Workplace accidents aren’t always sudden events like a fall or being hit by an object—repetitive motion injuries can be just as serious. Workers’ compensation insurance can help you recover. A skilled repetitive motion injury lawyer from our personal injury law firm will work with the insurance company on your workers’ comp claim to ensure your medical bills are covered and your checks do not stop unexpectedly.
How Can a Repetitive Motion Injury Lawyer Help Me?
An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can guide you through the claims process and help you get the maximum compensation you deserve. Your workers’ comp lawyer will:
- Investigate your claim to prove your injuries are job-related
- Gather evidence like medical records and eyewitness testimony
- Handle the entire legal process, including filing claims and appealing denials
- Negotiate with the insurance company for the best compensation possible
What Is a Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)?
A repetitive strain injury is caused by overusing muscles, tendons, and nerves. Repetitive injuries—like carpal tunnel syndrome—often stem from repeated motions, such as typing, using a mouse, or lifting heavy objects.
What’s the Difference Between Repetitive Trauma and Strain Injuries?
Both are regional musculoskeletal disorders. RSIs result from overusing muscles, tendons, or nerves, causing issues like tendonitis or carpal tunnel. Repetitive trauma injuries come from repeated stress, such as vibration injuries from heavy machinery.
Symptoms of Common Repetitive Motion Injuries
RSI symptoms depend on the type and severity of the injury and are often treated by orthopedic doctors or physical therapists. Some common signs of RSIs or cumulative trauma disorder include:
- Pain or tenderness in the affected area
- Stiffness or loss of mobility
- Weakness or numbness in the affected muscles
- Swelling and inflammation
- Difficulty performing tasks that involve repetition
Common Causes of Repetitive Strain Injuries
Repetitive workplace injuries occur when workers perform the same motions over and over again. Work-related injuries, sometimes called repetitive stress injuries, can be caused by various factors, including:
- Poor posture or ergonomics
- Repetitive motions without breaks or rest periods
- Overexertion from lifting or carrying heavy objects
- Vibrations from using tools and equipment, such as jackhammers or power saws
Types of Work That Can Cause RSIs
RSIs can occur in any job that requires repetitive motions or sustained postures with repetitive movements. Some common occupations include:
- Office workers typing on keyboards for extended periods
- Workers who repeatedly perform the same tasks on an assembly line
- Construction workers handling power tools or doing heavy lifting
- Cleaning staff involved in repetitive tasks like scrubbing or mopping
- Healthcare workers who lift and move patients
How to Prevent Repetitive Strain Injuries
Seeking Workers’ Compensation for RSIs
Injured workers who have developed a RSI due to their work duties may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, helping to cover the cost of medical treatment—including physical therapy, lost wages, and rehabilitation expenses.
What Is and Is Not a Valid Case?
In workers’ compensation cases, proving negligence isn’t required to receive benefits. If your repetitive strain injury is work-related, you may have a case.
Valid cases: typing, data entry, assembly line work, cleaning, lifting, or repetitive use of tools at work.
Invalid cases: playing an instrument, sports, commuting, self-inflicted injuries, or personal off-hours activities.
How Much Is My Repetitive Strain Injury Worth?
Repetitive strain injury victims are entitled to damages under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act. Under this act, workers are entitled to compensation for the following:
- A fixed percentage of lost wages while out of work
- A fixed percentage of any future lost wages if considered disabled
- Medical bills for treatment, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and therapy related to the injuries
- Job training to find new employment, in some instances
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Claim?
Workers in Illinois must file workers’ compensation claims within strict deadlines, including reporting repetitive stress injuries within 45 days.
Contact an Experienced Workers’ Comp Attorney Today
Suffered a repetitive strain injury at work? Take advantage of a free consultation and let an experienced workers’ compensation attorney from our law firm help you navigate the claims process and secure the benefits you deserve.
(312) 223-1700