Not all work-related injuries are linked to a single distinct event, such as an accident. The daily grind of many jobs may lead to a cumulative stress injury that can be debilitating. Many people may have heard of carpal tunnel syndrome, a common repetitive strain injury in today’s workforce. However, repetitive stress injuries can affect many areas of the neck, back, shoulders and limbs.
Cumulative strains are the leading cause of injury in the workforce, according to the Department of Labor. What is more profound is that government officials say that workers who suffer from repetitive motion injuries may miss more work due to the injury than other types of workplace injuries. Unfortunately, these injuries often develop slowly over months or even years of performing repeat motions while on the job. Construction workers can develop repetitive strains using jackhammers, drills and other power tools, as well as from repetitive motions related to lifting and other labor. Cashiers often develop injuries from repeatedly grasping products and scanning groceries in the checkout lane day after day.
Do Not Overlook Symptoms Of Cumulative Stress Injuries
Because repetitive strains develop over time, many people shrug off the symptoms as just part of the aging process. However, symptoms of numbness, tingling, swelling or even pain may be the signs of a work-related injury that needs medical attention. If your injury is related to your job duties, you may be entitled to receive compensation to cover medical care, lost wages and disability. Do not put off medical treatment until the symptoms grow into a debilitating stage. Schedule an appointment with your doctor to learn the underlying cause of your symptoms. To learn more about how workers’ compensation benefits apply to your unique circumstances, scheduling an appointment with an experienced injury lawyer can help you to protect your rights.
