Some work injuries are instantaneous. Momentary contact with equipment can break a bone immediately. Someone falling takes less than a second. They could injure their brain and require weeks of medical care afterward. Other injuries take a long time to develop. Some people have medical issues related to physical work. For example, a factory worker who performs the same task several times a minute for their entire shift can hurt their body. Their repetitive job functions can lead to repetitive strain injuries.
A repetitive strain injury can cause multiple symptoms. Someone diagnosed with a repetitive strain injury may not be able to work. Other times, they may need to change their jobs to continue working. Workers’ compensation benefits can potentially help those who have developed repetitive strain injuries.
Why repetitive strain can affect employment
If gripping, lifting or twisting hurts someone, they can’t continue to do the same job. The functions they perform might worsen their symptoms. They may need to change their job responsibilities. That may lead to the loss of a job or a drop in income. Some companies can offer different positions to injured workers. There might also be assistive technology that could help. In many cases, repetitive strain injuries force a change of work. If a job function hurts someone, they cannot continue performing it every day. Treatment may not resolve their symptoms. A new job that requires the same tasks or similar tasks could worsen their symptoms.
How workers’ compensation can help
An employee with a repetitive strain injury may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation coverage can pay for medical treatment. The right care could help someone control their symptoms. Workers’ compensation can also provide disability benefits. Workers can receive wage replacements during a leave of absence. Some workers may qualify for permanent partial disability benefits. Those benefits can help those who must work lower-paid jobs because of an injury. Blue-collar workers often try to continue working despite discomfort or pain. They may need to learn about repetitive motion injuries to protect themselves.
Filing a worker’s compensation claim can help protect injured employees. Of course, they need to understand when they have a qualifying medical condition to file a claim. Workers who qualify for benefits can make their health a priority instead of only worrying about their wages.
