Repetitive Strain Injuries: How They Happen And Common Challenges In Maryland Workers’ Compensation Claims

On-the-job injuries in Maryland don’t always happen due to sudden accidents in the workplace. They can occur while performing repetitive, daily tasks, causing pain that builds slowly over time. Tasks like typing at a keyboard, lifting objects on a factory floor, or scanning groceries shift after shift over months or years can cause real harm.

Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) are a leading cause of workers’ compensation claims. Our Maryland workers’ compensation attorney explains how they happen and the common challenges injured workers often face when filing a claim.

How Repetitive Strain Injuries Happen

Repetitive stress injuries are musculoskeletal disorders. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that they are among the fastest-growing threats to workplace health and safety. They can happen when the same muscles, tendons, and joints are repeatedly stressed. While often dismissed as simple wear and tear, they can be just as disabling as injuries from a fall or equipment accident.

Common examples of repetitive stress injuries, or RSIs, include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and chronic back pain. Common workplace factors that increase the risks of repetitive stress in Maryland include:

• Repetitive motions, such as typing, ticketing items, assembly line work, or scanning items at checkout;
• Heavy or awkward lifting, especially when done without proper support;
• Poor ergonomics, such as ill-fitting chairs, desks, or tools;
• Prolonged standing or sitting without breaks or proper posture;
• Vibration exposure from machinery or power tools.

Over time, small stresses to muscles, joints, and tendons can add up, leading to swelling, nerve damage, and long-term pain that can keep you from doing your job or enjoying life outside the workplace.

Challenges in Maryland Workers’ Compensation Claims for RSIs

While you may be entitled to benefits through the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission for work-related repetitive strain injuries, proving the connection between your job and your condition can be tough. Unlike a single, obvious accident, there isn’t always a precise date or moment when the injury occurred. That can give insurers room to deny or minimize your claim.

Common challenges workers who suffer repetitive stress injuries when filing Maryland workers’ compensation claims include:

• Insurers may blame the injury on age or pre-existing conditions.
• It’s often hard proving the injury is job-related.
• Waiting for approval can cause delays in getting needed treatment, such as physical therapy or surgery.
• Injured employees often face pressure from employers to keep working through the pain.
• RSI claims are often undervalued or denied due to a lack of clear medical documentation.

Suffer Work-Related RSI? Contact Our Experienced Maryland Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Repetitive stress injuries in Maryland pose increasing threats to workers and can cause chronic pain and long-term disability. At Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP, we help injured employees prove RSI is work-related and fight to get them the total benefits they need to cover medical costs and lost wages.

If your work has left you with a repetitive strain injury, give us a call or contact our office online. Schedule a consultation today with our experienced Maryland workers’ compensation attorney.

Source:

archive.cdc.gov/www_cdc_gov/niosh/updates/ergprs.html