Each year, many workers suffer repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome and tendinitis, particularly those who work on computers regularly. This injury can be very painful and make it difficult or impossible to do your job.
The Macon workers’ compensation lawyers at Roden Law are experienced at handling repetitive stress injury claims and have a proven record of obtaining compensation for injured workers in Georgia. Schedule a free legal consultation to discuss whether you may be eligible to pursue workers’ compensation benefits.
What Does Georgia Law Say About These Types of Injuries?
Carpal tunnel syndrome develops when a person completes repetitive actions involving the arms or hands for extended periods of time on a regular basis. Examples of these repetitive actions could include lifting, typing, moving papers or moving other small objects.
Carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive stress injuries may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits if they arise out of and in the course of employment. If an employee is injured while performing an assigned job duty during work hours, the injury is likely covered under the workers’ compensation system.
Georgia’s workers’ compensation system provides payment for medical expenses and lost wage benefits for workers who develop work-related injuries or illnesses. Workers must prove their your work caused or aggravated the injury or illness.
Even if your claim is approved, the workers’ compensation carrier may object to paying certain medical bills or the duration of temporary or total disability benefits.
The insurance company could also outright deny your claim. It could claim that your job was not the cause of your condition or did not involve repetitive motions. For these reasons, it is important to have a legal advocate on your side who can help fight for the compensation you deserve.
When to Report Your RSI Injury for Workers’ Compensation
You should immediately report your illness to your employer, supervisor or your employer’s representative. Failing to report your injury within 30 days of the accident can result in your claim for benefits being denied.
In the case of repetitive stress injuries, you should report the injury once your doctor connects your condition to your job. Fill out the required paperwork and submit it to the appropriate organization for processing. Provide specific information on your paperwork to connect your injury and your work.
Symptoms and Risks Associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
People who have carpal tunnel syndrome may have difficulty performing their routine job tasks. They may experience some or all the following symptoms:
- Numbness, tingling or pain in your fingers
- Frequently dropping things
- Problems sleeping caused by pain in the wrist and hand
- Hands falling asleep
- Pain and burning that travels up the arm
- Weakness in hand muscles
Untreated carpal tunnel syndrome can result in permanent disability.
Contact Roden Law for a Free Legal Consultation
If you sustained a repetitive stress injury and believe that it is work-related, you can discuss pursuing workers’ compensation benefits with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer at Roden Law.
The consultation is free of charge and there are no upfront fees for having our attorneys represent you.