Repetitive motion injuries are a frequent risk in many jobs, impacting millions of workers annually. These injuries can affect your life, including your work efficiency and overall health. While rest is essential, legal action may be necessary to resolve the underlying issues or long-term effects fully.
Injured workers need more than rest to recover
Repetitive motion injuries, or repetitive strain injuries (RSI), occur when a person performs the same movement repeatedly over an extended period. These injuries can impact different areas of the body, including:
- Wrists and hands (carpal tunnel syndrome)
- Shoulders (rotator cuff tendinitis)
- Elbows (tennis elbow)
- Back (lower back strain)
- Knees (patellofemoral syndrome)
While rest is often the first recommendation for treating these injuries, it may not always be sufficient for complete healing. Many workers find that their symptoms return once they resume their regular work activities.
RSIs often need extra treatments, such as physical therapy, medication or even surgery. Without proper medical care, these injuries can get worse over time. Simply resting might lead to chronic pain, reduced productivity and possibly long-term disability.
Workers’ compensation is crucial
Workers’ compensation laws in New York recognize repetitive motion injuries as valid claims. This means you may be eligible for benefits, including medical treatment and lost wages, if you have developed an RSI due to your job duties.
Repetitive motion injuries can be tricky to prove as work-related. They develop gradually, unlike immediate injuries from accidents. This makes it difficult to connect them directly to work tasks.
It is best to have a skilled New York attorney on your side when pursuing a workers’ compensation claim. Your lawyer can help secure the full benefits you deserve under the law.