How Can I Prove a Repetitive Strain Injury Is Work-Related?
Every occupation has its share of risks and hazards. This includes injuries that a worker can suffer while on the job. However, not all work-related injuries are instantaneous, and some workplace injuries develop over time. Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) are among the most common work-related injuries. If you develop an RSI due to your work, you may be entitled to financial restitution through your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. But how do you prove that the RSI is work-related in order to recover compensation? Read on to find out more.
What Is a Repetitive Strain Injury?
Repetitive strain injuries develop when you perform the same tasks repeatedly over time. These tasks can cause microscopic damage to your muscles, tendons, and nerves, which may not heal entirely if the strain continues. While the body often repairs itself from minor strains and sprains, it gets to a point where too many repetitive actions overwhelm it. This prolonged wear and tear then results in nagging pain and other RSI-related symptoms.
Understanding the Warning Signs
Although each RSI presents unique symptoms, the most common signs that you may have a repetitive strain injury include the following:
- Persistent pain that doesn’t subside even with rest
- Pain that intensifies during routine tasks or repetitive movements
- Swelling, stiffness, or tenderness in the affected areas
- Reduced mobility or strength in the injured body part
What Causes Repetitive Strain Injuries?
RSIs are often linked to repetitive motions or sustained physical activities in the workplace. These may include:
- Lifting or moving heavy objects
- Typing on a keyboard for prolonged periods
- Operating machinery, such as cash registers or assembly line tools
- Stocking shelves or arranging items repeatedly
- Performing physically demanding tasks like construction or manual labor
Proving a Repetitive Strain Injury Is Work-Related
Unlike injuries caused by one dramatic motion, RSIs develop gradually, making them harder to prove. Below are ways you can establish that your RSI is work-related:
- Detailed Medical Records
Comprehensive medical documentation is essential for linking your RSI with work. Ensure your doctor records the nature of your injury, its severity, and their professional opinion on how it relates to your job duties. Additionally, consistent visits and updates to your medical records can strengthen your case.
- Expert Witness Testimony
Another way to prove your RSI is work-related is through valuable testimony from a medical expert. The expert can explain the science behind repetitive strain injuries and how your job tasks contributed to your condition.
- Personal Documentation
Maintaining a detailed log of your work tasks is critical. This includes how often you perform them, notes about pain levels, duration of tasks, how they affect your injury, and any limitations you experience while going about your day.
- Legal Representation
Navigating a workers’ compensation claim for an RSI can be complex. As such, it is essential to consult a skilled workers’ compensation attorney who can help gather evidence, collaborate with medical experts, and prove that your work caused your injury.
Get Help From a Vermont Workplace Injury Lawyer
If you are dealing with a repetitive strain injury, consult a skilled Vermont workplace injury lawyer at Sluka Law PLC at 802-457-1000 today to explore your options and protect your rights.
