Not every injury occurs from a single incident. Some injuries develop gradually over time.
Can you file a workers’ comp claim if you can’t pinpoint when the injury happened?
What are repetitive strain injuries?
Some job duties consist of the employee repeating the same motion or maintaining awkward positions for extended periods. The affected area of the body can become inflamed, strained or damaged. Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) is the term used to describe the painful conditions caused by overusing muscles, tendons and nerves. Common causes of RSIs are working at a computer, heavy lifting or repetitive movements in tasks such as mopping or assembly line work. RSIs occur across all types of industries, such as warehouse work, retail, manufacturing and healthcare.
RSI symptoms develop over time and may include:
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Tingling
- Cramping
- Weakness
If left untreated, the symptoms will continue to worsen, eventually becoming chronic and negatively impacting the employee’s quality of life and ability to perform their job.
In Rhode Island, RSIs are covered by workers’ compensation. However, several factors influence whether your injury claim is approved or denied, such as:
- Showing a link between your RSI and your job, which might involve documentation of your daily responsibilities or your work environment.
- Reporting your injury to your employer as soon as you become aware of it, even if you’re unsure of its severity.
- Medical records from your healthcare provider detailing your diagnosis, treatment history and a statement establishing a connection between your job duties and injury.
Be sure to maintain comprehensive documentation about your injury, medical visits and treatment and all communications with your employer. Working with a legal professional can be invaluable in assisting you in navigating the claims process, especially if your claim is denied.