Jobs that require lifting, awkward postures, or repetitive arm and hand motions could cause severe upper-body injuries. The workers’ compensation program pays for medical treatment and provides a partial wage when an injury or condition prevents someone from working. Unfortunately, workers’ compensation insurers often question whether an injury is work-related and interferes with someone’s ability to perform their job.
If you suffer a workplace upper-body injury in Philadelphia, South Philly, or Bustleton, contact a local attorney immediately. A workplace injury attorney at Gross & Kenny, LLP could help you establish that your injury is real, work-related, and prevents you from doing your job, entitling you to benefits.
Upper-body injuries that result from a specific workplace accident can serve as a basis for a straightforward Philadelphia workers’ compensation claim. For example, if someone sprains their wrist in a fall or suffers a broken neck in a roof collapse, there is a clear connection between the workers’ injuries and their job responsibilities.
Other work-related upper-body injuries result from repetitive movements that affect muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments over time. Examples include:
Symptoms of these injuries include pain, tingling, weakness, and cramping. Many repetitive stress injuries can limit the range of motion of the affected body part, which could limit people’s ability to do their jobs. Even sitting at a desk talking on the telephone could be excruciating for people with these conditions.
The procedure for making a workers’ compensation claim is the same regardless of the affected body part. However, when the injury results from an overuse injury or repetitive stress, obtaining benefits can sometimes be more complicated.
Workers often ignore the early signs of overuse injuries. By the time a worker’s pain is severe enough to warrant medical attention, they might have already done significant damage to their upper body, leading to long-term impairment. A worker who suspects a repetitive stress injury should document the motions or activities that trigger symptoms to help establish the connection between the workplace and the injury.
As soon as a worker is involved in a workplace accident or believes they have developed a condition related to their job duties, they should seek medical attention. Then, they should notify their employer to pursue workers’ compensation benefits. According to 77 Pennsylvania Statute § 631, the workers’ compensation program will only honor a claim if the employer receives notice of the injury within 120 days.
If a worker’s personal physician diagnosed the injury, the worker will need to see one of their employer’s approved physicians for the first 90 days of treatment. The worker should attend every appointment and comply with the provider’s recommendations during this period. A failure to follow the doctor’s advice could lead to a Philadelphia employer dismissing the severity of an upper-body injury or its connection to the workplace.
When an injured worker receives a claim denial, they should contact a local attorney immediately. A legal professional could seek a review from a workers’ compensation judge to fight for the benefits a worker deserves.
When you suffer a workplace upper-body injury in Philadelphia, workers’ compensation should pay for your medical care and provide partial wage reimbursement during your recovery. If your employer’s insurance company denies your claim, consult a legal professional immediately.
Gross & Kenny, LLP helps workers in the Philadelphia, South Philly, and Bustleton areas obtain the workers’ comp benefits they deserve. Contact us today to discuss your claim.
267-589-0091 
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