On-the-job injuries come in all shapes and sizes, and each of them should be considered on its own merits. Many people worry that some injuries they suffer on the job may not qualify them for workers’ compensation benefits, such as a repetitive motion injury. In many cases, a repetitive motion injury can qualify you for workers’ compensation, but not always. If you have concerns about the validity of your claim, it is wise to consult with and experienced attorney before filing your claim — just don’t wait too long.
Just like a broken arm or some other serious workplace injury, repetitive motion injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome may qualify for workers’ compensation coverage. However, this assumes that the injury did in fact either originate from your current job, or some aspect of the injury occurred that was not present before you took your current job.
If, for instance, you have a repetitive motion injury that has existed since your last job, but you are only now seeking treatment, that may cause problems for your claim. In general, workers’ compensation does not apply to pre-existing conditions. However, if your injury arose at a prior job, and you received treatment, but now the injury has returned, then you may have a more reasonable claim. In this case, your claim would be that your work aggravated, rather than caused, the injury.
If you have a workplace injury of any kind, you deserve to get the most out of your workers’ compensation benefits. Often, getting the most out of them means getting help to navigate the process. Guidance from an experienced attorney can help make sure that you don’t miss out on important benefits and ensure that your employer’s insurance provider treats your claim fairly.
Source: findlaw, “Can I Get Workers’ Compensation For Repetitive Motion Injuries?,” Le Trinh, accessed July 21, 2017
