When employees think of a workers’ compensation claim, falls and accidents may come to mind. They may not be aware that a repetitive motion injury can also qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.
Workers’ compensation overview
In New York, if a worker has a work-related injury or illness, they may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. The injured worker must notify their employer as soon as possible after the injury or incident.
They should also receive medical treatment for the condition. The employer must file a report with the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) with information about the incident and include the employee’s information.
The employee must file a claim with the WCB. Once the WCB receives the claim, it will investigate the injury or illness and may require medical records and other evidence.
If the claim is accepted, the injured employee will receive benefits which may include medical treatment coverage, rehabilitation and wage payments. If the claim is denied, the employee has a right to appeal the decision.
Repetitive motion injury
A repetitive motion injury happens when certain muscles, tendons and nerves are exposed to repeated use. Usually, this happens when a specific motion or activity is performed again and again over time. It can affect the hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, elbows and other body parts.
These injuries may happen more often in certain workplace activities like typing on a computer, scanning groceries, working on an assembly line or working with tools. Injured workers can have pain, weakness, numbness and may lose their range of motion in the affected area.
If the injury is not treated properly, usually with physical therapy and pain management, it can lead to a long-term physical disability.