What employees need to understand about repetitive strain injuries and workers’ compensation benefits.
Today’s workplace is much different than it was even a few years ago. Employees are required to use tools, machines, mobile devices, tablets, computers, and other devices to perform repetitive tasks. Overuse of body parts can result in a Repetitive Strain workers’ compensation claim. Employees working in both factories and office settings experience similar problems.
A repetitive strain workers’ compensation claim might impact a person’s fingers, hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, neck, or back. Activities such as lifting, throwing, assembling, typing, writing, or clicking a mouse can cause a problem. Vibrating power tools are a frequent source of these injuries.
Types of repetitive strain workers’ compensation claims include carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), cubital tunnel syndrome, De Quervain’s syndrome, ulnar tunnel syndrome, bursitis, epicondylitis, trigger finger, tendonitis, or tenosynovitis. Symptoms can range from a mild ache to a sharp-shooting pain. Many people also complain of tingling, weakness, swelling, throbbing, burning, numbness, and cramping.
Is a repetitive strain injury covered under workers’ compensation in Michigan?
Employees who have a repetitive strain injury should be paid workers’ compensation benefits. This includes unlimited medical treatment, a percentage of lost wages, and vocational rehabilitation. Many of these claims are settled for a lump sum cash payment and the person gives up the job.
It is usually the last employer who exposed a person to the kind of work that caused the repetitive strain injury who is going to be responsible for payment of workers’ compensation benefits. These are sometimes referred to as occupational disease cases.
Available workers’ compensation benefits
Medical treatment for a repetitive strain workers’ compensation claim should be fully covered. This includes medications, physical therapy, injections, and surgery. Don’t let the insurance company dispute payment based upon a biased medical report from their own IME doctors.
An employee with a repetitive strain injury might find their ability to work significantly limited. They should be paid 80% of their after-tax average weekly wage for lost wages. Overtime and discontinued fringe benefits should be included in this calculation.
If an employee must give up his or her job because of permanent restrictions, they may qualify for vocational rehabilitation. This can help with education, retraining, and career advice. Watch out for insurance companies who don’t want to help but just use post-injury wage earning capacity (PIWEC) to automatically reduce weekly checks.
Settlement
Many employees who have a repetitive strain workers’ compensation claim opt to settle for a lump sum cash payment. This allows a person to get medical treatment and vocational rehabilitation on their own terms. It is also possible to keep the money and get a new job immediately following settlement.
We recommend getting a free consultation from an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer anytime a medical condition keeps you from working. Don’t let the insurance company play games with your life.
Michigan Workers Comp Lawyers never charges a fee to evaluate a potential case. Our law firm has represented injured and disabled workers exclusively for more than 35 years. Call (844) 316-8033 for a free consultation today.
Related information:
Do I Lose Workers’ Comp If I Quit My Job?
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