If you suffer injuries at work, you know there are certain types of benefits available to you in a workers’ compensation claim. This insurance carried by your employer is there to support workers who suffer injuries in work-related incidents or who become ill as a result of their work environment. They are also available to those who experience a worsening of an existing medical condition because of their job requirements.
A common example of this is repetitive stress injuries. These are injuries that develop as a result of doing the same motion repeatedly over a long period of time. Perhaps you already had this injury and your job made it worse, or maybe you developed this condition after years of doing the same tasks. You cannot see these injuries, but they are very real, and they could be grounds for a workers’ compensation claim.
Problems with your hands
Repetitive stress injuries are most commonly associated with the hands and wrists. This type of condition develops because of repeated motion, such as typing, lifting, writing and more. You may notice swelling, tingling or limited use in the affected area, and sometimes it can be quite painful. Consider the following:
- It’s important to get medical help as soon as you notice a problem. This can help you avoid a worsening of your condition.
- These injuries can develop even in people who do not have physically demanding jobs, such as those who work at desks.
- To treat this type of injury, you may have to adjust your work techniques rest, ice the affected area or wear a splint. Severe cases may need more intense treatment.
Because these injuries are unseen, you may not even realize that you could seek workers’ compensation for a repetitive strain that is causing you discomfort. While not considered a major injury, it is still something that could have a significant impact on your life.
Filing a claim?
If you think you need to file a claim for workers’ compensation, you may find it beneficial to work with an experienced Kansas attorney from the very beginning of the claims process. It is not always easy to get the support you need, even with a valid work-related injury.
You may find it beneficial to seek an assessment of your case and explanation of the legal options available to you before moving forward. A repetitive stress injury could be grounds for a workers’ comp claim, and you do not have to navigate this process alone.