People with jobs that involve tasks, such as assembly line work, scanning groceries, keyboarding or hammering nails, may not think of these tasks as hazardous. However, overtime, these workers could develop what's known as a repetitive strain injury (RSI). In fact, this problem affects about 1.8 million employees each year, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Here's what you need to know about getting workers' compensation in Wisconsin for repetitive strain injury, along with how we can help you.
WHAT IS REPETITIVE STRAIN INJURY?
Put simply, a repetitive strain injury, which is also known as upper limb disorder, is a type of injury that's the result of stress, tedious motion or heavy lifting. In other words, this injury causes wear and tear on the body. What's more, it often occurs at work. Some of the main symptoms of RSI include pain, tenderness, stiffness, achiness, weakness, throbbing, cramping and numbness.
COMMON TYPES OF REPETITIVE STRAIN INJURIES
A repetitive strain injury mainly attacks the upper body parts, such as the hands, wrists, elbows, upper and lower back, forearms, neck and shoulders. Carpal tunnel syndrome, which entails inflamed thumbs and wrist, is one of the most common examples of RSI. Another common RSI is tendonitis in which the tendons suffer from overuse.
Some employees develop cervical radiculopathy. This is when the nerve behind a person's elbow swells. Other types of repetitive strain injuries include those such as stress fractures, thoracic outlet syndrome (tingling and numbness in the arms) and tennis elbow (epicondylitis).
HOW TO PROVE YOUR STRAIN INJURY IS CAUSED FROM WORK
First, you need to get medical care, a thorough examination and a diagnosis of your condition. This is particularly important for RSI cases so that a link can be established between your injury and your workplace duties. Consider that it's your doctor's records that will be the main proof for your workers' comp claim.
After assessing your injury, a doctor or another medical professional determines the cause of the injury. This is based on both your job responsibilities and the nature of the injury. A common example is a typist who suffers from carpal tunnel syndrome. If the patient types for most of her workday and receives a diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome, the diagnosis is considered work-related.
MEET THE DEADLINE FOR WORKERS COMP FOR REPETITIVE STRAIN INJURY IN WISCONSIN
Claims for worker's comp in Wisconsin are subject to what's known as a statute of limitations. In other words, it's critical that you report your work-related injury immediately. However, reporting an RSI injury can be challenging since the damage from the injury can worsen over time.
If you delay in reporting your injury, you can forfeit the right to seek benefits. On the other hand, Wisconsin state law acknowledges how employees may not realize they're injured for as long as months or even years.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS AND WARNINGS
- Keep in mind that vibrating equipment and cold temperatures can make you more likely to develop a repetitive strain injury, besides make your symptoms worse.
- Stress on the job is also thought to contribute to this type of injury.
- Take time to rest when performing high-intensity activity
- Practice good posture and especially when you have to do your work in awkward positions.
- See if your tasks can be modified so that your symptoms can improve. But if your symptoms continue or get worse, see your doctor even if your workplace has been adjusted.
- Consider that even though you may be entitled to workers' comp benefits for a repetitive stress injury, you'll probably have to go through a stricter process than what's involved in a typical case. That's why it's a good idea to hire a workers' comp lawyer.
CONTACT US
Don't try to get workers' comp benefits for workplace RSI on your own. A highly qualified and experienced Wisconsin work injury attorney can ensure you get the workers' comp benefits that you deserve. It can be extremely difficult to collect benefits without professional legal help. Contact us and let us guide you throughout the entire process so that you receive full benefits and don't make expensive errors.
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