You may realize that the workers’ comp system exists to provide medical support and financial reimbursement for workers injured on the job. Though this may sound relatively straightforward, there are many complexities to the process. For one thing, many people believe that injuries covered by workers comp are those that are clear and immediate. An example would be when a piece of machinery breaks and injures a worker or a worker slips and falls. The cause and effect are definite and knowable.
Though these are examples of injuries covered under the Mississippi workers’ compensation system, they aren’t the only ones. A major category of workers’ comp claims deals with repetitive stress injuries (RSI). To find out more about RSI, keep reading.
What is RSI and what are its causes?
RSI include those things that result from repetitive motions. RSI occur when a person assumes an awkward or fixed posture for a long period of time or engages in repeated motions over and over without a break. Activities that commonly lead to the development of RSI include computer work or manufacturing, especially when one employee does one task without sufficient variation or breaks.
Why do RSI occur so frequently?
RSI occur because the human body was not designed for monotonous desk/manufacturing work. Our joints and muscles and bones need to do a variety of movements to remain healthy. Contorting ourselves into unnatural positions or engaging in the same motions over and over can cause stress that builds up over time, eventually leading to serious injuries.
RSI occur with such frequency today given the uncomfortable positions many workers find themselves in during the workday. Being hunched over a computer all day can lead to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome, back problems, neck problems and many other issues. Engaging in constant motion on a manufacturing line can cause problems with muscles and tendons, cause joint pain and lead to lasting harm.
What should you do if you suspect that you have an RSI?
Even though you may not have suffered an injury with a clear and precise cause, the injury is just as real and just as deserving of compensation. RSI can cause serious pain for workers and should be dealt with as seriously as a sudden accident. If you believe you’ve suffered an RSI, reach out to a supervisor right away to ensure your workers compensation claim is filed as quickly as possible. You’ll also need to meet with a doctor who can evaluate your condition and recommend treatment options or behavior modification designed to help avoid exacerbating your existing injuries. If your employer isn’t taking your claim seriously or has indicated that he or she may reject the claim all together, it may be time to reach out to an experienced Mississippi workers’ comp attorney who can advocate aggressively on your behalf.
If you have questions about the workers’ compensation process or if you have been injured on the job and think you may need representation, please contact the Jackson workers’ compensation attorneys at Kilpatrick & Philley, PLLC at 601-707-4669.