Repetitive Use Work Injuries in Georgia
Work injuries do not always occur as a result of one single traumatic event, like a fall or machine crush injury. In some cases, work injuries develop over a longer period of time due to performing repetitive work duties.
This can happen when you use the same motions over and over again, all day long. When you have a repetitive use injury that happened as a result of performing your work duties, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
Gearhart Law Group Can Help You with Your Repetitive Use Work Injury Case
If you believe that your repetitive use injury happened as a result of performing your work duties, contact Gearhart Law Group today. Attorney Beth Gearhart has successfully handled workers’ compensation cases for over two decades. She knows what it takes to fight for your legal right to workers’ compensation benefits. Contact Gearhart Law Group today to set up a free consultation to discuss your potential workers’ compensation case by giving our office a call at 404 445 8370.
What Types of Injuries Are Considered Repetitive Use Injuries?
There are a few different types of injuries that are commonly seen as repetitive use injuries that occur as a result of performing certain work duties. These injuries include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, bursitis, hearing loss, rotator cuff syndrome, and back injuries.
§ Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome injuries can happen when the median nerve (in your hand) becomes compressed or is squeezed as it travels through the wrist. This condition can cause pain in the hand and arm, along with numbness and tingling.
§ Tendonitis
Tendonitis is a common repetitive use injury that involves an inflammation of the tendons. Tendons, which connect your muscle to your bones, can become inflamed or injured due to repetitive movements.
§ Bursitis
Bursitis is a condition that occurs when your bursae (small sacs filled with fluid that cushion your muscles, tendons, and bones) become inflamed. Some of the more common locations where you may experience bursitis include the elbow, shoulder, and hip.
§ Hearing Loss
Hearing loss may occur on the job when the work environment exposes a worker to loud noises or chemicals that can damage hearing.
§ Rotator Cuff Syndrome
Rotator cuff syndrome can occur due to the wear and tear of the tendon tissue, causing irritation or damage. This injury may be work-related when it is caused by repetitive overhead activity or heavy lifting over a long period of time while performing work duties.
§ Back Injuries
In some cases, back injuries can be caused by repetitive movements over a prolonged period of time, including lifting and carrying while performing work duties.
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Who Is at Risk for Repetitive Use Injuries?
There are quite a few jobs in which employees tend to be more likely to experience a repetitive use injury. Employees that work in positions that require them to work at a computer for the majority of the day may be more susceptible to repetitive use injuries to their hands, wrists, and arms, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
Repetitive use injuries can also occur in jobs that require workers to frequently lift and carry objects, use vibrating equipment, and perform repetitive micro-movements. Workers in the healthcare industry, workers who perform housekeeping and janitorial services, grocery and stocking clerks, delivery workers, bus and truck drivers, plumbers, professional athletes, and musicians may also perform duties that may lead to the development of a repetitive use injury. Though there are some professions in which these injuries are more common than others, you can still suffer a repetitive use work-related injury in other jobs.
What to Expect with Medical Treatment for Repetitive Use Injuries
Receiving medical care is an important aspect of your workers’ compensation claim since the proper medical care can help you get better and return to work as quickly as possible. Before you move forward with your repetitive use workers’ compensation claim, it may be helpful to get an idea of what to expect when it comes to your medical treatment.
Since the category of repetitive use injuries is rather broad, the medical treatment you can expect to receive will vary. In many cases, your doctor will want to take a conservative approach to treatment first and may recommend a course of physical therapy to see if that helps you to recover. You may also need to wear a splint for a period of time, use ice packs, or receive cortisone injections, depending on your injury.
If your injury is more severe, and the injury does not resolve with time and a more conservative treatment approach, your doctor may recommend surgery. In some cases, injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome and rotator cuff syndrome may require surgery in order to achieve the goal of returning you back to your former state of health prior to the injury.
