Fort Wayne
Repetitive Motion Injury
ATTORNEY

DELVENTHAL LAW

Injury from Repetitive Motions at Work?

Workers who engage in the same type of repetitive motion for hours on end are at risk of suffering injury. These repetitive motion injuries, also called “repetitive stress injuries,” can lead to expensive medical care, lost wages, and possibly long-term disability.If you have suffered a repetitive motion injury, please contact the experienced Fort Wayne repetitive motion injury lawyers at Delventhal Law Office today for a free consultation.

THE RISK OF REPETITIVE MOTION INJUIRES

According to Liberty Mutual, repetitive motion of micro tasks is one of the top 10 leading causes of workplace injuries, affecting about 3% of those injured and costing billions of dollars in lost productivity. Repetitive motion injuries can also be aggravated by overexertion, which is the number one cause of injuries at work.

Anyone who performs small tasks over and over is at risk. Something as simple as typing or punching numbers on a calculator or keypad could cause an injury, especially when workers ignore initial signs of fatigue.

TYPES OF REPETITIVE MOTION INJURIES

Some of the most common repetitive motion injuries include:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome. If a worker experiences tingling, numbness, or weakness in a hand, then they might have this syndrome. It occurs when pressure is exerted on the median nerve, which runs the length of a person’s arm and passes through a tunnel at the wrist. Repetitive motion can cause inflammation, which narrows the space for the nerve to pass.
• Tendonitis. Tendons connect muscles to bones but can become inflamed through repetitive motions. Tendonitis can last for months or years.
• Bursitis. The bursae are sacs of fluid that cushion joints. Repetitive motion can lead to inflammation of these sacs and pain in the affected joint. Bursitis is very common in the knees, shoulders, hips, and elbows.

Pain is often the first sign that something is wrong. Workers should stretch muscles and seek appropriate treatment, including rest. Overexertion will make minor problems even worse.

AN EMPLOYER’S RESPONSIBILITIES WITH THESE INJURIES

Employers are required to provide a safe work environment for their employees. To that end, they should:

• Notify employees about the most common repetitive stress injuries for their job.
• Provide training on how to perform tasks properly to reduce the risk of injury.
• Ensure employees have the necessary safety equipment that can reduce their risk of injuries.
• Give workers enough time off so that they can recover from an injury.

Some injuries can be prevented if the worker can take a day off to rest sore muscles or receive massage. However, when pushed too far, a minor nagging injury can blow up and become a disabling injury that prevents the worker from returning to their job. If this is the case, then you should contact the experienced Fort Wayne Repetitive Motion Lawyers at Delventhal Law Office, LLC.

QUALIFYING FOR WORKERS’ COMPENSATION BENEFITS

Virtually all Indiana employers carry workers’ compensation insurance, which can pay benefits to workers who are injured on the job. A repetitive motion injury can qualify for benefits, including medical care and wage loss benefits.

If you have been injured on the job, you must notify your employer of your injury within 30 days. You should avoid delays.

Next, reach out to Delventhal Law Office if you have a question about receiving compensation for a repetitive motion injury. Our number is (260) 484-6655, so call one of our Fort Wayne repetitive motion injury lawyers who are standing by.