Repetitive Stress Injuries

York PA Repetitive Stress Injury Attorney: Know Your Rights

A repetitive stress injury is a gradual buildup of damage to muscles, tendons, and nerves from doing the same movement over and over. And though you may not be able to pinpoint exactly when the injury happened, a repetitive stress injury (RSI) can be just as painful and debilitating as other more specific workplace injuries.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health says musculoskeletal disorders, which include RSI’s, are one of the fastest growing threats to workplace safety. Even so, employers tend to be skeptical of RSI’s, and look for reasons to dismiss claims.

If you or someone you love has suffered a repetitive stress injury, contact a workers’ comp attorney at Dale E. Anstine to answer your questions, free of charge. 

We’re here to take the burden off you, and to assist with the insurance calls, the doctor’s appointments, medical bills and more. 

Types of Repetitive Stress Injuries

RSI’s develop over time. Symptoms may begin gradually and then become constant and more intense. Even with initial treatment, symptoms may limit your ability to perform your usual activities. A repetitive stress injury can lead to permanent damage.

RSIs can affect your:

  • Wrists and Hands
  • Forearms and Elbows
  • Shoulders and arms
  • Neck and Back
  • Knees

Some common RSIs include:

  • Carpal Tunnel
  • Bursitis
  • ‘Tennis Elbow’
  • Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
  • Runner’s Knee
  • Hand and Arm Vibration Syndrome
  • Lumbar Strain
  • Herniated Discs

Symptoms of RSI include:

  • Swelling
  • Pain
  • Tenderness
  • Stiffness
  • Throbbing
  • Tingling, Numbness
  • Temperature Sensitivity
  • Weakness

According to the CDC, a well-designed workspace allows each employee to work comfortably without needing to overreach, sit or stand too long, or use awkward postures. A poorly designed workspace can lead to injury. 

What should I do if I Suspect My Job Caused a Repetitive Stress Injury?

In Pennsylvania, there are time limits for employees to notify their employer of workplace injuries. An injured worker must report their injury to their employer within 21 days to receive full benefits, however, they have up to 120 days to let their employer know they suffered a work injury. In PA, the statute of limitations for filing a claim petition for an injury is three years. The takeaway here- after a work injury, you have limited time to file a claim. 

With a RSI, this is more complicated. If there is a specific accident or injury, it’s easy to pinpoint when it happened. RSIs develop over time. That’s why it is imperative to see the doctor when you start to feel pain consistently. When the doctor diagnoses your injury as an RSI, the 120-day count begins. But don’t wait- tell your employer immediately after the diagnosis. 

If you wait, your employer will use that as evidence your injury was not too serious, or you would have reported it sooner.

It is imperative to call an experienced workers’ compensation attorney who specializes in repetitive stress injury cases in York, PA as soon as possible

What Can You Be Compensated For?

Workers’ Compensation is not just for catastrophic injury. In Pennsylvania, most employers are required to carry workers’ compensation coverage for their employees. Workers’ Comp begins day one of your employment. The coverage is no fault, meaning benefits are provided regardless of who is to blame. Injuries or diseases caused or aggravated by employment are covered, regardless of the employee’s previous physical condition.

Workers’ Comp in Pennsylvania entitles you to several benefits after a repetitive stress injury, including:

  • Coverage for medical expenses
  • Total disability compensation 
  • Permanent injury payments
  • Partial disability benefits 
  • Death benefits  

Contact our Repetitive Stress Injury Attorneys in York, PA Right Away!

Repetitive Stress Injury cases can be complex. Insurance companies are often hesitant to pay out on this type of claim because a RSI can be a challenge to prove. Workers’ compensation has its own set of rules and even its own court system. Don’t try to navigate that system alone. An experienced repetitive stress injury attorney at Dale E. Anstine will make sure you get the workers’ comp benefits you deserve. 

We will also determine if a personal injury lawsuit is necessary to get your just compensation. Have our attorneys take a look at everything before you take action.

Our law firm has been practicing personal injury law in York and Adams counties for decades. Let us focus on your office injury case while you recover from your injuries. We do not charge a fee for representation unless we win your case for you, so reach out today for help.

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