MT. PLEASANT REPETITIVE STRESS INJURY ATTORNEY

Championing Workers' Rights 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.

Get a Free Consultation Today in South Carolina by Contacting Our Team Online or by Phone at 843-418-0750. Flexible Scheduling Options Available.

Identifying Common Repetitive Stress Injuries in the Workplace

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

Understanding the Causes of 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.

Consequences of Untreated Repetitive Stress Injuries

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.

Contact Our Mt. Pleasant RSI Legal Team at 843-418-0750 for Immediate Assistance with Workers' Comp Benefits.