Understanding Repetitive Stress Injury in Mooresville
At Workers’ Compensation Lawyers of Charlotte, we know that workplace injuries aren’t always the result of a sudden accident. Many workers in Mooresville and across North Carolina develop repetitive stress injuries, also called repetitive strain injuries, over time from performing the same motion or task day after day.
These injuries can cause serious pain and lead to long-term complications. If you’ve developed a repetitive stress injury on the job, a Mooresville workers’ compensation lawyer can help you get the workers’ comp benefits you deserve.
Contact a Mooresville repetitive stress injury lawyer at our firm today for a free consultation.
What Are Repetitive Stress Injuries?
Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) develop from repeated movements or overuse of certain parts of the body. These injuries happen gradually, as muscles, tendons, and nerves become damaged due to constant stress or strain.
Common examples of repetitive strain injuries include the following.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: This occurs when the median nerve in the wrist becomes compressed, causing pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and fingers. It’s often linked to jobs that require a lot of typing or fine hand movements.
- Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons from repetitive motion is often seen in the shoulder, elbow, wrist, or knee.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of small fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the bones often affects the shoulder, elbow, or hip.
- Rotator cuff injuries: Shoulder injuries that can develop from repeatedly lifting or reaching overhead.
- Epicondylitis (tennis or golfer’s elbow): Pain and inflammation in the elbow from repetitive gripping or wrist extension.
Left untreated, RSIs can become chronic conditions that cause lasting pain, numbness, weakness, and loss of mobility. That’s why it’s important to get medical care early and to talk with a Mooresville workers’ compensation lawyer about your rights.
High-Risk Jobs for Repetitive Strain Injuries
Many jobs in Mooresville, NC, put workers at risk for repetitive stress injuries. Common causes include:
- Typing and computer work: Repetitive keyboard use can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome or tendinitis in the hands and wrists.
- Assembly line tasks: Factory and manufacturing workers often perform the same motion repeatedly, leading to shoulder, wrist, and elbow injuries.
- Lifting and carrying: Workers who regularly lift, carry, or reach for items can develop shoulder or back issues over time.
- Construction work: Using hand tools, power tools, or repetitive hammering and drilling can cause RSIs.
- Cashier or checkout work: Constant scanning or repetitive wrist and arm movements can strain the tendons and nerves.
Repetitive motion injuries develop slowly. At first, you might notice mild discomfort or stiffness. Over time, the pain can worsen and interfere with your ability to work or even do daily activities.
Does North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Cover Repetitive Motion Injuries?
Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) are generally covered under North Carolina workers’ compensation laws. These injuries occur when repetitive motions or actions over time lead to physical ailments. Common examples include conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, and chronic pain in various parts of the body.
To qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, the injury must be directly related to your job duties. This means that if your work involves repetitive tasks or awkward positions that contribute to your RSI, you may be eligible for compensation.
Repetitive Stress Injury Workers’ Comp Benefits
If you develop a repetitive motion injury due to your job, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. A Mooresville workers’ compensation lawyer can help with your RSI claim.
Medical Treatment
One of the most important benefits is medical treatment. Workers’ compensation pays for all reasonable and necessary medical care related to your repetitive strain injury. This can include doctor visits, physical therapy, medications, and surgeries.
Temporary Total Disability Benefits
If your injury is severe enough that you can’t work at all while you recover, you may qualify for temporary total disability (TTD) benefits. These benefits replace part of your lost wages while you’re completely out of work.
TTD benefits are generally equal to two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum amount set by law. These payments continue until your doctor says you’re able to return to work or until you reach maximum medical improvement.
Temporary Partial Disability Benefits
In some cases, you may be able to return to work but can only handle light-duty tasks or reduced hours. If that’s the case, you might be eligible for temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits. TPD benefits help cover the gap between your regular pay and the amount you earn while working at a reduced capacity.
Permanent Partial Disability Benefits
If your repetitive strain injury causes a permanent loss of function in part of your body, you may qualify for permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits. These benefits are based on a rating given by your doctor that measures how much you’ve lost the use of a specific body part.
Vocational Rehabilitation
Workers’ compensation in North Carolina also provides vocational rehabilitation services. If your repetitive motion injury keeps you from returning to your old job, you might be entitled to help finding a new job or retraining for a different type of work. Vocational rehabilitation can include job counseling, education, or assistance with job placement.
Why Hire a Mooresville Repetitive Stress Injury Lawyer?
Working with an experienced Mooresville workers’ compensation lawyer can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. They understand how to handle repetitive strain injuries and know how to push back when insurance companies try to avoid paying you what you deserve.
Proving Your Repetitive Strain Injury Is Work-Related
Insurance companies often argue that repetitive motion injuries are caused by things outside of work or pre-existing conditions. A Mooresville workers’ comp lawyer can help by gathering strong evidence to show that your job tasks directly caused or worsened your injury. This might include getting statements from your doctor, reviewing your job duties, or bringing in medical experts to support your case.
Seeking Maximum Benefits
A lawyer also helps you seek the maximum benefits you’re entitled to under North Carolina law. Insurance companies may try to limit how much they pay by downplaying your injury or pushing you back to work too soon. Our work injury attorneys will protect your rights throughout the process.
Appealing a Denied Claim
If your repetitive stress injury claim is denied, a Mooresville workers’ compensation lawyer can file an appeal on your behalf. The appeals process can be complicated and involves strict deadlines and procedures. Your lawyer will handle all the paperwork, gather the evidence needed, and represent you in hearings.
What to Do If You Suffer a Repetitive Strain Injury From Your Job
Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) develop over time and are caused by doing the same motion repeatedly, such as typing, lifting, or using tools. In jobs that require repetitive movements, it’s not uncommon for workers in Mooresville, North Carolina, to develop conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, or bursitis.
If you suspect you have an RSI from your work, here are some key steps to take.
Report Your Injury to Your Employer
As soon as you notice symptoms of a repetitive stress injury, let your employer know. Don’t wait for the pain to get worse. North Carolina law requires injured workers to notify their employer in writing within 30 days of noticing a work-related injury.
Get Medical Care
After you report your injury, your employer should direct you to a doctor approved by their workers’ compensation insurance. It’s important to follow their instructions and attend all appointments. Let the doctor know exactly what tasks you do at work and how your symptoms have developed.
If you’re unhappy with the care you’re receiving, North Carolina law allows you to request a second opinion, but you must follow proper procedures to have it covered.
Keep Detailed Records
Keep a copy of everything related to your injury: written reports, medical bills, test results, and communication with your employer or insurance company. You should also keep a journal of your symptoms, treatments, and how the injury affects your ability to work or complete daily activities. These records can be very helpful if your workers’ comp claim is delayed or denied.
Talk to a Mooresville Workers’ Comp Lawyer
A skilled Mooresville workers’ comp lawyer can help make sure your claim is taken seriously. They can assist with paperwork, represent you if your claim is denied, and fight for the full benefits you’re entitled to. Don’t wait. Getting legal help early can make the process much smoother.
Contact Us for Help with Your RSI Claim
If you’re dealing with a repetitive stress injury due to your work, don’t face it alone. At Workers’ Compensation Lawyers of Charlotte, we’re here to protect your rights and help you secure the benefits you need to recover and move forward.
We offer free consultations to injured workers in Mooresville and the surrounding areas. During your consultation, we’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and explain your options.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation by calling (704) 706-2689 or using our online contact form.
