Are Repetitive Strain Injuries Covered Under Workman’s Comp?

Under both Pennsylvania and New Jersey workers’ compensation laws repetitive strain injuries are covered conditions eligible for compensation. However, proving that your injury was caused in the workplace can be challenging, so it’s wise to speak with a lawyer about your case and your options. We are personal injury attorneys serving Greater Philadelphia and surrounding areas and we can help. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you think you’re suffering from a work-related repetitive strain injury.

What are Repetitive Strain Injuries?

These are injuries brought on by repetitive motion and consistent overuse or abuse and can cause muscle, tendon and nerve pain. This pain can be quite severe in extreme cases. It’s often found in the workplace in professions where workers repeat the same tasks over and over, such as typing, manufacturing, heavy lifting, frequent bending, and similar activities. RSIs can manifest in many parts of the body. Some of the more common conditions caused by RSIs are:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Tendonitis
Ulnar Tunnel Entrapment
Bursitis
Trigger Finger
Rotator Cuff Syndrome

These conditions can be quite debilitating for sufferers, preventing them from accomplishing simple daily activities without pain or, in some cases, at all. Common RSI symptoms include:

Pain
Stiffness
Tingling
Muscle aches
Weakness
Numbness
Cramping

Any of these can be problematic in the workplace if your RSI is negatively impacting your job performance. Particularly if your injury was caused by your work, it’s grossly unfair for your employer to punish you for the resulting poor performance. It’s important that you consult with a lawyer to learn about your options. We are Randy H. Kaplan Law Offices, personal injury attorneys serving Greater Philadelphia and surrounding areas and we can help get you the compensation you deserve.

What Should I Do?

If you feel you’ve been injured in the workplace you should retain legal counsel as soon as possible. Having someone in your corner is the best way to be certain your workers’ compensation rights are protected. It’s relatively easy to prove an injury caused by a slip and fall in the workplace, but it’s much more challenging to establish an RSI, which is the result of years of workplace activities. Insurance companies loathe to pay out on claims they stand a reasonable chance of avoiding and so will do their best to try and minimize your compensation or deny your claim outright. Make sure you have a qualified professional working for you to hold your employer and their insurance company accountable. Serving Greater Philadelphia we’re personal injury attorneys and we will fight for you.