Recovering Compensation For Workplace Muscle, Tendon, & Nerve Injuries

No one expects a work injury until it happens to them. Even when we follow all the safety rules, unforeseen accidents and conditions can arise which impair our ability to return to work.

Many workplace injuries slowly build up over a period of several years, affecting our muscles, nerves, tendons, and joints. Workers in physically demanding occupations may notice a gradual onset of chronic pain and wonder where it's coming from. Even office workers can develop muscle and nerve injuries as a result of repeating the same motions every day, over and over.

Which Injuries And Illnesses Qualify For Workers' Comp?

Under Pennsylvania law, all injured workers are entitled to benefits through the Workers' Compensation Act. It doesn't matter how your injury happened. Workers who slowly develop nerve conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome are eligible for the same benefits as workers with sudden injuries such as those incurred in a car accident.

However, you must meet strict requirements and deal with insurance companies before you receive the compensation you deserve. Employers and insurance companies both are financially motivated to dispute and deny claims. Paying out benefits means an increase in premiums for your employer and less revenue for the insurance company.

This is why it's important to have an experienced work injury lawyer on your side. At Monheit Law, we're prepared to provide you with everything you need to earn maximum compensation.

Common Workplace Muscle & Nerve Injuries

Injuries involving the muscles, tendons, nerves, and joints are among some of the most common workplace injuries. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2015 musculoskeletal disorders accounted for about 31% of all worker injury and illness cases.

Common examples of musculoskeletal injuries which require compensation include:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Shoulder and rotator cuff injuries
• Muscle strains, sprains, and tears
• Chronic back pain
• Tendinitis
• Bursitis
• Hernias

These are just a few examples of the most common injuries - any work-related injury which causes pain or impaired function qualifies for benefits under Workers' Comp, and in severe injury cases, Social Security Disability.

High-Risk Work Conditions

Workers in all types of occupations and professions are susceptible to musculoskeletal injuries, but there are a few specific types of job duties which carry a higher risk, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):

• Regularly lifting heavy objects
• Frequent exposure to vibrations
• Overhead work
• Work which requires the neck in a chronic flexion position
• Repetitive tasks

It's extremely important for employers to properly train their employees in how to reduce the risk of injury while executing these types of tasks. However, even workers who follow proper safety procedures end up getting hurt as a result of repetitive stress.

How Can I Make Sure I Get My Benefits?

As we mentioned before, Workers' Comp claims involve insurance companies whose business models are based on denying coverage and limiting payouts. Experienced work injury lawyers have a detailed understanding of how the process works for claims and appeals.They know how to respond to an insurance carrier's attempt to deny claims by providing irrefutable evidence for the injury.

Additionally, there are situations where you may qualify for additional compensation outside of WC. If your injury is severe enough to prevent you from returning to any of your previous jobs for a year or more, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits as well. There are also scenarios where personal injury lawsuits are possible if your injury was caused by a third party (nonemployee or employer) or a defective product.

Recovering maximum compensation after a work injury is a complex process which often requires legal assistance. Our dedicated work injury lawyers are prepared to assist you with everything you need for a successful claim and deal with the insurance company on your behalf so that you can recover the full compensation you're entitled to.

Additional Links

• How Workers' Compensation applies to Pennsylvania workers
• How repetitive motions can affect your muscles and nerves
• Work-related carpal tunnel syndrome