Repetitive Strain Injury And Workers’ Compensation Claims Explained

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Repetitive Strain Injury: Explained

What employees need to understand about repetitive strain injuries and workers’ compensation benefits.

Today’s workplace is much different than it was even a few years ago. Employees are required to use tools, machines, mobile devices, tablets, computers, and other devices to perform repetitive tasks. Overuse of body parts at work can result in a repetitive strain injury in which you can make a workers’ compensation claim. Employees working in both factories and office settings experience similar problems.

This type of injury might impact a person’s fingers, hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, neck, or back. Activities such as lifting, throwing, assembling, typing, writing, or clicking a mouse can cause a problem. Vibrating power tools are a frequent source of these injuries.

Our attorneys have dealt with various types of workers’ compensation claims for clients who suffered a repetitive strain injury at work. These injury claims included carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), cubital tunnel syndrome, De Quervain’s syndrome, ulnar tunnel syndrome, bursitis, epicondylitis, trigger finger, tendonitis, or tenosynovitis. Symptoms can range from a mild ache to a sharp-shooting pain. Many people also complain of tingling, weakness, swelling, throbbing, burning, numbness, and cramping.

Is a repetitive strain injury covered under workers’ compensation?

Employees who have suffered a repetitive strain injury at work are covered under workers’ comp. This includes unlimited medical treatment, a percentage of lost wages, and vocational rehabilitation. Many of these claims are settled for a lump sum cash payment and the person gives up the job.

It is usually the last employer who exposed a person to the kind of work that caused the injury to occur who is going to be responsible for payment of workers’ comp benefits. These are sometimes referred to as occupational disease cases.

Available workers’ compensation benefits

Medical treatment for a repetitive strain injury at work should be fully covered under a workers’ compensation claim. This includes medications, physical therapy, injections, and surgery. Don’t let the insurance company dispute payment based upon a biased medical report from their own IME doctors.

An employee with this type of injury may also find their ability to work significantly limited. If this occurs they should be paid 80% of their after-tax average weekly wage for lost wages. Overtime and discontinued fringe benefits should be included in this calculation.

If an employee must give up his or her job because of permanent restrictions due to a repetitive strain injury they suffered at work, then they may qualify for vocational rehabilitation under workers’ compensation. This can help with education, retraining, and career advice. Watch out for insurance companies who don’t want to help but just use post-injury wage earning capacity (PIWEC) to automatically reduce weekly checks.

Settlement

Many employees who have a repetitive strain injury at work opt to trade in their workers’ compensation benefits for a lump sum cash payment. This allows a person to get medical treatment and vocational rehabilitation on their own terms. It is also possible to keep the money and get a new job immediately following settlement.

We recommend getting a free consultation from an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer anytime a medical condition keeps you from working. Don’t let the insurance company play games with your life.

Suffered a repetitive strain injury at work and need help with your workers’ comp claim? Contact us today!

If you suffered a repetitive strain injury at work and need help with your workers’ comp claim and have questions about a settlement, call now speak with an experienced attorney, or fill out our contact form for a free consultation. There is absolutely no cost or obligation. We’re here for you.

Our attorneys have been exclusively helping injured workers in Michigan for more than 40 years. Our attorneys can help you better understand workers’ comp laws and what happens after someone has been hurt on the job. To see what our own clients have to say about the caring, compassion, and communication they received from us, you can read in their own words about their experience here on our testimonials page from clients we have helped.

Michigan Workers Comp Lawyers never charges a fee to evaluate a potential case. Our law firm has represented injured and disabled workers exclusively for more than 40 years. Call (844) 316-8033 for a free consultation today.

Related information:

Do I Lose Workers’ Comp If I Quit My Job?

Author Bio Jeffrey Kaufman

Author
Jeffrey E. Kaufman
Michigan Workers Comp Attorney

Jeffrey E. Kaufman has extensive experience in workers compensation cases and has recovered millions of dollars in benefits for his clients. He believes all injured workers deserve to be on equal footing with insurance companies and employers, and fights tenaciously so their rights are secured and protected.


“Jeff also helped me with getting my Blue Cross bills paid. I would absolutely recommend him and the whole firm. Jeff and the firm did everything they were supposed to do for me and my case.”
Ricardo Perfetto

Hundreds of 5-Star Reviews

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Get Help From our Michigan Workers’ Comp Lawyers Today

You’re not alone. Our Michigan workers’ comp lawyers have been called the best in the state, and our clients love how they’re treated with care, respect, and responsiveness. We will give you the time you need, we will explain your legal rights, and we will always treat you with respect.

Our workers’ compensation and Social Security disability lawyers always put your needs first. Get to know your legal team.

Our attorneys post regularly about common issues related to workers’ comp, including common injuries, settlement calculations, laws, and more.

Injured? It’s Time to Get Some Answers

Don’t let the insurance adjuster push you around. Request your free consultation today.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Our attorneys post regularly about common issues related to workers’ comp, including common injuries, settlement calculations, laws, and more.

Our workers’ compensation and Social Security disability lawyers always put your needs first. Get to know your legal team.