What is the first thing you think of when you hear “work injury?”
If you are like most people, you might think:
Those are injuries that are immediately visible and people usually have no trouble getting those covered by workers compensation insurance. However, we came across this editorial by Emily Sohn that reminds us that not all workplace injuries are so easily visible. Repetitive stress injuries are often overlooked and not discussed.
Sohn begins by pointing out that the pain from RSIs is not always immediate. You may notice some discomfort and soreness when doing certain routine actions, but likely write it off as nothing major. That is until it becomes more obvious.
At the Law Offices of Kropach & Kropach, we understand that not all work injuries look the same. If you need a stress-related injury attorney in Los Angeles, you can count on us to be by your side, working to secure the compensation you deserve.
Alan Hedge is the director of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Laboratory at Cornell University in Ithaca and he says that around 80% of employees in offices and call centers report aches and pains as well as other musculoskeletal discomforts. These are the first signs of work-related injuries. Perhaps one of the most well-known repetitive stress injuries is carpal tunnel syndrome.
Believe it or not, the “carpal tunnel” is actually a part of your wrist that allows tendons and vessels to pass through. Certain jobs can cause this area to become compressed and lead to pain and discomfort that can be bad enough to keep a person from working.
2.7 percent of the population in the US suffers from carpal tunnel syndrome and the cause is often work-related. Unfortunately, the signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel develop over time, making it harder to pinpoint the injury to an actual workplace cause.
What is to stop an insurance company or an employer from saying that the injury was actually caused by something outside of work?
Thankfully, there has been more and more literature on the subject of work-related repetitive stress injuries and people have an easier time getting workers compensation. For carpal tunnel, the worst cases often need surgery to alleviate the discomfort. This can become expensive, especially if a person has to miss work while they recover. Workers comp is vital in these instances.
If you have experienced a repetitive stress injury due to workplace causes and are having trouble getting coverage, please seek legal assistance. At the Law Offices of Kropach & Kropach, we firmly believe that every employee deserves to be covered by workers compensation and will work diligently to ensure you get the coverage you deserve. This includes your medical costs as well as any lost income. If you need a stress-related injury lawyer in Los Angeles, you can contact us by clicking here or calling us at 818-609-7005.
