File for Workers’ Compensation with the Help of a Fort Lauderdale Repetitive Stress Injury Lawyer
Repetitive stress injuries are among the most common types of injuries workers suffer on the job. Repetitive stress can cause wear and tear on the body, and over time this can lead to pain, limited mobility, and the need for medical care. If you are suffering from a repetitive stress injury, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, and you should discuss your legal rights with a repetitive stress injury attorney promptly.
What Qualifies as a Repetitive Stress Injury in Florida?
A repetitive stress injury is any type of injury that results from repeated use of a muscle, ligament, or tendon. Often, repetitive stress injuries will impact multiple muscles, ligaments, and tendons that work together—such as those in the elbow, shoulder, or back. They are also commonly referred to as repetitive strain or overuse injuries.
Workers in all types of occupations can suffer repetitive stress injuries, and they can occur in all parts of the body. Some of the most common areas where workers suffer repetitive stress injuries include:
- Ankles
- Back
- Elbows
- Fingers
- Knees
- Neck
- Shoulders
- Wrists
Regardless of where a repetitive stress injury occurs, the major symptoms will typically be the same. The most common symptoms of repetitive stress injuries include:
- Limited mobility
- Numbness
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Throbbing
- Tingling
- Weakness
Can I Recover Workers’ Compensation for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
In an era when so many jobs involve extensive use of a computer keyboard, carpal tunnel injuries are on the rise. However, many different job activities can lead to carpal tunnel symptoms, with pain and numbness that can make it challenging to perform even the most basic tasks.
Florida workers’ compensation law allows employees suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome to receive benefits, but they must prove that their injuries were caused by occupational hazards of the job. Assistance from an experienced repetitive stress injury lawyer can make it much easier to demonstrate that you qualify for benefits.
Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The carpal tunnel is a narrow channel in the wrist formed by the carpal bones and the transverse carpal ligament. The median nerve, which is one of the most important nerves to the hand, passes through the carpal tunnel. When the nerve becomes pressed or squeezed due to inflammation from repetitive stress or another injury, the resulting irritation is referred to as carpal tunnel syndrome. The median nerve controls muscles around the thumb and other parts of the hand and sends pain sensations from the hand to the brain. That means damage to this nerve can cause a host of consequences.
Workers suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome often experience:
- Wrist pain
- Difficulty holding and grasping items
- Shock sensations radiating from the fingers to the shoulder
- Numbness or tingling in fingers, palm, or wrists
- Loss of dexterity in the fingers or thumb
Our repetitive stress injury lawyer knows that carpal tunnel syndrome is considered to be progressive, which means that the symptoms generally get worse as time goes on.
Common Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in the Workplace
Carpal tunnel syndrome often develops when workers repeat the same hand or wrist motions or extend the wrist or hand over and over for a substantial period of time. While carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused by a singular trauma like a workplace accident, it is more often seen resulting from repetitive motion.
Computer work, such as data entry jobs, frequently leads to repetitive stress injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome. However, other employees have been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome due to work activities such as sewing, assembly line tasks, mechanical repairs, painting, agricultural duties, and cash register operation. Jobs in which workers frequently use vibrating tools also put workers at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome.
Symptoms may be barely noticeable at first, even though much of the damage is done. As time passes, pain, numbness and weakness can become too much to ignore and interfere not only with job functions but the ability to sleep and perform self-care tasks.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Often Requires Surgery
When carpal tunnel syndrome is treated early, sometimes wearing a supportive device and changing ergonomic behaviors can alleviate the symptoms. Far too often, however, the condition is not recognized until it has progressed substantially.
Our Fort Lauderdale repetitive stress injury lawyer often assists workers who need to have surgery to relieve pressure on the median nerve. Recovery can take significant time during which an employee may not be able to work or may be restricted to light duties. Medical costs can be substantial. Receiving wage and medical benefits through workers’ compensation may be an employee’s only hope of relief.
How Do You Seek Workers’ Compensation for a Repetitive Stress Injury?
The process of seeking workers’ compensation for a repetitive stress injury is the same as for any other type of job-related injury or illness. This means that you should report your injury to your employer, see a doctor, and talk to a Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible.
But, collecting workers’ compensation for a repetitive stress injury can present some unique challenges. For example, insurance companies will often try to deny benefits by claiming that workers’ repetitive stress injuries are not job-related. They will also frequently claim that workers failed to report their repetitive stress injuries on time. These challenges make it especially important to hire an experienced attorney, and we encourage you to contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation right away.
How Can We Help With Your Claim?
When you contact us, we will arrange for you to speak with Fort Lauderdale repetitive stress injury lawyer Joseph Maus one-on-one. Mr. Maus will thoroughly evaluate your claim, and he will explain everything you need to know about filing for benefits. If you have a claim, he will deal with your employer’s insurance company for you. He will accurately calculate your benefits under Florida’s workers’ compensation law to ensure you can receive the full compensation you deserve.
Schedule a Free Consultation at Maus Law Firm to Discuss Your Repetitive Stress Injury
Are you suffering from a job-related repetitive stress injury? If so, we can help. To speak with Fort Lauderdale repetitive stress injury lawyer Joseph Maus in confidence as soon as possible, call 855-999-5297 or request a free consultation online now.