Repetitive Stress Injuries Attorneys in Lexington, Kentucky

Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSIs) and Cumulative Trauma Injuries (CTIs) are common consequences of repetitive work activities, and they can affect anyone regardless of occupation or experience level. RSIs and CTIs occur when your body is subjected to repeated motions, often with an inadequate resting period in between, causing damage to your musculoskeletal system.  

If your repetitive stress injury or cumualtive trauma injury is related to your work duties, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits in Kentucky. Our lawyers at Wilson & McQueen, PLLC help workers who develop RSIs seek the compensation to which they are entitled. Contact our repetitive stress injuries lawyers in Lexington, Kentucky, to discuss your particular situation. We represent injured workers in the surrounding areas as well, including London, Nicholasville, Richmond, and Georgetown.  

What Is a Repetitive Stress Injury / Cumulative Trauma Injury?

RSIs and CTIs are injuries that occur when you repeat the same motion over and over again. They manifest in the form of pain, numbness, stiffness, and muscle weakness. They most frequently occur in the hands, wrists, forearms, elbows, shoulders, neck, and back. 

The following are the most common RSIs and CTIs found in the workplace: 

• osteoarthritis in joints

• carpal tunnel syndrome 

• cubital tunnel syndrome / tennis elbow

• tendinitis 

• rotator cuff injury 

• bursitis 

• trigger finger 

• degenerative disc disease

These and other types of RSIs and CTIs can be caused by various activities, including but not limited to working on an assembly line, grasping tools, typing, working as a cashier, and many more. The symptoms include pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the affected area. Symptoms can be gradual or abrupt and worsen over time. See a doctor as soon as possible if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. 

Who Is More At Risk for Developing Repetitive Stress Injuries / Cumulative Trauma Injuries?

Although anyone can develop an RSI or CTI, certain workers are more likely to experience these injuries than others. Here are categories of workers that are at higher risk: 

• office workers 

• factory workers 

• retail workers 

• cashiers  

• construction workers 

• healthcare professionals  

• delivery drivers 

• truck drivers 

• coal miners

These workers are at higher risk due to the job functions that require them to perform repetitive motions on a daily basis. 

Can I File a Workers’ Compensation Claim for an RSI or CTI?

In Kentucky, employers with one or more employees are legally required to have workers’ compensation insurance to cover their employees in case of injury. If you have developed an RSI ot CTI due to your work activities, you may be able to receive workers’ compensation benefits.  

Workers’ compensation can cover medical expenses and lost wages while you recover from your injury. It is crucial to report the injury to your employer as soon as possible after, and seek medical attention to address the issue and maximize the likelihood of receiving benefits. 

Fact: Businesses across the United States spend an estimated $20 billion annually on workers’ compensation related to repetitive stress injuries, according to the Centers for Disease Control.  

What’s the Date of Injury for an RSI or CTI? 

If you have developed an RSI or CTI, you may not have a specific date of injury like you would with a broken bone or another type of traumatic injury. Instead, theydevelop over time and can be caused by years of repetitive motions.  

To be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, you will need to provide evidence that your injury is related to your job duties and that you have been doing the same activity repeatedly for a long period of time. It is critical that you report your injury to your employer as soon as you become aware of it, even if you do not have a specific date of injury to provide. The applicable date is may be the last date you were exposed to the physical requirements of the job or the date that you sought treatment.

Benefit Types

If you are diagnosed with an RSI or CTI and your injury is work-related, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. The benefits available to you will depend on the severity of your injury and whether it is temporary or permanent:  

1. Temporary disability benefits cover lost wages and medical expenses while you are temporarily unable to work due to your injury.  

2. Permanent disability benefits compensate you for any permanent damage or impairment caused by your injury.  

Workers may also be eligible for vocational rehabilitation benefits to help them return to work in a new job that is less likely to aggravate their existing injury. 

An Attorney Can Help You Obtain Workers’ Comp Benefits for a Repetitive Stress Injury

Navigating the workers’ compensation system might seem confusing, especially for those dealing with an RSI that developed over time. That is why you might want to get legal help from an experienced lawyer who can explain your rights and help you navigate the claims process to ensure that you receive the benefits you are entitled to.  

An attorney can help you gather the necessary evidence to support your workers’ comp claim, handle communications with the insurance company, and represent your best interests during hearings or appeals (if your claim is denied). Having an attorney on your side can make a substantial difference in ensuring that you receive the maximum benefits available to you under the law.