Workplace injuries are common, but not all of them are sudden or caused by a single accident. Many workers face injuries that happen over time because of the same movements they repeat every day. These are called repetitive strain injuries. In South Carolina, many workers wonder if they can get workers’ compensation for these types of injuries. Understanding how workers’ compensation works for repetitive strain injuries is important for anyone who has pain from repetitive work tasks. This guide will help explain what repetitive strain injuries are, how they are covered by workers’ compensation, and what steps you can take if you think you have one. At, Nimmons Malchow Johnson Injury Lawyers, we are here to guide you through the legal process and help you navigate the complexities of your case.
Understanding Repetitive Strain Injuries
Repetitive strain injuries, also known as repetitive stress injuries, occur when muscles, tendons, or nerves become damaged because of the same motion or activity over and over. These injuries build up slowly, often over months or even years. Unlike a sudden injury like a broken bone or a sprained ankle, repetitive strain injuries come from daily wear and tear on the body.
There are many types of repetitive strain injuries. Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common and happens when the wrist gets strained. People who type on a computer every day or do other work with their hands may suffer from it. Another example is tendinitis, which causes pain in the tendons from too much movement. Shoulder injuries and back pain are also types of repetitive strain injuries that happen from constant heavy lifting or poor posture during work. Many workers do not realize they have a repetitive strain injury until the pain becomes difficult to ignore. These injuries can affect almost anyone, from office workers to construction workers, and can impact quality of life if not treated.
Workers’ Compensation for Repetitive Strain Injuries in South Carolina
South Carolina has laws that protect workers who are injured while doing their jobs. Workers’ compensation helps employees who get hurt on the job by covering medical bills and lost wages if they cannot work. However, repetitive strain injuries are not always as obvious as sudden injuries, so getting workers’ compensation for them can be more complex. In South Carolina, workers’ compensation covers many kinds of injuries, including repetitive strain injuries, if they are caused by work. But it is necessary to prove that the injury is work-related and not from daily life outside of work.
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For example, if a worker types on a computer at work and develops carpal tunnel syndrome, they may be eligible for workers’ compensation if they can show that the job caused or made the condition worse. Workers’ compensation covers more than just sudden accidents, so workers with repetitive strain injuries have a chance to receive the help they need to recover.
Proving a Repetitive Strain Injury for Workers’ Compensation
To receive workers’ compensation for a repetitive strain injury in South Carolina, a worker must prove that the injury came from job tasks. Unlike a sudden injury, this can be harder to prove because the pain happens over time. Workers with repetitive strain injuries often need medical records, doctor statements, and even testimony from coworkers to show that the injury was caused by their job. For example, if a factory worker lifts heavy boxes every day and starts to experience shoulder pain, their doctor may be able to confirm that the work caused the injury. The more detailed the records, the stronger the worker’s case will be for getting workers’ compensation benefits.
In some cases, insurance companies or employers may question whether the injury is work-related, especially if it is not clear. Workers may have to provide additional evidence that shows how their job tasks led to the injury. Having medical specialists who can explain how repetitive motions affect the body can make a difference in proving that the job caused the injury. This process may feel stressful, but with the right evidence, many workers succeed in proving their claim.
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Medical Treatment and Care for Repetitive Strain Injuries
Receiving proper medical care is essential for workers who have repetitive strain injuries. Treatments for these injuries can include rest, physical therapy, medications, or even surgery in serious cases. Physical therapy is a common treatment and involves exercises that help the injured area heal. Some workers may also need to wear braces or use equipment that prevents further strain. Workers’ compensation in South Carolina typically covers these medical treatments if the injury is job-related.
Once a worker files a workers’ compensation claim and it is approved, the treatment costs for the repetitive strain injury are usually covered. However, the worker must follow the recommended treatments and attend all required appointments. South Carolina workers’ compensation law requires injured workers to use approved medical providers chosen by the employer’s insurance company. Workers should follow these rules carefully, as failure to do so could result in denial of benefits.
Understanding Benefits for Lost Wages
Besides covering medical treatment, workers’ compensation in South Carolina also provides wage replacement benefits for workers who cannot work because of their repetitive strain injury. If the injury prevents the worker from performing their job duties, they may receive temporary total disability benefits until they recover and return to work. The benefits replace a part of the worker’s weekly wages, helping them manage their finances during recovery.
Temporary total disability benefits are usually about two-thirds of the worker’s average weekly wage, up to a certain limit set by state law. If the repetitive strain injury leads to a permanent impairment, the worker may be eligible for permanent disability benefits. Permanent benefits depend on the severity of the injury and the worker’s ability to perform their job duties in the future. Workers who think they qualify for these benefits should discuss their condition with a medical provider and their employer to understand what help is available.
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Challenges with Repetitive Strain Injury Claims
Although workers’ compensation is meant to protect injured workers, repetitive strain injury claims can face certain challenges. Employers or insurance companies may question whether the injury is really caused by the job. They might claim that the injury came from other activities outside of work. For instance, if a worker plays sports or has a hobby that could contribute to the injury, the insurance company may use this as a reason to deny the claim.
Sometimes workers also face difficulty because the symptoms of repetitive strain injuries develop slowly. Workers may not realize they are injured until the condition has worsened, making it hard to show when and how the injury began. In these cases, documentation is very important. Workers should keep records of any symptoms they experience, how often they feel pain, and how their job duties affect their condition. Workers who face difficulties with their claim may benefit from legal guidance, as a lawyer can help gather necessary evidence and advocate for their rights.
Steps to Take if You Suspect a Repetitive Strain Injury
Workers who suspect they have a repetitive strain injury should act as soon as possible to protect their health and their ability to receive workers’ compensation benefits. Reporting the injury to a supervisor or employer is the first step. In South Carolina, workers are required to report workplace injuries to their employer within 90 days. Reporting the injury quickly is important, as delays can make it harder to prove that the injury is work-related.
Next, workers should seek medical attention to understand their condition and receive treatment recommendations. A medical professional can diagnose the injury, provide treatment, and document the condition, which will be useful in the workers’ compensation claim process. Workers should follow all medical advice and attend all appointments, as these records show that the injury is serious and needs attention.
Filing a workers’ compensation claim is the last step. After the injury is reported, the employer or the worker can begin the claims process. Workers should make sure they understand the steps required and provide all necessary documents and evidence. If the claim is denied, workers have the right to appeal and should consider getting legal support to help them through the appeal process.
Why Legal Assistance Can Be Helpful in Repetitive Strain Injury Claims
Because repetitive strain injuries are not as obvious as sudden injuries, workers may need help in proving their case. Some workers find it helpful to have a lawyer who understands the workers’ compensation process. A lawyer can guide workers through gathering medical evidence, filing claims, and, if necessary, appealing denied claims. Workers who struggle with the claims process often feel reassured knowing they have someone on their side to explain the rules and requirements.
Lawyers can also communicate with the insurance company and handle any challenges or disputes that arise. Workers with repetitive strain injuries sometimes face doubts from insurance companies that want to avoid paying claims. A lawyer can make sure the worker’s rights are protected and help build a strong case for compensation. By focusing on the legal details, a lawyer allows the worker to concentrate on recovery and treatment.
If you are dealing with a repetitive strain injury from work, Nimmons Malchow Johnson Injury Lawyers is here to help. Our team understands the challenges workers face in securing workers’ compensation for injuries that happen over time. Whether you need help filing a claim, gathering evidence, or appealing a denied claim, we are ready to support you every step of the way. We will handle the legal details so that you can focus on your recovery. Contact Nimmons Malchow Johnson Injury Lawyers today to discuss your case and find out how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.