Proud To Protect Injured Workers

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Proud To Protect Injured Workers

Repetitive stress injuries and workers’ compensation

by | Dec 19, 2016 | Workers' Compensation, Workplace Injuries |

Any Minnesota employee who suffers an injury on the job has the right to seek workers’ compensation benefits. This right also extends to workers who suffer repetitive stress injuries or conditions exacerbated by their job requirements. If you are suffering from an injury that was not the result of a one-time accident but the result of repeating a certain task over an extended period of time, you may have a valid claim to benefits.

Repetitive stress injuries may seem like minor injuries, but victims could face an extended and costly recovery without ever knowing that they have a rightful claim to medical care and more. Instead of suffering from these types of injuries alone, you should take steps to learn about the options available to you.

How do you know if you have a valid claim?

There are various types of repetitive stress injuries, all of them caused by continued and repeated strain on a certain part of the body. The most common types include:

  • Carpal tunnel
  • Degenerative disk disease
  • Tendinitis
  • Bursitis
  • Arthritis

These injuries can be quite painful, and recovery can be long. Severe cases may require extensive medical care, even surgery, and some people may find that they are unable to meet the demands of their current jobs. The following tasks are some of the most common reasons that repetitive stress injuries develop:

  • Typing
  • Lifting
  • Pushing
  • Driving
  • Assembling
  • Standing

No matter how your injury occurred, you have the right to benefits, including medical care, lost wages from missed work and even vocational retraining, if necessary. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can explain your rights and help you navigate the complicated process of filing a claim.

Navigating the workers’ compensation claims process

Obtaining workers’ compensation is more complicated than simply filing a claim. The claims process itself can be daunting, but your lawyer can help you with every step from completing the initial paperwork to dealing with any necessary appeals.

Repetitive stress injuries are legitimate grounds for workers’ compensation benefits, even if your employer or insurance company denies or delays your claim. When you have experienced and knowledgeable legal guidance, you have a better chance of a successful initial claim. From the moment you are hurt or diagnosed, it is wise to seek a full understanding of your legal options and secure the help you need for the entire claims process.