating your qualifications to receive benefits. To learn more about the advantages of working with a dedicated workers’ compensation advocate, call today for a consultation.
