Repetitive stress injuries are the most common and costly workplace injury in the United States, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). In fact, hundreds of thousands of American workers are affected by repetitive stress injuries, which cost more than $20 billion a year in workers compensation.
Repetitive Trauma Injuries are those that are caused by the repetition of a specific action or task. Common repetitive stress injuries include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Trigger finger
- Tendonitis impingement syndrome
- Chronic muscle pain
- Chronic back injuries
- Herniated disc and other spinal disc injuries
- Cervical radiculopathy
- Aggravation of a previous condition
Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Repetitive Stress Injuries
Workers’ compensation benefits are generally available to employees who suffer an on-the-job injury, regardless of who was at fault for the injury. Since many repetitive stress injuries are attributed to work-related activities, such as computer use, bar code scanning, assembly line work, fixed position work, sawing, and extensive use of power tools, Workers’ compensation are often available.
Worker’s compensation claims for repetitive stress injuries are more difficult to prove than other work-related injuries, however, since the injuries accumulate over time, rather than as a result of a single workplace accident. As a result, the injured employee will need to provide detailed medical documentation and vocational information to prove that the repetitive stress injury was the result of work-related activities and not another activity.
Social Security Disability Benefits
In order to be eligible for Social Security disability benefits, an applicant must suffer from a physical or mental medical condition that prevents him or her from engaging in “substantial gainful activity” and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Because repetitive stress injuries are rarely considered a permanent disability and a person is usually able to perform some type of work, Social Security disability claims based on repetitive stress injuries are incredibly difficult to pursue.
If, however, a repetitive stress injury, such as a herniated disc or back injury, causes symptoms severe enough to prevent you from working at any job for at least one year, you may eligible for Social Security disability benefits, such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Since obtaining disability benefits for repetitive stress injuries are rare, it is important to consult with a skilled disability attorney like the Chicago disability attorneys at Ankin Law Office, LLC to discuss your specific medical condition and employment situation.
Experienced Injury and Disability Lawyers
The Chicago workplace accident attorneys at Ankin Law Office, LLC are dedicated to helping accident and injury victims obtain the full range of benefits and compensation to which they are entitled. We can help you pursue a Social Security disability claim, a Workers’ compensation, or a third-party claim, depending on the circumstances that contributed to your repetitive stress injury.
Contact our office at (800) 442-6546 to schedule a free consultation to learn more about possible Social Security disability and Workers’ compensation for your repetitive stress injury.