Repetitive Strain Injury at Work

Helping Workers Understand Their Rights for Repetitive Injuries

A person with a wrist injury. If you’ve suffered a repetitive strain injury (RSI) at work, understanding your options is important. These kinds of injuries can make you worry about your health, job, and finances. At Atkinson Gerber, we know the challenges involved in work-related repetitive strain injuries and are here to offer you the support and guidance you need.

Our team is dedicated to helping you find your options and get the compensation you deserve. With our experience in handling workers’ compensation claims, we ensure you get the best possible outcome. Let us assist you in taking the next steps towards recovery and peace of mind.

If you’re ready to talk about your situation and learn how we can help, contact Atkinson Gerber Law Office today at 651-333-3636 for a free consultation.

What Are Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs)?

Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) are injuries that happen when muscles, nerves, and tendons get damaged from doing the same movements over and over, bad posture, or using vibrating tools. This can lead to a repetitive motion injury or a repetitive stress injury. These injuries usually develop over time from doing the same tasks repeatedly, leading to work-related injuries and repetitive motion injuries.

Common types of RSIs include:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A condition caused by pressure on the median nerve in the wrist, leading to numbness and tingling in the hands.
Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion bones, tendons, and muscles, often resulting in joint pain.
Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons, causing pain and tenderness just outside a joint, commonly affecting the shoulders, elbows, and knees.
Trigger Finger: A condition where a finger gets stuck in a bent position due to inflammation of the tendons, causing pain and stiffness.
Rotator Cuff Syndrome: Affects the shoulder, causing pain and reduced range of motion due to damage or inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons.
Epicondylitis: Known as tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow, it involves pain and inflammation of the tendons around the elbow due to repetitive stress.
Lower Back Pain: Discomfort or pain in the lower back area, often resulting from repetitive motions or poor posture at work.

RSIs are often found in the hands, arms, neck, shoulders, back, and wrists. Workers in physically demanding jobs and those who use computers a lot are at risk. Repetitive tasks like typing, lifting boxes, and using power tools can cause these injuries.

The causes of RSIs vary but usually come from repetitive motions and poor ergonomics. Doing the same movement repeatedly without enough breaks or ergonomic adjustments can strain your muscles and tendons, leading to overuse injuries.

Recognizing Symptoms of Repetitive Strain Injuries

Early recognition of repetitive strain injury symptoms can prevent long-term damage. Common signs include:

Pain
Swelling
Temperature sensitivity in the affected area
Weakness
Stiffness

These symptoms can vary depending on the specific type of RSI. For example, carpal tunnel syndrome may cause numbness and tingling in the hands, while tennis elbow (epicondylitis) results in pain around the elbow. Additionally, repetitive stress injuries can escalate if the activity causing the strain continues without intervention.

Neglecting RSI symptoms can lead to severe issues over time. Continuing the repetitive motions can worsen damage, potentially resulting in chronic pain and permanent disability. Early recognition and quick action mitigate risks and ensure recovery.

Medical Treatment for Repetitive Strain Injuries

Treatment for repetitive strain injuries depends on the injury’s severity and type. Common treatments include occupational therapy, physical therapy, and work conditioning to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility. Medications like ibuprofen can alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.

Severe cases might require surgery, physiotherapy, massage, and acupuncture to manage symptoms and promote healing. Steroid injections may also be necessary to reduce inflammation. Behavioral therapy can help those facing mental health challenges from chronic RSI pain.

The type and severity of RSI influence treatment options. A tailored medical approach ensures effective treatment for your specific condition.

5 Steps After Experiencing RSI Symptoms

Tell Your Employer: As soon as you think you have a work-related injury, inform your employer. Reporting early helps link the injury to your job tasks, which is important for any future workers’ compensation claims. MAKE SURE YOU KEEP PROOF of the notice.
Visit a Doctor: See a healthcare professional right away when you notice symptoms. Getting medical help quickly is key to fixing the problem and stopping it from getting worse. Make sure to get a proper diagnosis to improve your chances of full recovery.
Keep Medical Records: Start collecting and keeping all medical documents. These records will be important if you need to file a workers’ compensation claim.
Know the Filing Times: Remember that the clock for filing a workers’ compensation claim may start when you first notice symptoms or when you believe it is related to work. Delaying medical care or reporting the injury can make recovery harder and affect your claim.
Act Quickly: Taking action without delay is important. Addressing your injury fast can greatly improve both your recovery and your chances of getting financial support.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits for RSIs

Workers’ compensation benefits cover medical expenses and lost wages for repetitive strain injuries. To receive workers’ compensation benefits, qualifying requires demonstrating that work duties contributed to the injury, often involving detailed medical reports and evidence linking the injury to job tasks.

Reporting an RSI promptly is crucial as delays can jeopardize eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits. State-specific requirements or limitations may affect claims related to cumulative injuries. Understanding these and acting quickly ensures you receive deserved compensation.

Documenting Your Injury

Accurate documentation from the start increases the likelihood of success. Recording RSI symptoms, job-related tasks, and medical treatments provide evidence.

Comprehensive medical records, including diagnoses and treatment plans, are important for RSI claims. Insurance companies closely examine these claims due to their complexity, so thorough documentation is necessary.

Documenting activities when symptoms occur helps in medical assessments and provides a clear injury timeline. Detailed and organized records can significantly impact your claim’s success. Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim

Legal Assistance for Repetitive Strain Injuries

Legal help is beneficial if a workers’ compensation claim is challenged by an insurer. An experienced Minnesota workers’ comp attorney can help you understand the process and gather proper medical evidence to support your claim. If denied, consulting a lawyer is advisable.

Atkinson Gerber has over 50 years of combined experience in workers’ compensation. We take a proactive and personalized approach, listening from day one and providing straightforward advice. Tom Atkinson, who has represented large insurance companies in injury claims, understands both sides of the process.

Choosing Atkinson Gerber Law Office means you benefit from our superior representation and commitment to full and fair results. We champion each client’s best interests and are not afraid to go to court. Early legal assistance from Atkinson Gerber can significantly impact the outcome of your workers’ compensation claim.

Third-Party Claims for RSIs

If third-party negligence contributed to your RSI, you may seek a separate claim against them. Third-party claims can cover expenses not accounted for by workers’ compensation, such as pain and suffering. Identifying a third party, including:

Equipment Manufacturers: If faulty or poorly designed equipment contributes to repetitive strain injuries, the manufacturer can be held responsible for producing unsafe products. For instance, tools that require awkward hand positions can lead to strain injuries over time.
Suppliers: If a supplier provides defective materials or equipment that leads to an RSI, they may be liable. For example, supplying keyboards with inadequate wrist support can cause strain on the wrists and hands.
Contractors: When contractors fail to maintain or properly set up equipment, resulting in unsafe working conditions, they may be accountable. An improperly adjusted conveyor belt that forces workers into awkward postures could lead to RSIs.
Maintenance Providers: Companies responsible for the upkeep of machinery can be liable if neglect or improper maintenance leads to equipment malfunction, causing repetitive stress injuries.

In some cases, both a workers’ compensation claim and a third-party claim can be pursued at the same time. Evidence, including maintenance records and safety compliance, supports a third-party claim. Consulting an experienced Minnesota work injury lawyer like Atkinson Gerber can help guide this process and ensure you receive deserved compensation.

Employer Responsibilities in Preventing RSIs

Employers are legally required to provide a safe working environment to prevent injuries like RSIs. If recognized as a disability, employers must offer reasonable accommodations under the ADA. Implementing safety measures and facilitating frequent breaks are steps in reducing injury risks.

Compliance with OSHA guidelines related to ergonomic hazards is a key responsibility for employers. These steps create a safer workplace and protect employees from the risks associated with repetitive strain injuries.

Employee Best Practices for Avoiding RSIs

Employees can take proactive steps to prevent repetitive strain injuries. A workstation assessment identifies RSI risk factors, and ergonomic tools like adjustable chairs and keyboards reduce strain during repetitive tasks. Ensuring the workspace layout promotes natural body positioning helps prevent strain injuries.

Taking shorter, more frequent breaks is more beneficial than one long break, and regular stretching alleviates tension from repetitive tasks. Following these best practices reduces the risk of developing RSIs and maintains a healthier work environment.

How Atkinson Gerber Can Help You

At Atkinson Gerber Law Office, we handle workers’ compensation claims, especially those involving repetitive strain injuries. With over 50 years of combined experience, our team of dedicated attorneys offers personalized legal support to ensure you receive the full benefits you deserve.

Guidance Through Complex Claims

Dealing with workers’ compensation claims can be challenging, particularly with injuries like repetitive strain injuries that may not show immediate, visible symptoms. Our experienced attorneys at Atkinson Gerber provide guidance, helping you understand your case and the necessary steps to secure your benefits.

Comprehensive Case Evaluation

From the moment you reach out to us, we take a proactive approach to evaluate your case thoroughly. We meticulously gather all relevant medical evidence and documentation needed to support your claim, ensuring a strong case presentation.

Aggressive Representation

If your claim is disputed or denied, we are prepared to fight for your rights. Our attorneys have extensive experience representing clients in court, and we are not afraid to challenge insurance companies to achieve a fair outcome. Our commitment to aggressive representation ensures that your best interests are always prioritized.

Personalized Legal Strategy

Understanding that each case is unique, we tailor our legal strategy to fit your specific needs. We work closely with you to develop a comprehensive plan that addresses all aspects of your injury, from medical treatment to financial compensation.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

At Atkinson Gerber Law Office, we offer a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options. This initial meeting allows you to understand the potential benefits of pursuing a workers’ compensation claim with our assistance.

Choosing Atkinson Gerber means having a dedicated legal partner committed to achieving the best possible outcome for your repetitive strain injury case. Our personalized approach can make a significant difference in securing the compensation and support you need for recovery.

Call us today at 651-333-3636 to get started.

Your aggressive handling of this work comp case was first rate. I’ve worked with other attorneys in the past but appreciated the personal attention you provided me in this matter. Thank you!

- Cathy M.

Finally, I found the attorney that works for the injured worker, after two previous attorneys’ work for us seemed inadequate. Tom and his staff have the commitment to take it to trial if necessary rather than the other attorneys’ inertia and reluctance to do so. He has the integrity that you rarely find in the work comp arena anymore. Your involvement in my case resulted in returning us to some sense of dignity in this battle. I thought that with the multiple near-fatal catastrophic injuries I sustained that the opposing side would do the right thing. Don’t deceive yourself with this notion. You must have the right attorney by your side. With all the overwhelming tasks to complete while recovering, I thought I needed an attorney that was located near me. Again, I was wrong as they accommodated us however we needed it. Please don’t choose a work comp attorney based on location no matter how tempting that may be. Tom and staff thank you for making us believe in justice again.

- Scott H.

I just want to say a big “thank you” for representing me in my Social Security case. Without your help, I know that I would not have been successful. I am very fortunate that you represented me because you have the experience and knowledge that obtained the favorable ruling

- Dana D.

I received my settlement check this weekend and I want to thank you and all of your staff for taking on this case and pursuing it to a positive conclusion. These proceedings were not without their share of frustration but I always felt confident in my representation and your efforts to best represent me. I don’t believe I could do what you do- I would be too tempted to reach across the table and strangle the opposing counsel. I am very pleased with the outcome and am glad it is over.

- Gary S.

Tom and Marci were a tremendous help in that you made it so easy for someone like me who was stressed out about it all, especially with all the little things. I would have had a hard time relaxing enough to deal with everything effectively if you had not been so helpful. I also thought that Tom was very effective in the courtroom and had the facts of my case organized well and was informed so that he could tell where the judge wanted to go with his questions and was able to present the facts in a way that helped my case be viewed favorably by the judge. I was very pleased with the results. Thank you.

- Dan N.

You kicked butt. I am so happy with my results and I couldn’t have done it without you

- Teresa H.

Listen up every employee who has suffered a work comp injury in this state! If you think you don’t need a lawyer because everything is going fine, the adjuster is nice, and the QRC they assigned you seems to have your interest at heart; you are WRONG! The longer you wait to hire a lawyer the more disadvantaged you become. Tom Atkinson and his staff are aggressive and experienced workers’ compensation experts. Tom got me more than I ever thought I would get and NEVER charged a fee until he obtained benefits on my behalf. Thank you Tom, Marci, Gene and Cassie; I couldn’t have done it without you on my side.

- Thomas Hoaby

Thank you so much for your time and expertise today. I’m so proud to have you as my lawyer as you are absolutely wonderful at your job… Not to mention hilarious:) Whatever the outcome of today, I truly appreciate all you have done for me.

- Stacey B.

The day I met Tom, was the day I knew I would get all I needed from the Work Comp. company. For me, it was never about getting a big settlement. I only wanted what my doctor was recommending. Tom supported my decision not to settle, and took it all the way to a hearing to get me what I needed. It seems as though every step of the way has been a battle, but never once have I had any doubts in his ability to succeed. In the end, I got the surgery I needed and Tom still ended up getting me a bigger settlement than they offered in the beginning. Tom and his staff are a wonderful, caring group of people, and I don’t think I could have gotten through this without them.

- Sandy

Tom and his team are the top tier in the worker compensation field as I experienced the professionalism personally. I was injured at work and after two other well publicized and awarded attorneys failed to reach a satisfactory outcome, Tom and his team proved how a dedicated, genuine, caring, honest team can get the better than expected results for a client.

- DR

Dana and her staff are the most professional and outstanding lawyer I have ever dealt with and I would highly recommend anybody that would need a lawyer contact her. They made me feel more like a friend or family. When dealing with them and made the whole process, go smoothly as possible. There’s not enough words to describe the gratitude I feel for her and her staff. Thank you for a job well done. I would highly recommend her at her staff to anybody that would need legal assistance.

- Les A.

Dana has been incredibly helpful in representing me. She made the entire process easy, addressing any issues with professionalism and care. Her team was equally wonderful, providing excellent support throughout. I highly recommend Dana and her team to anyone seeking assistance with workers’ compensation.

- Attas

Amazing Workman’s Comp attorneys. Tom did everything he said he would. His paralegal team and staff are amazing too and very quick to get back to you. Fought for me until the very end. Will recommend this team to anyone having Workman’s Comp issues.

- Taylor K.

Words can not express how amazing Dana and the family at Atkinson Gerber Law are! Everyone was so kind and helpful. Dana and Morgan where prompt, knowledgeable and so so kind. I can not recommend them enough if you or a loved one ever needs legal help. Getting injured is stressful but with this phenomenal team in your corner, it really helps ease some stress. I can’t thank them enough!

- Amber N.

Despite that my case ended about 10 months ago, I actually went back to place this review because Tom and his team did so well and help me through a very, very difficult time in my life. I want to thank the entire staff for all their help.