Repetitive Stress Injuries And Worker's Comp
Have you contorted your body in such a way that lends itself to pain? Do you ever use your body in such a way that you know cannot be good for you? It may be the case that you're setting yourself up for a Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI), and, if it so happens that your place of work demands that you use your body in such a way, this could be illegal, or, if not of dubious legality, then at least requires your workplace to stop demanding that you use your body in such a way, or to pay you for workman's comp for time off due to such injuries. Throughout the course of this article, you will learn how to adequately define an RSI, what sort of workplace duties can potentially cause RSI's and information on receiving workman's compensation for such injuries and when you might need to hire a workmer's compensation lawyer for an RSI
What Is A Repetitive Stress Injury?
An RSI is actually a category of injury that includes an entire litany of injuries, not just one specific injury. An RSI can be best defined as any type of injury that has been caused by stress on the body over a prolonged – but not necessarily specific – period of time; especially the type of stress that comes from using one's body in an inefficient or "wrong" way (specific examples of which will be addressed in the next section). RSI's generally tend to befall the joints and muscles, as these are the areas of the body that are most susceptible to stress. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, shin splints and tennis elbow are all specific forms of RSI's.
What Sort Of Workplace Duties Can Cause Repetitive Stress Injuries?
There are a variety of workplace duties that can cause RSI's and most of them come from performing (or being forced to perform) jobs in a way that is inefficient and causes stress to muscles and joints. If you are required to use excessive force, by way of pushing, pulling, or lifting objects that may be causing pain in your muscles and joints, you may be at risk of an RSI. Likewise, you need not be exerting much energy at all in order to receive an RSI. Awkward static positions that cause poor posture habits – such as sitting at a desk all day – may cause you to receive an RSI.
Getting Worker's Compensation For Repetitive Stress Injuries
Unfortunately, most companies will fight to ensure that they were not the cause of an RSI, so the onus of proof is usually upon the person who received the injuries him or herself. In order to receive workman's compensation, you will have to submit proof that the injury was caused by workplace related duties to the Department of Employment Services (DOES); this usually requires that you receive adequate medical attention, and that this attention is documented and signed by your physician. You will also have to submit a form of accidental or occupational injury to the DOES. This is a form that states your awareness of the on-the-job injury: did this occur as an on-site accident, or is this injury a result of a repeated occupational necessity?
When Do I Need A Workmen's Compensation Attorney?
If you have take the above steps, submitted all the proper paperwork and proved that your employer was at fault for your RSI, but your employer refuses to pay you worker's compensation, it is time to hire a workmen's compensation attorney from a site like http://www.malatch.com. Many companies believe that they can neglect paying what is owed to you with no consequences. However, when you hire a lawyer he will be able to take your employer's to court, ensuring that they are ordered by law to pay you the compensation you are owed.
RSI's can be a difficult and painful injury to experience. Hopefully, this brief article has assisted you in diagnosing and recognizing the cause of such an injury.