A repetitive motion injury can occur when a person performs the same task over and over, usually on a regular basis. Activities that can cause a repetitive motion injury include using a computer, running an assembly line, or using certain tools. Because these activities often involve less exertion than other activities, it’s easy to ignore the dangers they can pose.
If your job involves repetitive motions like these, you may be at risk for an injury. Common examples of repetitive motion injuries include:
- Bursitis
- Tendinitis
- Tennis elbow
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
These injuries can occur anywhere, but athletes and workers in certain industries are especially at risk.
Repetitive motion injuries in the workplace
Some of the most challenging workers’ compensation cases involve repetitive motion injuries. While these injuries are among the most common injuries that happen in the workplace, they tend to come on more gradually than injuries resulting from accidents or overexertion. This can make it difficult for injured employees to realize that they’ve been injured, or that their injury is work-related.
This shouldn’t stop an injured employee from pursuing a workers’ compensation claim. In fact, employees who suspect they may be developing an injury from repetitive motions and activities should raise this concern as soon as the problem becomes noticeable.
Carpal tunnel syndrome, for example, can begin with only mild symptoms, but becomes debilitating if ignored, and often requires surgery. Workers who address symptoms as they arise may not need to take drastic action later.
Contrary to popular misconceptions, repetitive motion injuries do not disqualify an employee from workers’ compensation, and in fact are a common cause for claims. However, some employers and insurance carriers may take advantage of the grey area that these injuries are often in. If the employee or their doctor can’t clearly establish a cause, then it’s harder to prove that the injury was a work-related one.
If you’ve suffered an injury from repetitive activities at your job, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills and lost wages. Contact our office by phone, email, or text message, and we’ll help you navigate the workers’ compensation system, wherever you’re at in the process. Reach out today!