For people suffering from RSIs caused by the work they do, it’s critical to gain workers’ compensation benefits to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs.
Fieger Law has extensive experience helping injured workers through the complexities of the workers’ compensation system in Michigan. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What Are Repetitive Stress Injuries?
Repetitive stress injuries happen when repetitive motions, overuse, or poor ergonomics cause damage to muscles, tendons, or nerves. Unlike sudden accidents, these injuries can develop slowly, which makes them harder to understand and treat. Common examples of RSIs include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tendonitis
- Bursitis
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Tennis elbow
Tasks that seem simple and harmless like typing can cause serious long-term injuries. Other types of work like assembly line work and repetitive lifting can contribute to these conditions as well. Over time, they can prevent a worker performing their job and may require medical care, a period of rest, and changes to the work environment to prevent further harm.
Common Causes of Repetitive Stress Injuries in the Workplace
Work-related repetitive stress injuries can be caused by physical and environmental factors such as:
- Poorly designed workstations or tools that place workers in awkward and straining positions.
- Repetitive motions such as typing or machine operation contribute to overuse injuries.
- Tasks involving heavy lifting without proper technique or assistance can increase the risk significantly.
- Long hours without adequate breaks make workers more susceptible to injury.
- A lack of proper training or safety measures can create more risk, as employees may unwittingly engage in practices that are harmful.
Employers have a responsibility to provide safe working conditions, including ergonomic workstations and adequate training. When they fail to do so, employees are at a higher risk of developing repetitive stress injuries.
Are Repetitive Stress Injuries Covered by Workers’ Compensation in Michigan?
Employees who sustain work-related injuries are entitled to benefits under Michigan workers’ compensation laws. These injuries, including RSIs, qualify as work-related when they are directly caused and aggravated by job duties. Proving the connection between an RSI and workplace activities can be challenging, because RSI symptoms are typically delayed as the injuries develop over time. You don’t have the benefit of pinpointing one specific event that caused your injury, and the support of an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer is needed to build your case.
The potentially unclear work connection to your injury and the chance that employers or insurers may dispute your claim make solid medical evidence critical. Official medical documentation can demonstrate the severity of the injury and its impact on your ability to work. Reporting your injury as soon as you notice the physical struggle, seeking medical care, and getting an experienced attorney on your side will help you secure the benefits you need.
Benefits Available Through Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation benefits for repetitive stress injuries can make all the difference during recovery. You’ll need compensation for medical treatment coverage — including physical therapy, surgery, and medications. Also, if your injury prevents you from working temporarily or permanently, wage loss benefits help to replace a portion of your income. For those unable to return to their previous roles, vocational rehabilitation offers training and support to transition into new positions. In certain cases, injured workers may also file third-party claims if another party, such as a manufacturer of defective equipment, contributed to the injury.
Fieger Law is dedicated to getting to the bottom of what truly caused your injury and what you need to move forward. We will fight for the full range of benefits you’re entitled to under Michigan law.
Why Workers’ Compensation Claims for Repetitive Stress Injuries Are Challenging
Filing a workers’ compensation claim for an RSI is often more complex than other workplace injuries. Common obstacles include:
- Proving the connection between your injury and your job duties
- Employers or insurers downplaying the severity of your injury or question whether it was caused by work-related activities
- The delayed onset of symptoms complicating the timeline for reporting and treating the injury
Detailed medical records and expert testimony are key to building a solid case, but these elements can be difficult to gather without the right legal support.
How Fieger Law Can Help With Your Repetitive Stress Injury Claim
At Fieger Law, we understand the difficulties associated with these injuries when seeking workers’ compensation. Our team is committed to providing top notch legal support, including:
- Investigating and gathering evidence to strengthen your claim
- Seeing that your medical records are complete and enlisting expert testimony when necessary
- Negotiating with insurance companies to secure maximum benefits
- Representing you in appeals if your claim is denied
Our goal is to make the legal process as straightforward and stress-free as possible, so you can focus on your recovery.
Why Choose Fieger Law for Your Workers’ Compensation Case?
Fieger Law has a long history of fighting for injured workers in Michigan. Our attorneys have handled countless workers’ compensation cases. With a proven track record of achieving major settlements and verdicts, we are committed to providing personalized and compassionate care — tailored to your unique situation. Also, our contingency fee structure means you pay nothing unless we win your case. We want you to have peace of mind while we work aggressively to secure the benefits you deserve.
Contact Fieger Law for Help Today
If you’re suffering from a work-related repetitive stress injury, don’t take on the workers’ compensation process alone. Contact Fieger Law today for a free consultation. Our experienced attorneys are here to help you every step of the way.
