Information on types of repetitive strain injuries, treatment and how Michigan workers’ comp can protect you
A repetitive strain injury at work can occur from the overuse of the hands and arms to perform a repetitive task and these workers’ comp claims are covered under Michigan law. Read the information below to learn more about these common, on-the-job injuries.
To speak directly with a work comp attorney now, call us at (844) 345-0952, or fill out our free consultation form. There’s no cost or obligation.
Types of injuries
Activities such as typing, writing, and other repetitive movements are common causes of repetitive strain injuries. These injuries come in different forms and affect different parts of the body. You may be diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome, De Quervain, trigger finger, tendonitis or tenosynovitis.
Common symptoms include pain, numbness, weakness, tingling and burning. You may find yourself with a problem in your hands, fingers, arms, elbows or wrists that prevents you from doing your job.
Repetitive strain injury workers’ comp claims are becoming more common in Michigan because of the changing work environment. More people find themselves sitting in front of a computer or performing other repetitive activities on a daily basis. They are overusing their hands, fingers, arms, and elbows to perform these tasks.
These injuries are really nothing new and anyone who has spent any time in a factory can tell you about them. Pushing and pulling parts out of a machine or operating vibrating tools can cause significant injury.
Is a repetitive strain injury at work covered by workers’ comp in Michigan?
In Michigan, a repetitive strain injury at work is covered by workers’ comp and you are entitled to medical treatment, wage loss benefits and vocational rehabilitation. These injuries frequently require surgery and time off to recover so make sure you receive appropriate medical treatment and wage loss benefits.
You may also need vocational rehabilitation to help you get into another career that does not require repetitive movements. Remeber, workers’ comp which is a no-fault system meaning you do not have to show that your employer is at fault for your injuries.
We recently helped an individual from Romulus, Michigan, who developed severe injuries to his arms and elbows from operating a high pressure water sprayer. He was in his twenties and only worked for a couple of years. The employer disputed workers compensation benefits because they could not accept the fact that he suffered an injury in such a short time. He required multiple surgeries and was never able to return to physical work with his arms. We scheduled the deposition of his doctor and showed that even minimal exposure to repetitive actions can cause serious injury. We were able to settle his case for a significant sum of money.
Can a repetitive strain injury at work be disputed under workers’ comp in Michigan?
Employers and insurance companies frequently claims for these injuries because they will not acknowledge the seriousness of these medical conditions.
Many times a person is sent to a second-opinion independent medical examination and told that his or her condition is not severe. Some people are even told that they do not have a problem based upon questionable diagnostic testing.
Q. What kind of medical treatment is typically sought?
You should always find your own doctor for evaluation and treatment. You have this right under workers compensation.
Your doctor will most likely want to perform a test called an EMG to determine if you have nerve damage. It is important to have your own doctor perform this test, because the results can be read in different ways.
Injured on the job in Michigan? Call now, our attorneys can help!
If you suffered a repetitive strain injury at work in Michigan and need help with your workers’ comp claim, call now to 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 35 years. Our attorneys can help you better understand Michigan 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.