Repetitive Injury in a Workers’ Compensation Case

Repetitive injuries are known by several names, including repetitive stress injuries, repetitive strain injuries, or repetitive motion injuries. Any job that requires a worker to repeatedly perform certain tasks manually or stand or sit in the same position for an extended period puts them at risk of developing repetitive injuries.

According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), such type of injuries are among the fastest growing occupational injuries. Several reports of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) suggest that about one-third of total absences from work involve a musculoskeletal injury, including repetitive injury. If you develop a repetitive injury, you may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits.

Common Types of Repetitive Injuries

While carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common types of a repetitive injury, there are over a hundred other types that people can develop, depending on the nature of their work and workplace environment. Each type of repetitive injury affects different structures and parts of the body, leading to varying levels of pain and discomfort. Some of the most common repetitive injuries include:

• Blackberry thumb or DeQuervain’s syndrome
• Bursitis
• Dystonia, or writer’s cramp
• Epicondylitis, or tennis elbow
• Ganglion
• Impingement syndrome
• Knee injuries affecting the ACL or MCL
• Nerve entrapment disorders
• Radial tunnel syndrome
• Raynaud’s disease
• Rotator cuff injuries
• Tendinitis
• Tenosynovitis
• Thoracic outlet syndrome
• Trigger finger
• Ulnar tunnel syndrome

Repetitive injuries are a result of a number of factors that workers may encounter on a daily basis. Some common factors may include using vibrating equipment, working at a repetitive task, performing forceful movements, using poorly designed equipment, lifting heavy items that are awkwardly shaped, staying in static position for long duration, and others.

Getting Workers’ Compensation for Repetitive Injuries

Under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, repetitive injuries are covered by workers’ compensation benefits, if you are able to prove that the injury has stemmed from your job or specific duties. Once you are able to establish this fact, you will be entitled to receive compensation for your damages, including:

• Medical treatment expenses
• Disability benefits
• A settlement for permanent injuries
• Vocational counseling

If you qualify for workers’ compensation for repetitive injuries, you may also receive benefit checks comprising of two-third of your average weekly wage. In case you are able to perform lighter duty work after the treatment without worsening the injury, you will be still get two-third of the difference you are earning in the new position and what you would have earned if the injury did not affect your working capacity.

If you have been diagnosed with a repetitive injury as a result of your work duties, you can make a claim and obtain workers’ compensation benefits. However, there is a chance that your employer may not qualify or deny you of these benefits. In such a case, you can retain the services of an experienced and reliable workers’ compensation attorney who can help you qualify for the benefits. Contact Fisk & Monteleone LTD. today at 815-209-9030 to schedule a free case consultation.