Workplace injuries don’t always come from a single accident—they often build over time. Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) are common work injuries caused by repeated motions, awkward postures, forceful tasks, or vibration. Knowing how workers’ compensation for repetitive stress injuries works helps employees spot symptoms early. It also helps them document job tasks that make the injuries worse. This way, they can take the right steps to protect their claim.
Understanding Repetitive Stress Injuries in the Workplace
Over time, you may begin noticing that performing your job is not as easy as it used to be. You can’t complete tasks as quickly and may need to continually stop because the pain is too much. Some may write these off as symptoms of getting older but age may not be the only culprit. You might have a repetitive stress injury. If your RSI is caused by work, you may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.
A repetitive stress injury occurs when continually performing a task that damages one or more parts of the body. Many occupations require repetitive movements that can eventually take a toll on a worker’s body. If you work in an office and type on a computer all day, you can develop carpal tunnel syndrome from constant use of the keyboard. A grocery clerk could strain their wrists by repeatedly using a scanner.
Understanding Workers’ Compensation for Repetitive Stress Injuries
Doing the same task throughout the day puts strain on the tendons, joints, and muscles or causes muscle fatigue. This muscle fatigue makes the muscles susceptible to injury. Repetitive stress injuries can also occur from frequent over-exertion as it puts stress on the body. When you lean against a hard or sharp surface, blood flow to your muscles, tendons, and nerves decreases. This can cause numbness and other changes in how you feel. Continued blood flow restriction can damage the tissue.
What am I Entitled to for a Repetitive Stress Injury Workers’ Compensation Claim?
Employers and their workers’ compensation insurance companies are usually reluctant to accept repetitive stress injury claims, so you must prove the connection between the injury and work-related activity. It is important to inform your employer and doctor about your issues right away. If your pain and ability to work get worse, you may not be able to do your job.
Pennsylvania law limits the amount of time you must notify your employer of an injury if pursuing workers’ compensation benefits. This can be difficult to determine in the case of a repetitive stress injury. You could run into problems when filing for workers’ compensation. Some repetitive stress injuries are difficult to medically validate. With the right amount of medical evidence, legal guidance and persistence, it can be done. If you have developed a repetitive stress injury at work and want to receive compensation, you’ll want to have an attorney navigate you through the claim process.
Understanding Your Benefits and What to Expect
When pursuing workers’ compensation for repetitive stress injuries in Pennsylvania, you may be entitled to several types of benefits. Medical coverage can include doctor visits, physical therapy, medications, and necessary surgery related to your RSI.
If your injury prevents you from working, you may get wage-loss benefits. These benefits are usually two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to the state maximum. In Pennsylvania, wage-loss payments start after a 7-day waiting period. If you are out for 14 days or more, you may get payment back to day one.
You may also qualify for specific loss benefits when there’s a permanent loss or loss of use of a body part. Repetitive-stress claims are often closely examined. Timely reporting, clear medical records, and legal help can greatly improve your claim’s quality and completeness.
For additional inquiries regarding workers’ compensation, we are here to assist you. To understand the claims process, please refer to this article.
If you’ve suffered an injury at work, act quickly. Reach out to us by phone to schedule a meeting with our skilled attorneys who can assist you with your workers’ compensation claim. We are located in Hermitage and Jamestown for your convenience. Get in touch with us today to consult with our experienced lawyers.
