People don’t have to experience major incidents at work to end up injured. Many professionals repeatedly perform the same job functions. They are at risk of repetitive stress injuries, also known as repetitive strain injuries or cumulative trauma.
Conditions, including tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome, are among the common conditions caused by repetitively performing job functions. A variety of joint issues and painful symptoms can develop because employees overuse certain parts of their bodies.
Although an employee may not have an incident report to connect their injuries to their work, they may still be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. They may be able to request medical benefits as well as disability benefits. Medical benefits can help cover care costs, while disability benefits can help replace lost wages. How can the symptoms of repetitive stress injuries affect a worker’s income?
By limiting their capabilities
Repetitive stress injuries are likely to worsen if professionals continue performing the same functions that caused their injuries. Therefore, they may no longer be able to continue performing the same job functions.
Even if they attempt to remain in the same position, they may notice a reduction in their overall job performance. Professionals could be at risk of disciplinary action or termination from their positions because they slow down or become weaker and therefore less capable of performing critical job tasks.
Professionals who report their injuries and seek workers’ compensation benefits can also request on-the-job accommodations, including a change in job functions or assistive technology. They may also be eligible for permanent partial disability benefits to help offset the wages they can no longer earn.
The medical coverage available through workers’ compensation can help pay for treatment and symptom management. Employees do not need to pay a deductible or cover a co-pay when receiving treatment through workers’ compensation. Eventually, workers may become ineligible for continued treatment benefits, as their doctor may determine that additional treatment is unlikely to produce any noticeable improvement in their condition.
Those dealing with chronic medical issues related to employment, including repetitive stress injuries, often struggle to understand their rights during a workers’ compensation claim. Retaining legal support can help workers understand their rights and may ultimately lead to workers maximizing the benefits that they receive.
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