While many may think it takes one specific instance at work to bring about a compensable workplace injury, many workers suffer from injuries that did not occur at one certain place and time, but over many years. Repetitive stress to nerves and joints may not be as obvious as an employee slipping and getting injured, but repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) are often the ones that end up being the most damaging.
Simple, menial tasks, such as lifting, twisting, and squatting, may not seem like scenarios in which one can become seriously injured, but repeating these tasks over years, or even decades, can result in compensable injuries. For example; a CPA could sit at the same desk, typing on the same computer, for years upon years. Each day, she may not notice her wrists and hands getting weaker, but in the long run, the repetitive stress of moving her joints can lead to her developing carpal tunnel syndrome, one of the most common types of repetitive stress injuries.
With that being said, it is not only computer workers that are susceptible to RSIs. Any job that requires repetitive tasks, such as ironworkers, electricians, plumbers, and any other manual labor job, can involve the types of day-to-day duties that can result in RSIs. An employer can be found liable for your RSIs from as far back as the date of onset. When an employee enters a job without any recurring pain in his nerves and joints, and, after years of doing the job, finds himself with constant aching or numbness, the employer should have to compensate the injured employee for the stress the job put on him.
Types of Repetitive Stress Injuries
Types of repetitive stress injuries are tendinitis, bursitis, DeQuervian’s syndrome, and ganglion cysts. Like carpal tunnel, these injuries are not obvious to the untrained eye. Thus, it’s crucial to be aware of your symptoms, as well as your rights. Trying to work through the pain may be better for your employer, but for you, it could make things much worse than they already are. If you or someone you know has a job that requires you to perform the aforementioned tasks on a daily basis, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
Symptoms of Repetitive Stress Injuries
There are a number of symptoms to be aware of when dealing with RSIs. These symptoms include, but are not limited to: dull aches, throbbing, tingling, numbness, swelling, sharp pain, and tightness. Symptoms such as these usually develop gradually and can be exacerbated by continuing to do repetitive tasks. Because some of these symptoms can occur as a result of everyday activities, it can be difficult to detect when an RSI is developing. However, it is imperative that you catch these symptoms early on, before they develop into an injury that can hamper your lifestyle for the rest of your life. Thus, if you are feeling any of the aforementioned symptoms, it would be wise to see your physician immediately to diagnose the cause.
If you believe you are suffering from a nerve and joint injuries due to repetitive stress, contact Keches Law Group at 617-898-0808 or online for a free, no-obligation consultation today. We will be happy to meet you at one of our conveniently located offices or at your home.
