When most people hear the term “workplace injury,” they think of traumatic accidents like vehicle collisions or falls. In reality, some of the most devastating injuries occur slowly over time due to repetitive movements of your hands, wrists, or elbows.
If you suffered carpal tunnel disorder or a similar condition due to years of poor work conditions, a Baytown repetitive motion injury lawyer may be able to help. Under Texas law, there is the potential for you to even pursue an injury claim against your employer. Our experienced work accident attorneys can review your medical records and advise you of your options.
Understanding Repetitive Motion Injuries
Most of the injuries that occur at work are acute, meaning they are the result of a single traumatic event. Some examples include sprained wrists, head trauma, or crushing injuries. While these injuries are immediate and severe, some other conditions develop slowly over time.
A repetitive motion injury occurs when a worker repeatedly makes the same movements again and again. This might involve typing on a keyboard at an awkward angle or making certain movements to start or stop heavy machinery. Tendons and ligaments can wear down under this strain, and even bones can fracture after enough pressure is applied. One challenging aspect of these injuries is that it can take months or even years before signs of an injury to show up.
How the Non-Subscriber Law Impacts Repetitive Motion Injuries
Suffering these injuries on the job would leave someone with no option other than workers’ compensation benefits in most states. That is not the case in Texas, thanks to something known as the non-subscriber law. This law allows employers to opt out of the workers’ compensation system. That means they are not obligated to pay for an insurance policy, but they are also liable for any negligence claims from employees.
This is an important distinction, as workers are generally barred from suing their employer because of the law surrounding workers’ compensation benefits. Injured workers typically prefer the chance to pursue a personal injury lawsuit as opposed to filing for benefits as there are additional options for compensation, including pain and suffering damages.
It is not always clear at first glance whether or not a business is a non-subscriber. Let a repetitive motion injury attorney in Baytown determine if a lawsuit is an option.
Potential Damages
When an attorney in Baytown succeeds with a repetitive motion injury case against an employer, there are different types of damages that could be available. Typically, this starts with the benefits paid out through the workers’ compensation system: medical bills and lost wages. However, plaintiffs are more likely to get the full value of their missed paychecks after filing a civil lawsuit.
Where these lawsuits differ is that other types of non-economic damages might also be possible. The most common example is pain and suffering. Whether it is physical pain from repetitive stress or the emotional toll that can follow an injury, the right attorney could help secure fair compensation through a civil claim.
Speak to a Baytown Repetitive Motion Injury Attorney Right Away
These injuries can lead to chronic pain, making it impossible to earn a living or enjoy life. If you are dealing with these conditions and believe it is related to your work environment, you might be able to file a lawsuit thanks to the non-subscriber law.
From determining if a lawsuit is an option to evaluating your medical records, an attorney can make a tremendous difference in the outcome of your case. Reach out to a Baytown repetitive motion injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your case during a private consultation.
