Rockford Repetitive Motion Injury Attorney

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While some workplace injuries may take place in accidents, others may involve conditions that develop silently over months and years. When a person performs the same physical tasks on a daily basis, the stress on their muscles, tendons, nerves, and joints may become more than the body can absorb. Repetitive motion injuries, which are also called repetitive stress injuries, are common throughout the American workforce. They affect workers across nearly every industry, and they can make it painful or impossible for a person to perform their job duties.

Workers' compensation benefits can address repetitive motion injuries. These conditions are recognized as occupational diseases when they develop because of a person's job duties. However, workers' comp claims related to repetitive stress injuries can be complex, and disputes may arise. The team at Newland & Newland, LLP can help clients show that they were injured because of the work they performed, helping to ensure that they will qualify for benefits.

Types of Repetitive Motion Injuries

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel issues are among the most common types of repetitive stress injuries. Carpal tunnel syndrome can develop when the nerves that pass through a narrow gap in the wrist become compressed due to repetitive use of the hands and wrists. Symptoms of this condition may include numbness in the thumbs and fingers, pain affecting the wrists and hands, and weakness in the hands that makes it difficult to grip or hold objects. Without appropriate treatment, carpal tunnel syndrome can progress to permanent nerve damage.

Tendinitis

Tendinitis involves inflammation of a tendon that may be caused by repetitive strain. It can develop in tendons throughout the body, including the shoulders, elbows, wrists, and knees. Rotator cuff tendinitis can affect workers who regularly reach overhead and lift objects. A condition commonly called tennis elbow can develop due to repetitive rotation of the forearm. Tendinitis may cause pain, tenderness, and stiffness in the affected body parts, as well as a reduced range of motion.

Bursitis

Bursa sacs are small fluid-filled sacs that serve as cushions between muscles, tendons, and bones in joints throughout the body. Repetitive stress can inflame these sacs, leading to a condition called bursitis. This condition may occur in the shoulders, elbows, hips, or knees. Regular kneeling by workers such as flooring installers or plumbers can lead to bursitis in the knees. Workers who regularly lean on hard surfaces may experience bursitis in the elbows. Bursitis can cause pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion in the affected joints.

Trigger Finger

This condition may occur due to inflammation in the tendons that control the fingers. It is common among workers who use tools or regularly grip objects. The condition can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving the affected fingers. In severe cases, a person's finger may become locked in one position. Trigger finger can affect assembly line workers, mechanics, construction workers, and others who use their hands to perform repetitive tasks.

Rotator Cuff Injuries

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons in the shoulder joint that allow for the full range of arm motion. Reaching, lifting, and pushing or pulling when a person's arms are above their shoulders can place stress on the rotator cuff. Rotator cuff tears are common among construction, warehouse, and manufacturing workers. They can cause shoulder pain, weakness, and restricted movement, and surgical repair may be necessary.

Degenerative Disc Disease

During years of work, the discs that cushion the vertebrae in the spine can break down. This can cause pain and restrict the range of motion in the back, and in some cases, nerve damage may occur that could lead to tingling, loss of sensation, or partial paralysis. These injuries may affect people who regularly lift heavy items or who spend time bending over and stooping while working.

Treatment for Repetitive Motion Injuries

Multiple forms of treatment may be needed to address the effects of repetitive motion injuries, avoid further damage, and help a person recover strength and range of motion in the parts of the body that have been affected. In many cases, treatment will begin with rest and modification of a person's activities. The types of work that led to an injury may need to be avoided. Splinting or bracing may also help to reduce stress on the affected body parts and reduce inflammation. Anti-inflammatory medications may be used to help control pain and swelling. Physical therapy may be needed to build strength and flexibility.

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the damage that has occurred. Carpal tunnel surgery may relieve pressure on the nerves that pass through the wrist. Trigger finger release surgery can relieve tightness and allow for smooth movement of the fingers. Rotator cuff repair surgery may address torn tendons or other tissues. After surgery has been performed, physical therapy will usually be necessary.

Workers' comp will pay for all forms of medical treatment that are necessary to address a work-related repetitive motion injury. Doctor visits, medical equipment, physical therapy, medications, surgical procedures, and post-operative care may be included in the medical benefits a person can receive.

Other Workers' Compensation Benefits for Repetitive Motion Injuries

In addition to medical coverage, workers' compensation may provide benefits that will address the impact that a repetitive motion injury has had on a person's ability to earn a living. Temporary disability benefits may address the loss of income a person experiences when they are unable to work for a short period of time or when they are limited to working in a lower-paying position until they have fully recovered.

When the effects of a repetitive stress injury are permanent, a person may receive permanent disability benefits that are meant to compensate them for the loss of use of different parts of their body. Vocational rehabilitation may also be available, and it can provide retraining or other services to help a person find work that they can perform while accommodating their injuries.

FAQs Related to Repetitive Motion Claims

Contact Our Rockford, Illinois Repetitive Motion Injury Attorneys

Repetitive motion injuries can prevent you from working in your current job or finding other types of employment. When the physical demands of your job have taken a toll on your body, workers' compensation benefits can address your needs. The attorneys at Newland & Newland, LLP can help you obtain the appropriate benefits while making sure your interests will be protected. For a free consultation, reach out to our Rockford repetitive stress injury lawyers by calling 847-797-8000.