Kansas workers who are constantly exposed to tasks that stress their nerves, tendons, muscles and ligaments may end up with a repetitive stress injury. These types of injuries may also be referred to as cumulative trauma disorders, overuse syndromes and repetitive motion disorders. If you’ve been diagnosed with this condition, you may be able to claim workers’ compensation benefits.
The causes and symptoms of repetitive stress injuries
Repetitive stress injuries can be the result of a number of different causes. These include muscle fatigue, incorrect posture, overexertion, unnatural motions and too many uninterrupted repetitions of a particular motion or activity. Workers commonly experience repetitive stress injuries in their shoulders, elbows, wrists, thumbs, fingers, hands, neck, hips and feet.
These types of injuries typically come along with some notable symptoms. These include numbness, visible swelling, tingling, pain and loss of flexibility. Although, for some patients, there may be no symptoms present. Over time, the repeated motion will cause temporary or permanent damage to the soft tissue of the body, including tendons, ligaments, nerves and muscles.
Most common workers diagnosed with repetitive stress injuries
Due to the nature of how repetitive stress injuries develop, some workers are more prone to being diagnosed with this condition than others. The most commonly diagnosed workers are in the profession of sewing, carpentry, computer work, gardening, meatpacking and assembly line work. All of these professionals require repetitive motions to be performed by workers.
Filing a workers’ compensation claim
Workers’ compensation benefits are available for workers who have been diagnosed with repetitive stress injuries as long as the injury is thought to be caused by workplace tasks. To be eligible for these benefits, a worker must submit a claim within a specific period of time. Otherwise, they give up their rights to seek compensation.
Repetitive stress injuries are being diagnosed more often as physicians are learning more about the potential causes of this condition. Unfortunately, some workers are naturally at a higher risk for developing this illness. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with a repetitive stress injury, it’s time to talk to an attorney who can potentially help you claim your workers’ compensation benefits.