Many workers in Texas develop progressive injuries due to repetitive motions at work. Not only do these injuries require medical treatment to heal, but they can keep you out of work for some time. You do not deserve an unexpected financial burden from a job-related injury, but who will cover your medical expenses and lost wages?
In Texas, the path to legal relief after a work injury will depend on your employer and situation. No matter your circumstances, always speak with a Beaumont repetitive motion injury attorney from Schechter, Shaffer & Harris LLP about your options. Case evaluations are free.
Understanding Repetitive Motion Injuries
Repetitive motion injuries, also known as stress injuries or cumulative trauma disorders, involve repeating the same movements over time. These injuries affect muscles, tendons, nerves, and joints, causing inflammation, pain, and reduced function.
Common Repetitive Motion Injuries
The most common repetitive motion injuries are carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, bursitis, trigger finger, and thoracic outlet syndrome. These conditions commonly impact the hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, and back.
Unlike acute injuries from single accidents, repetitive motion injuries develop gradually. Early symptoms like minor aches and stiffness are often ignored, and the condition may become severe enough to interfere with daily activities and work performance.
Workplace Causes of Repetitive Motion Injuries
The nature of a job or the work environment can be a major contributor to repetitive motion injuries:
- Computer Work: Prolonged typing, mouse operation, and poor ergonomics lead to wrist, arm, and shoulder problems for the workers.
- Assembly Line Work: Repetitive manufacturing tasks, especially those requiring awkward positioning or excessive force, can lead to repetitive motion injuries.
- Construction Activities: Jobs like laying tiles or heavy lifting can affect muscles and tendons, injuring workers.
- Healthcare Work: Medical personnel have to lift and transfer patients, spend long hours standing, and assume uncomfortable positions while performing medical procedures.
- Retail and Service Jobs: Standing for long hours, bending, stocking shelves, scanning, and cashiering can cause repetitive strain injuries (RSIs).
Non-Subscriber Law Benefits
Numerous Texas businesses decide not to participate in the state’s workers’ compensation program and are categorized as non-subscribers. If you experienced a repetitive motion injury while employed by a non-subscriber, you may file a direct lawsuit instead of workers’ compensation benefits if you can prove employer negligence.
Non-subscriber lawsuits offer significant advantages over traditional workers’ compensation claims. You can recover damages for pain and suffering, quality of life, and punitive damages when gross negligence is involved. These damages often exceed workers’ compensation benefits substantially.
Proving negligence in repetitive motion cases in Beaumont, TX can be challenging, however, so having the right lawyer is key.
Proving Repetitive Motion Injury Claims
The essential condition to prove compensation for repetitive motion injury cases is to prove a connection between the work being performed and your medical problem. Some important evidence includes:
- Medical Documentation: Thorough medical documents that show your diagnosis, treatment record, and repetitive motion condition.
- Workplace Analysis: A complete inspection of your work responsibilities, the working conditions, and the repetitive nature of your job.
- Expert Testimony: Professionals in the medical field, ergonomic specialists, and occupational health professionals are used to provide testimonies that support your claim.
- Employment Records: Work history, job descriptions, and documentation of any changes or accommodations in the workplace that you have requested or provided.
Medical Treatment and Rehabilitation and the Long-Term Effects
Repetitive motion injuries need special medical care and rehabilitative supports, including:
- Conservative Treatment: Rest, anti-inflammatory medication, physiotherapy, and ergonomic equipment compose the initial treatment approach.
- Injections: Various corticosteroid injections may decrease inflammation and provide pain relief, at least temporarily, for various repetitive motion conditions. In extreme cases, carpal tunnel release or tendon repair may be necessary.
- Rehabilitation: Occupational and physical therapy help restore function and teach injury prevention techniques.
- Temporary or Permanent Work or Lifestyle Changes: Numerous repetitive motion injuries can permanently limit one’s ability to perform work and daily activities. These limitations may necessitate career changes, accommodations at work, or even absolute disability from working activities.
Contact Our Beaumont Repetitive Motion Injury Attorneys
We collaborate with outstanding practitioners specializing in occupational medicine, ergonomics, and vocational rehabilitation and provide key testimony supporting your assertions. In most cases, the statute of limitations allows two years for a lawsuit filing. The recovery rule may extend this period for cases where the work-related nature of the injury was not immediately evident.
Completing medical condition documentation and consulting an expert witness can take considerable time. That’s why it’s essential to consult a personal injury lawyer immediately from Schechter, Shaffer & Harris LLP. Contact a Beaumont repetitive motion injury lawyer today. The first consultation is free.
