On Behalf of Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa | January 2, 2025 | Workers' Compensation
Not every work injury is an acute accident-related injury. Many conditions that workers report due to their jobs happen over time due to the nature of their duties, and these are often repetitive stress injuries. From carpal tunnel syndrome to tendonitis, these injuries can be frustrating and painful, and they can seriously affect your ability to perform your work duties and even carry out everyday tasks.
At Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa, we understand the challenges of seeking workers' compensation benefits for repetitive stress injuries. Contact us today to learn how our West Palm Beach workers’ compensation lawyers can assist you.
Understanding Repetitive Stress Injuries
Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) are a type of musculoskeletal disorder that occurs when a person performs repetitive or forceful movements over an extended period. RSIs are a common occurrence in the workplace due to repetitive tasks or using excessive force during job duties. These injuries can affect various parts of the body, including the hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, neck, and back.
Common Repetitive Stress Injuries
One of the most prevalent RSIs is carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), which affects the hands and wrists. Individuals who work extensively on computers, perform assembly line work, or engage in activities that involve repetitive hand movements are at a higher risk for developing CTS. Symptoms may include pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and fingers. Without proper treatment, CTS can lead to long-term disability and loss of function.
Another common RSI is tennis elbow, which is the inflammation of the tendons in the elbow. Contrary to its name, tennis elbow can affect individuals in various professions, not just athletes. Workers who frequently use their hands and arms in repetitive motions, such as painters, plumbers, and construction workers, are prone to developing this condition. The symptoms of tennis elbow include pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow, which can radiate down the forearm.
Furthermore, rotator cuff injuries are prevalent among individuals who perform overhead or repetitive lifting tasks. This injury affects the muscles and tendons in the shoulder, causing pain, weakness, and limited mobility. Occupations that involve heavy manual labor, such as construction, agriculture, and manufacturing, pose a higher risk of developing rotator cuff injuries.
The Impact of RSIs on Your Work and Life
RSIs can make it difficult for you to perform your work duties, especially if these duties caused the injury in the first place. The pain, swelling, and limited mobility caused by these injuries can significantly affect your productivity and overall job performance. Additionally, RSIs can interfere with your ability to carry out everyday tasks, making simple actions like typing, lifting, or gripping objects extremely challenging and painful.
RSIs often require rest, physical therapy, and potentially surgery for you to recover and return to your usual life.
Seeking Workers’ Comp Benefits
When you suffer an RSI because of your work, you should receive workers' compensation benefits, including:
- Coverage of all medical expenses
- A percentage of lost wages for missed work
The workers' compensation process can be complicated, especially when proving a non-acute injury. It helps to have an attorney who understands the evidence necessary to prove your eligibility for benefits.
We are Trusted West Palm Beach Workers' Compensation Lawyers
If you have suffered from a repetitive stress injury while on the job, seek legal assistance from knowledgeable West Palm Beach workers' compensation lawyers. Contact Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa today to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you obtain the benefits you deserve.
Gerald A. Rosenthal
Retired
Since opening the firm now known as Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa more than 40 years ago, Gerald A. Rosenthal has been a dedicated champion of the everyday hero – police officers, firefighters, teachers, nurses, construction workers, farm workers, and more. Passionate about preserving the civil rights of laborers, he has fought tirelessly against giant insurance companies who deny the injured workers their benefits. It’s not just the lawsuit Rosenthal fights to win – he is driven by the opportunity to restore his client’s quality of life.
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