What is RSI?
Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSI) occur from repeated physical movements damaging tendons, nerves, muscles, and other soft body tissues. Repetitive Strain Injuries are among the most common work-related ailment, affecting millions of workers. This can be a serious and very painful condition that is far easier to prevent than to cure once contracted, and can occur even in young physically fit individuals.

A wide variety of occupations can pose RSI hazards to employees including computer workers, typists, factory workers, machinists, laborers, and sales associates.

RSI is entirely triggered by misuse or overuse of one part of the body. Contributing factors include:

• an ergonomically unsound workstation

• prolonged periods of work without adequate breaks

• sustained overuse from too much repetitive movement

• poor posture

• excessive workload

• lack of control in the priorisation of tasks or the intensity of work

• a cold working environment.

Carpel tunnel syndrome, chronic back pain and gradual hearing loss are some of the more well known RSI injuries. Other RSI’s include:

• Tendonitis/tenosynovitis – inflammation of a tendon or sheath that surrounds a tendon.

• Epicondylitis – inflammation of tendons in the elbow.

• Ganglion cysts – lumps that form under the skin on tendons.

• Bursitis – inflammation of any of the body’s 200 bursae that provides the cushion between tendon and bone.

• Hand-arm vibration syndrome (Raynaud’s Phenomenon) – disorder of the blood vessels of extremities.

• Thoracic outlet syndrome – malady of the blood vessels and nerves in the shoulder.

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What are the symptoms of a Repetitive Stress Injury?
Repetitive Stress Injuries (also known as repetitive motion injuries or continuous trauma work injuries) may be diagnosed by your doctor based on the following symptoms:

• Tenderness and pain in the neck, shoulder, upper back, upper arm, elbow, forearm, wrist or finger areas

• Pins and needles in your hands and arms

• Muscle spasms or muscle weakness

• Locking up of fingers, hands, wrists or elbows

• Cold and sore hands, especially early in the morning

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is advisable that you contact your Doctor and explain your situation.

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What if I have symptoms of a RSI?
If you suffer from any of the above symptoms your first step should be to consult a physician. While some repetitive stress injury victims initially experience mild symptoms, the pain often progresses to such strength that the sufferer finds it difficult to perform the most basic tasks. If you suffer severe symptoms of a repetitive stress disorder, you may be eligible for Workers Compensation benefits.

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Deep breathing exercises, yoga, massage therapy, regular exercise and dry or moist heat (steam rooms or saunas) can also assist with the management of repetitive stress injuries.

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What if my injury hampers or prevents me from performing my job? Can I receive Workers Compensation Benefits?

The Massachusetts’ Workers’ Compensation system was implemented to ensure that employers provide insurance that financially assists workers who become injured or disabled on the job. These benefits include weekly compensation for lost income during the period the employee is unable to work. The benefit amount is determined by factors that include the average weekly pay rate and the degree of incapacitation.

If you have been injured at work, require medical care and have been unable to earn your full wages for five or more days, you are entitled to Workers’ Compensation payments. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to obtain benefits. Because disability benefits, medical benefits, injury settlements and death benefits are determined by different and complex laws, many injured workers need help resolving disputes. Since repetitive motion injuries do not occur as the result of an obvious accident, they are even more difficult to prove. Only a qualified disability attorney can demonstrate your injury was a direct result of the work you were required to perform, that medical treatment was appropriate and necessary, and the degree to which the injury will impact the your future earnings ability.

There are several circumstances where it is particularly important that you contact an attorney for assistance.

• An employer has denied that you were injured while on the job,

• You have been refused medical treatment,

• You have received a Notice of Denial from the insurance company,

• Compensation was promised but has not materialized,

• You are without income,

• An employer or insurance company has requested your deposition,

• Your employer does not carry compensation insurance,

• A third party has caused your accident.

Call Kantrovitz & Associates today for an assessment of your repetitive injury case. As our client, you will receive responsive and quality legal services throughout the claims process. With our attorneys as your representative, you can confront this complex process with dignity and confidence. We can be reached at (800) 241-2643 or contact us via email at info@kantrovitzlaw.com.

 

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