REPETITIVE STRESS INJURY ATTORNEY SERVING MONROE, LOUISIANA

Workplace injuries are often a result of a one-time traumatic event – such as a slip or fall, a vehicle collision, or an equipment accident. However, it is also fairly common for workers to get hurt from the repetitive motions that they are required to perform to accomplish daily work tasks. These are often referred to as repetitive stress injuries.

For example, a logistics worker in Monroe, Louisiana might suffer a back injury from lifting heavy boxes all day long. A receptionist could develop carpal tunnel syndrome over time due to years of typing on a daily basis. Other common injuries that workers may develop after many years on the job include hernias, tendonitis, bursitis, herniated discs, and epicondylitis. These are just a few of the many examples that clients can file a workers’ compensation claim within the realm of repetitive stress injuries.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, one in every four work-related injuries is associated with a repetitive stress injury. These injuries can develop slowly over time; however, it is still possible to seek and receive workers' compensation for them in the state of Louisiana. In order to pursue a successful workers’ compensation claim, it is vital to fully understand the nature of your injury, how it was sustained, and how it can be treated.

What is a Repetitive Stress Injury?

As the name suggests, a repetitive stress injury is caused by any repetitive motion that takes enough physical toll on the body to cause an injury. This motion can be as mundane as typing on a computer keyboard all day, or as laborious as operating a jackhammer. Any activity that is completed in the same position for too long, involving the same movements over and over again, can result in a repetitive stress injury.

These types of injuries can also be referred to as repetitive motion injuries and can be very painful — with many people suffering through multiple injuries simultaneously. In severe cases, these injuries can be debilitating. Some of the most common repetitive stress injuries include:

• Tennis elbow (elbow strain)

• Bursitis

• Tendonitis

• Carpal tunnel syndrome (wrist strain)

• Back strain (lower and upper spine)

• Shoulder injuries

• Knee injuries

Unlike accident-related injuries, repetitive stress injuries present symptoms that may be mild at first and then steadily progresses to unbearable pain. If you are experiencing symptoms of a repetitive stress injury, you should seek proper treatment right away. 

While many of these injuries can be irreversible, proper treatment can help you manage your pain so you can continue to work and return to normal life. If you have been injured while performing your job duties, you should immediately speak with a workers’ compensation attorney after a physician diagnoses the injury.

Repetitive Stress Injuries & Louisiana Workers Compensation Law

In the state of Louisiana, workers’ compensation laws cover many injuries that are caused by repetitive motion, such as typing, bending, or lifting. Wrist injuries, like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and bursitis, can be classified as repetitive stress injuries and may be covered by workers’ compensation benefits.

The Louisiana Workers Compensation Act was designed to cover injuries that happen on the job. While wrist injuries are common for many people, they can be classified as work-related if your job aggravates or exacerbates any pre-existing injury. In these cases, a skilled workers’ compensation attorney will fight to ensure that your injury is covered by the workers’ compensation benefits that you are entitled to.

Benefits of Workers' Compensation for Repetitive Motion Injuries

While individual claims can often vary depending on the situation, workers' compensation benefits typically pay for the following:

• Medical bills including doctor's appointments, prescriptions, and physical therapy

• Replacement for lost income while you are out of work recovering

• Re-training costs if you need to switch to a different job

If your condition requires surgery, note that workers' comp may only cover a fraction of the cost.

If you are suffering from a work-related injury or feel that your work continues to aggravate a pre-existing condition, you should consider hiring an experienced Louisiana workers' comp attorney at Bruscato Law to help fight for your right to compensation.

While it is not required to have legal representation when filing for workers' compensation claims, having a skilled attorney on your side can help increase your chances of getting the maximum compensation for your case. 

It should be noted that seeking a claim for a repetitive stress injury may not be as easy as that of an accident-related injury. If you have been denied before, then it’s even more crucial that you hire an attorney to handle your case.

Get Help from a Personal Injury Attorney in Monroe, LA

On average, employees with repetitive stress injuries have received between $13,600 and $22,100 in workers' compensation. If you have been diagnosed with a back strain, carpal tunnel syndrome, or any other repetitive stress injury, you deserve compensation that can go toward paying off your mounting medical bills and recovery costs.

Bruscato Law can help you learn more about your rights so you can gain a better understanding of your situation and what’s at stake. Our injury attorneys are ready to assist you throughout the process of filing your claim so that you can pursue compensation to cover your medical expenses and any lost wages.

So if you or someone you know is currently suffering from a long-term, work-related injury, call Bruscato Law today for a free consultation so we can discuss your case in detail.