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ChatSlip on poorly maintained tile flooring? Fall off an unstable ladder while roofing? These seem like straightforward instances where an injured worker should explore workers’ compensation benefits. After all, these accidents happen quickly, are easily observed, and often result in intense and immediate pain… But what about repetitive strain injuries? These are injuries many of our Rhode Island and Massachusetts community members sustain after repetitive motion and strain completing work, day after day.
At Bottaro Injury Lawyers, we help clients receive workers’ compensation benefits owed to them. We can help you navigate the questions, what-ifs, and specifics of your injuries. Call us anytime to discuss!
While repetitive strain injuries are a valid reason to request workers’ compensation, they are harder to prove. Think about it: How do you show that ten years of cashing out retail clients resulted in your carpal tunnel, preventing you from working and living your life to the fullest?
Today’s article explores how you can successfully claim workers’ compensation benefits for injuries that build over time. Make sure to call a workers’ compensation firm like Bottaro Injury Lawyers to help you successfully recover!
What Are Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs)?
Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs), musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), repetitive stress injuries, overuse syndrome, and cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) are all terms that refer to your muscle, tendon, or nerve injuries caused by repetitive motion and constant use.
Nearly everyone is susceptible to RSIs. According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), workers in many different industries and occupations are exposed to risk factors at work. Examples include lifting heavy items, bending, reaching overhead, pushing and pulling heavy loads, working in awkward body postures, and performing the same or similar tasks repetitively.
Common RSIs include tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger fingers, and back strains and sprains. According to the Cleveland Clinic, because RSIs often build up over time, the slow, repeated damage undergone can lead to conditions like stress fractures, ganglion cysts, nerve compression syndromes, and/or herniated discs.
Steps to Take if You Suspect You Have a Repetitive Strain Injury
The steps you should follow after suspecting an RSI vary depending on your condition. If you are in extreme pain, experiencing loss of function, or observing swelling or discoloration, seek immediate medical attention.
If you notice pain that makes completing your job harder, it’s time to book a doctor’s appointment. At your appointment, prepare to explain your job function. From there, to diagnose an RSI, your provider will likely order an MRI, CT scan, X-rays, and/or an ultrasound, depending on the nature of your suspected RSI.
RSIs affect workers in all different professions, including construction workers, plumbers, electricians, musicians, retail workers, office workers, and computer programmers. Take a moment to consider the repetitive motions you must engage in to complete your job. Make sure to take breaks and monitor for increased pain!
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Be prepared to ask your doctor about the nuances of your injuries, how your injuries will affect your life in the immediate future (do you need to miss work? Change jobs?), and the steps you need to take to make a full recovery.
What Compensation Should I Expect for a Repetitive Stress Injury?
The amount of worker’s compensation you will receive depends on several factors including what state you live in, the extent of your injuries, and how much money you made at the time of the accident. For instance, under the Rhode Island Workers’ Compensation Act, if you suffer a temporary partial disability (you can still work) or a temporary total disability, different recovery calculations apply (R.I, Gen. Law. 28-33-18). Permanent temporary or total disability typically results in more compensation for RSI victims.
In general, workers’ compensation benefits typically cover a percentage of lost wages, medical expenses, and in some cases, provide rehabilitation/alternative job replacement services, if necessary.
In short, even though RSIs can be difficult to pinpoint and diagnose, you should take injuries that make your life harder, seriously. Whether you need emergency medical assistance or a doctor’s appointment, provide as many details as possible about your injuries and follow your care plan.
As personal injury attorneys who help our Rhode Island and Massachusetts workers recover workers’ compensation benefits often, call us to discuss your options!
It’s Good to Know Mike Bottaro – 24/7 Top-Rated Personal Injury Help
At Bottaro Injury Lawyers, we care for people. Attorney Mike Bottaro and his award-winning legal team handle all types of personal injury cases throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts. We can even help with cases in other states as well. We pride ourselves on our honesty, integrity, and results. Contact us 24/7 in any method you prefer for a fast, free, and confidential consultation about your case. Text or call us at 401-777-7777 or fill out our free and confidential online form. We are here to serve and help you!
