Long hours of lifting, twisting or working on an assembly line can slowly wear down your body. You might not notice the impact at first, but over time, the strain can cause pain that makes even simple tasks harder.
In Illinois, repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) commonly result from repeated movements or prolonged pressure on muscles, tendons or nerves. These injuries can affect your wrists, elbows, shoulders or lower back, leading to swelling, stiffness or reduced mobility that disrupts your ability to work. Such impacts may prompt you to consider workers’ compensation benefits, including financial help for lost wages and medical costs.
Common work-related causes
Performing repetitive physical tasks at work can place significant strain on your body over time. Some of the most common causes of RSI at work include:
- Bending or twisting motions frequently
- Lifting continuously without breaks
- Operating vibrating tools for extended hours
- Performing tasks with an awkward posture
These types of activities put repeated stress on specific body parts that may gradually lead to significant discomfort or injury.
Steps after noticing symptoms
To protect your health and strengthen a potential workers’ comp claim, consider taking the following actions:
- Report the injury to your employer immediately
- Seek evaluation from a licensed medical provider
- Document work tasks that cause discomfort
- Maintain records of treatment and work restrictions
Following these steps should allow you to create a clear record that can help during any future discussions about your injury.
Workers’ compensation and possible coverage
In Illinois, workers’ compensation laws typically cover job-related injuries, including RSIs. However, eligibility requirements can differ. It may be advisable to talk to a workers’ compensation attorney familiar with Illinois laws before filing a claim. Note that Illinois has specific statutes of limitations that set strict deadlines for taking legal action, which may be two years from the date of the injury.
Strengthening your case
Addressing RSIs as soon as you notice symptoms helps preserve your ability to work and maintain daily function. Moreover, gathering strong evidence that connects your injury to your work can improve your position in the claims process.
Consulting a workers’ compensation attorney may provide guidance on your rights, timelines and possible steps to help you present a strong case for your situation.
