Not all work-related injuries are the result of an accident. Many injuries gradually develop over time, eventually causing significant pain and affecting a person’s ability to do his or her job. Repetitive stress may be unseen, but they are real injuries, and in many cases, they are legitimate grounds for a workers’ compensation claim.
If you received a diagnosis of a condition that is painful, requires medical treatment or prevents you from doing your job well, you should act on your right to a full and fair recovery. Massachusetts workers have the right to medical care, compensation for lost wages and other benefits, but it may take a significant legal effort to secure what is rightfully yours.
Common types of work-related repetitive stress injuries
Repetitive stress injuries develop as a result of doing the same action over an extended period of time. Typing, lifting, assembling, sitting, driving and other actions that could be part of your job may be what ultimately led to your pain and suffering. Common types of repetitive stress injuries include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tendinitis
- Meniscus tears
- Degenerative disk disease
- Rotator cuff tears
- Shoulder impingement
- Lateral epicondylitis
Symptoms related to these types of injuries often include tingling, shooting pain, weakening and loss of motion. It is important to seek medical care as soon as symptoms present because an official diagnosis will benefit your effort to secure workers’ compensation benefits for medical care and other losses.
What should you do if you think you have a valid claim?
There are certain steps you should take after receiving a diagnosis of a repetitive stress injury. First, you should report the injury to your employer as soon as possible. After that, you should complete and submit a claim form promptly, as any delay on your part could result in complications with the benefits process.
You have the right to retain legal assistance from the moment you believe you have a valid claim. A seasoned attorney can help you complete necessary paperwork, submit a claim on time and maximize the benefits to which you are entitled.
The recovery you need, the benefits you deserve
A repetitive stress injury is unseen and often dismissed as a minor or insignificant injury. The type of injury you suffered at work or due to the requirements of your job do not matter, what does matter, however, is your right to seek the workers’ compensation benefits that will allow you a full and fair recovery.
