One of the most common workers’ compensation claims is for repetitive motion injuries. These injuries may include carpal tunnel, bursitis, and tendonitis. Jobs such as assembly line work, typing, and jobs that require lifting or sorting are typically the culprit to these injuries. What should someone know about repetitive motion injuries and workers’ compensation? Keep reading to find out!
Diagnosis Might Take a While
Though you may do your job for a number of years, it might take a while for you to actually get diagnosed with a repetitive motion injury, as these types of injuries often take time to develop. Someone may have left a job months — or even years — before realizing he or she had an injury. In such a case, the diagnosis would have to provide proof the injury was directly related to the previous job in order for the individual to receive workers’ compensation benefits.
Reporting the Injury
Just like any workplace injury, it is your job to report your repetitive motion injury to your employer. Most states require it to be done within 30 days of the injury, but other states allow a longer amount of time, and others are shorter. The difficulty with this type of injury is the aforementioned fact that diagnosis could take awhile. In such a case, the individual would have that 30-day time limit from the time discovery of the injury was made.
Types of Benefits Received
The types of benefits someone might receive from workers’ compensation for repetitive motion injuries are pretty much the same as for any other typical injury. First, he or she would receive compensation for medical expenses. This could include the initial visit to the doctor, follow-up care, and physical therapy. Next, if the individual is still working, he or she could also receive payment for time off work needed to recover. Coverage for recovery time generally only lasts two years.
While repetitive motion injuries can be physically and mentally painful, workers’ compensation does not cover pain and suffering. If you and your attorney feel you could benefit more from a civil lawsuit, you may consider that route in order to receive compensation for pain and suffering.
Contacting Your Attorney Today
Repetitive motion injuries qualify for workers’ compensation in most cases. Whether you were injured many years ago on the job and are just getting diagnosed, or you are currently employed in a position in which your injury was obtained, you deserve coverage. Contact a workers’ compensation attorney, like a Newark workers’ compensation attorney, today for legal representation.
Thanks to Rispoli & Borneo, P.C. for their insight into the basics of workers’ compensation for repetitive motion injuries.