Can I Receive Workers’ Compensation for a Repetitive Motion Injury?

 Posted on December 29, 2020 in Workers' Compensation

Most Illinois employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. The purpose of this insurance is to provide financial compensation for employees who are injured on the job. However, proving that an injury was sustained at work and successfully recovering compensation through a workers’ comp claim is often more challenging with repetitive motion injuries (RMI). The source of these injuries is often more difficult to pinpoint and some insurers and employers use this as an excuse to downplay the severity of the injuries or claim that the injury predated employment. If you have sustained a repetitive motion injury at work, you should know your rights under Illinois workers’ compensation laws.

What Are Repetitive Strain Injuries?

If a worker falls from a ladder and breaks his or her leg at work, there is little question as to how the injury occurs. However, this is not the case for injuries that occur over long periods of time. A repetitive strain injury (RSI) is one that occurs from using the same body parts over and over again. The damage may occur to a person’s nerves, tendons, muscles, or joints. RSI may be caused by:

• Lifting heavy boxes or equipment

• Typing on a keyboard

• Scanning items or using a cash register

• Handling tools

• Placing items on shelves

• Other manual labor

Repetitive motion can cause significant bodily harm over time. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is one of the most common RSIs. Carpal tunnel is caused by pressure on the median nerve and can cause symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and weakness in the fingers and hands.  Bursitis or inflammation of the knees, elbows, shoulders, and other joints may also result from repetitive motions. Tendonitis occurs when overused tendons become painfully inflamed. Back strains and long-term back pain may also be caused by repetitive motion.

Obtaining Compensation for Repetitive Motion Injuries

If you have sustained an injury caused by repetitive motion at work, you may wonder what your rights are. Fortunately, Illinois allows employees to file workers’ compensation claims for RSI. However, these claims may be denied. Testimony from a respected doctor, medical records, and other evidence may bolster your workers’ compensation claim. One of the best ways of ensuring that you have a strong claim is to work with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer.

Contact a Peoria Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Repetitive stress injuries or repetitive motion injuries can cause painful, debilitating symptoms. If you have sustained an RSI or RMI because of your job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation. Contact a skilled Bloomington workers’ compensation attorney from Kanoski Bresney for help with seeking the compensation you need and deserve. Call our office today at 888-826-8682 to schedule a free and confidential consultation.

Sources:

https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/iwcc/about/Pages/insurance.aspx

https://www.healthline.com/health/repetitive-strain-injury