You know that Georgia workers who suffer an injury on the job are eligible for certain benefits through their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. What you may not know is that these benefits could also extend to people who develop work-related injuries over time, ultimately ending up with a condition that impacts their ability to work.
Repetitive stress injuries are one of the most common types of work-related injuries, and they are a valid reason to pursue a workers’ compensation benefits claim. If you have a diagnosis of any type of repetitive stress injury, there is a significant chance that it is a result of your job. You would be wise to learn about your rights and options.
Common types of repetitive stress injuries
There are various types of repetitive stress injuries. Some of the most common include:
- Tendonitis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Trigger finger or tennis elbow
- Bursitis
These are just a few examples of these injuries, and they can be both debilitating and painful. Some victims of repetitive stress injuries may find that cannot work as they used to or enjoy every day activities. Some examples of the physical ramifications of these types of injuries include the following:
- Tingling in the extremities
- Stiffness
- Numbness
- Sensitivity to changes in temperature
These may seem like minor effects, especially in the beginning, but in reality, they can have a significant impact on a person’s ability to work. People who have repetitive stress injuries because of work may need time off to recover, rehabilitation or even surgery to repair the damage. In some cases, it may be necessary to seek vocational retraining if a person cannot return to the same job.
If you are suffering from a repetitive stress injury, you do not have to suffer in silence, but you have the right to pursue deserved benefits. You could have a rightful claim to medical care, recovery of lost wages and more.
The workers’ compensation claims process
Navigating the workers’ compensation claims process is not easy. Sometimes claims come back denied or workers do not get the full amount that they deserve. You can seek guidance for the claims process, giving yourself a better chance of a successful claim and securing the benefits you need for recovery.
If you are unsure if you qualify for benefits or do not know where to begin, it is useful to first seek a full evaluation of your case and an explanation of your rights and options.