What is a Repetitive Stress Injury?

Most workers are aware that a single, acute work injury, like a broken leg, often qualifies for workers’ compensation benefits. But many workers don’t realize that an injury that develops over time from consistent repetitive use of the same body parts may also qualify for workers’ compensation coverage if it occurs due to work.
A “repetitive stress injury” is one that occurs as the same motion, repeated many times, puts stress on the same tissues or areas of the body. Over time, this ongoing stress causes a breakdown in the body’s tissues in a certain area.
Repetitive stress injuries can cause extreme pain, loss of mobility, and other problems. They can make it difficult or even impossible to keep doing your job as you once did.
Because repetitive stress injuries vary widely, there is no one definition that covers them all. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recognizes over 100 different types of stress injuries, and more are discovered each year. OSHA estimates that workers have a one in eight (12.5%) chance of developing an RSI during their working years.
Currently, the most common types of RSIs are related to long hours of computer work. Injuries to the hands and arms, like carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis, and tendonitis are frequently reported.
Although these repetitive stress injuries are most common, they are not the only types of RSIs that occur in the workplace. Any worker who performs the same pattern of movement over and over is at risk for developing an RSI affecting the parts of the body that engage in that movement.
If you’ve suffered a repetitive stress injury at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation to cover medical bills, replace some of your lost wages, and help you adapt to a new job. To learn more, contact the attorneys at Lombardi and Lombardi, P.A. today. Our number is 732.709.7992.
 
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney/client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.