Philadelphia Repetitive Motion Injury Lawyer

Repetitive motion takes place when the same muscles are used to perform the same motions or tasks repeatedly. Repetitive motion can be very harmful to the musculoskeletal structure of the body and can cause damage over time. Lifting and moving objects repeatedly, scanning items in retail, and using a computer mouse and keyboard are all examples of repetitive motion.

If a repetitive motion injury has caused you to be unable to work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Find out whether your work-related injury qualifies when you contact a dedicated Philadelphia repetitive motion injury lawyer at Gross & Kenny, LLP to discuss the details of your case.

Philadelphia Repetitive Motion Injury Lawyer Video

Many different occupations require Bustleton workers to perform repetitive motions including:

Assembly line workers
Meatpackers
Musicians
Sewing and textile workers
Carpenters
Computer work

Repetitive motion disorders are commonly reported and they often take longer to heal than other injuries. Incorrect posture, overexertion, and friction caused by twisting the wrist or arm can contribute to a repetitive motion disorder. The areas of the body most often affected are the soft tissues of the fingers, thumbs, hands, wrists, elbows, and arms. Repetitive motion can also adversely affect the neck, back, hips, legs, knees, feet, and ankles. If you have sustained serious injuries because of your job, contact a Philadelphia repetitive motion injury attorney today.

Repetitive Stress Injuries

The injuries arising from repetitive motion are known as repetitive stress injuries and include conditions such as:

Bursitis – Inflammation of the bursa or fluid-filled sac that lies between a tendon and a bone or tendon and skin
Carpal tunnel syndrome – When the tunnel of bones in the wrist narrows, pinching the nerves that run through it
Epicondylitis – Tennis elbow or pain in the outside the area of the arm above the elbow
Ganglion cyst – When the tissues surrounding a joint, usually the wrist, become inflamed and swell with fluid
Tendinitis – Inflammation of the tendons
Tenosynovitis – Inflammation of the lining of the sheath around a tendon
Trigger finger – Clicking, snapping, or locking of a finger, which can be painless or painful

Warning Signs of a Repetitive Stress Injury

Warning signs that a South Philadelphia worker is developing a repetitive stress injury include tingling sensations or numbness in the affected area, pain that can be dull at first but increase in intensity over time, and muscle fatigue where the affected muscles quickly tire and give out. Repetitive stress injuries can result in reduced flexibility, motion, and strength in the area, which, without treatment, can become permanent. If you are experiencing any of the warning signs of a work-related repetitive motion injury, call a Philadelphia attorney from Gross & Kenny, LLP today.

Repetitive Stress Injury Treatment

Healing a repetitive stress injury generally requires a break from the repetitive motion that caused it so the affected area can be rested. A program of physical therapy including stretching and relaxing the muscles may be recommended. Other treatments such as splints, ice or heat applications, and corticosteroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) may also be used.

A severe repetitive stress injury could require surgery to prevent permanent damage.

Prevention

Proper ergonomics can go a long way in preventing repetitive stress injuries. Ergonomics refers to the study of design to provide the best comfort and efficiency for the work being done. For example, providing Bustleton workers with adjustable chairs and wrist supports for keyboards can reduce stress on the muscles in the hands and wrist and help prevent repetitive motion disorders. Other steps employers can take include:

Following the OSHA voluntary guidelines for ergonomics in the workplace including upgrades of equipment and modifying the workplace layout.
Training workers in proper work techniques to avoid repetitive motion disorders.
Allowing breaks so that workers can stretch and rest the muscles being used
Rotating workers through tasks that require repetitive motion

Action

If you have a repetitive motion disorder, you should report it to your employer and seek medical treatment. Delaying treatment could worsen your condition and make it harder to claim workers’ compensation benefits. If your repetitive stress injury is work-related your medical care is covered by workers’ compensation as are wages lost if you are unable to continue working.

If your injury makes it impossible for you to return to the work you were doing, you may be eligible for retraining to learn a new job. To file a successful workers’ compensation claim you will need to prove that your repetitive stress injury is directly related to your job. Seek a qualified Philadelphia repetitive motion injury attorney who can help you determine your legal options.

Who is Entitled to Workers Comp for Repetitive Motion Injuries in Philadelphia?

If you, like many people who have suffered work injuries in Philadelphia, are hesitant to file a workers comp claim, there may be a number of different reasons why. But one of the most common reasons you might be unsure of filing a claim is because you are not sure whether you qualify for benefits.

But the truth of the matter is that from the first day of your employment, your employer was required to provide you with workers comp coverage. Only in limited circumstances are employers in the state of Pennsylvania not obligated to carry workers comp coverage for their employees.

It doesn’t matter whether you work full-time or part-time. The only requirement is that you are considered an employee of the company. Furthermore, your injuries will need to have occurred within the scope of your employment.

If you have questions about whether you are eligible for workers comp benefits based on your workplace repetitive motion injury in Philadelphia, contact our office to discuss the details of your case with an attorney.

What Do Philadelphia Workers Comp Benefits Consist Of?

When you were dealing with a repetitive motion injury, it can be difficult to continue living your life as normal. If you are unable to work while dealing with the aftereffects of your repetitive motion injury, you may be entitled to workers’ comp benefits. These benefits can help cover a number of different costs.

To start, you can expect to collect disability benefits. These are meant to replace a portion of your income while you are unable to earn a living. You can expect your wage replacement benefits to amount to approximately sixty-six percent of your average weekly earnings. In most cases, you can collect these benefits until you are medically cleared to return to work.

In addition to disability benefits, your employer’s workers comp insurance provider will be required to cover the cost of your medical care. As an attorney can further explain, this will include any medical equipment and long-term care you might require as a result of your work-related repetitive motion injury in Philadelphia.

Finally, if your repetitive motion injury has made it impossible for you to continue working in this industry, you may be entitled to vocational rehabilitation benefits. These are meant to compensate you for job training or educational opportunities you might need to pursue a career in another line of work.

Schedule a Consultation With a Philadelphia Repetitive Motion Injury Attorney

Repetitive motion injuries can have a devastating impact on your life. When your injuries happen at work, you can take action to protect yourself and your family. If you have been injured on the job, contact a Philadelphia repetitive motion injury lawyer of Gross & Kenny, LLP.

To schedule a free initial consultation, contact our firm today. Our offices are located in Philadelphia and we serve clients throughout Bustleton and South Philadelphia.