Mt. Pleasant Repetitive Stress Injury Attorney
On the Side of Everyday Workers in South Carolina
Workplace injuries and
workers’ comp benefits are often associated with shocking, one-time accidents like a slip and
fall accident in the office or a construction accident on-site involving
heavy machinery. However, a large number of work-related injuries develop
over time as a result of repetitive movements on the job. Fortunately,
workers who suffer from repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) are able to
file for workers’ compensation benefits as long as they can prove
that their work responsibilities contributed to the injuries.
Bluestein Johnson & Burke, LLC can help you file your claim and ensure you get the benefit you need when
you call our
Mt. Pleasant repetitive stress injury attorney. We’ve successfully settled repetitive strain injury compensation
claims before and have a thorough knowledge of South Carolina’s
workers’ comp system.
Schedule your consultation today in South Carolina by contacting our team
online or by phone at
843-418-0750. We offer a variety of scheduling options so we can accommodate our clients
during this stressful time.
What Are Examples of Repetitive Stress Injuries?
Repetitive stress injuries, or RSIs, go by different names depending on
the state. Some state workers’ comp systems refer to them as repetitive
strain injuries, while others call them cumulative trauma or overuse injuries.
Whatever the name is, the category applies to a variety of injuries that
can occur from performing the same motions over time. They can develop
over weeks, months, and even years from doing the same job.
Common RSIs that workers suffer from include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: This refers to the swelling inside your wrist that
causes compression in your hands and can lead to numbness and weakness
in either one or both of your hands.
- Tendonitis: This happens when a tendon is inflamed from overuse or injury,
and can affect parts of the body like the elbow, wrist, finger, and thigh.
- Trigger finger: This is a condition where your finger can become stuck
in a bent position when your tendon is inflamed from repetitive gripping
or using vibrating machinery.
- Rotator cuff syndrome: The rotator cuff is the group of tendons and muscles
around the shoulder. This is one of the most common RI injuries and can
cause shoulder pain and weakness.
- Lower back pain: This type of injury is another extremely common RSI and
can occur among workers who perform manual labor such as bending and picking
up heavy boxes or other objects.
Because these injuries develop slowly over time and aren’t caused
by one single incident, it’s important to be aware of the signs
of an RSI. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s
important to seek medical attention so you can be treated and have your
injuries documented for your case.
RSI symptoms can involve:
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Reduced range of motion or flexibility
- Pain from tenderness
- Throbbing or dull aches
- Loss of strength or coordination
What Causes Repetitive Stress Injuries?
There are a variety of working conditions that can contribute to repetitive
stress injuries. Because of the sheer number of people who work from computers
in offices, many workers are diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome from
prolonged use of the keyboard and mouse.
RSIs can also be caused by job tasks that require frequent lifting and
carrying, holding unnatural poses, using vibrating equipment, or performing
repeated small movements. This is why some of the most vulnerable workers
are those that perform manual labor like janitors and housekeepers, plumbers,
assembly line workers, construction workers, and agricultural workers.
Workers who also engage in high-intensity activities for a long time without
periods of rest are also at a higher risk of developing an RSI, which
is why professional athletes are often diagnosed with them.
What Happens If RSIs Go Untreated?
Though RSIs may not initially be as serious as injuries like paralysis
or traumatic brain injuries, if left untreated they may get worse and
result in chronic pain. You may also experience swelling that can last
for months at a time, and your injury may become permanent.
When you report your injuries, it’s also important to hire a
workers’ comp attorney to get started on your claim. Because you don’t have a specific
accident to reference, you may require additional evidence to show that
your RSI is work-related to access your benefits. Our
lawyer is able to get started on your claim so you have one less thing to worry
about when you’re already in pain.
Call
843-418-0750 to
reach our Mt. Pleasant repetitive stress injury attorney, Attorney Brian C. Johnson. We can get you the workers’
comp benefits you need to cope with your situation.