Many people are familiar with entitlement to workers’ compensation when related to workplace accidents. But did you know that under the Kentucky workers’ compensation system, claims can also be filed for common wear and tear injuries related to the workplace?
Wear and tear injuries, also known as repetitive stress injuries, occur after repetitive use and stress on the musculoskeletal system. Joints most commonly affected include fingers, wrists, knees, hips, ankles, and spines.
Common repetitive stress or wear and tear injuries may include some of the following conditions or diagnoses:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Dupuytren’s contracture
- Back sprain and strains
- Trigger finger or trigger thumb
- Nerve compression syndromes
- Severe osteoarthritis
- Rotator cuff injury
- Hearing loss/tinnitus
- Stress fractures
- Ganglion cysts
- Herniated disks
- Tendonitis
- Bursitis
People experience a variety of symptoms from wear and tear injuries, including joint or muscle pain, numbness, tingling, throbbing, weakness, or swelling. Often, people may undergo major joint replacement and spinal surgeries seeking relief from their symptoms.
Workers with physically demanding jobs are at a higher risk of developing a wear and tear injury. Additionally, high-risk jobs may also include those that require heavy lifting, assembly line work, prolonged typing or desk work, poor posture during work-related duties, working in the cold or other extreme conditions, or using loud or vibrating tools.
Next Steps After a Wear and Tear Injury
Repetitive stress injuries are challenging in that they are often chronic and can cause long-term pain, discomfort, financial burden, and decreased quality of life. It is important to know that the Kentucky workers’ compensation covers wear and tear injuries resulting from job demands or work environments. However, they can be difficult to claim because these injuries in the workplace occur over time rather than resulting from a singular event. Where should you begin?
First and foremost, contact your doctor if you believe you are experiencing or developing a repetitive stress injury. They will help to provide you with a clear diagnosis and/or treatment plan to support your symptom recovery and management.
Common treatments for wear and tear injuries may include rest, pain management strategies, home exercises, rehabilitation therapy, or surgical interventions. Your care providers can also make recommendations for orthotics, braces, splints, or other adaptive equipment to support proper ergonomics and body mechanics while at work. They may also provide work accommodation recommendations to support your safety when returning to work. Remember to keep a copy of any medical records related to the injury, associated treatments, and related recommendations.
After consulting with a physician, contact your workplace to report your condition. People may feel nervous about sharing their physical or medical concerns with employers. However, it is important to document workplace injuries to establish a record for future reference as needed.
Be sure to speak with a supervisor or HR representative, rather than just a coworker, to complete the necessary paperwork to formally report injuries in the workplace. Save any messages, emails, or other written communications exchanged with your supervisor or other team members about your injury. These may support any future workers’ compensation claims.
Once you’ve contacted your physician and reported your injury at work, it is time to find a workplace injury attorney who can work with you to determine if seeking workers’ compensation is right for you. They should be familiar with the requirements and processes of filing a claim for wear and tear injuries for workers’ compensation. Having copies of the documentation from your medical provider and employer will likely support you in this process.
Contact McCoy & Sparks about Your Wear and Tear Injury Claim
As mentioned, workers’ compensation claims regarding wear and tear injuries can be difficult since they are not related to a specific accident or event. It is important you choose a knowledgeable attorney who can walk you through the workers’ compensation system, particularly when dealing with a wear and tear injury claim.
McCoy & Sparks are experienced, Kentucky-based workplace injury lawyers who thoroughly understand the process, requirements, and best practices for filing a workplace injury compensation claim.
If you believe you may be entitled to workers’ compensation for your workplace injury, contact McCoy & Sparks at 844-459-9467 or online to schedule your free and confidential consultation.