Whether you work in a New Jersey office building, on a construction site or in any number of other facilities, such as hospitals, factories, schools or elsewhere, your employer should provide proper training and equipment to help you stay safe on the job. Unfortunately, this does not always occur. Lack of training and equipment can often lead to repetitive strain injuries (RSI). An RSI is an injury that develops from repetitive motion over time.
If you work long hours and use physical exertion at work, it’s probably not uncommon for you to feel tired and sore when you get home. It’s important to be able to tell the difference between “usual” fatigue and soreness and a workplace injury, especially because such conditions often have similar symptoms. If you develop symptoms consistent with an RSI, it’s best to seek immediate medical attention and report your condition to your employer.
These symptoms point toward work-related RSIs
The following list shows symptoms that may develop if you are suffering from an RSI in the workplace:
- Inflammation near the site of injury
- Aching muscles or tendons
- Numbness or tingling
- Swelling or throbbing
- Partial or full immobility of a hand, arm, leg or other body part
- Stiffness
- Intermittent or constant pain
- Spasms
Many workers take strong medications to relieve pain so that they can continue to work. Often times, this masks symptoms and causes the area to get worse. Your best bet is to get to a doctor immediately if the pain persists.
Workers in these fields are prone to RSIs
Are you a hairstylist, factory worker, laborer or typist? Employees in these industries often suffer from RSIs. In fact, any worker who must maintain the same posture and/ or repeat the same movements for hours on end each day is at risk for RSIs. RSI’s usually affect the neck, back, shoulders, arms, wrists, or knees.
Treatment methods available include alternating with applications of ice and heat, as well as staying as active as possible. Many people use topical solutions on their skin to penetrate the injured area and provide pain relief. Some take prescription drugs, which can be highly addictive. For others, the only solution to their pain and suffering is surgery.
Filing a workers’ comp claim following an RSI
If a New Jersey doctor diagnoses you with an RSI, you might need time off work to recover. Then again, some people continue to work and simply wear a brace or other device to provide extra support. Often times, this leads to your condition progressing and getting worse.
In addition, these cases are often denied by employers because there is no specific injury date. if you need help after reporting a claim, you can reach out for additional support
By scheduling a consultation with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney, you can discuss your case in a confidential setting and determine what options are available to help you resolve any legal issues associated with your claim. An attorney is also a skilled negotiator who can litigate an issue on your behalf, if necessary. Working with an attorney who provides a free consultation, as well as service on a contingent basis, means you pay no fees if you do not win your case. This helps make the process as economically feasible as possible.