Many workplace injuries are caused by a single life-altering event, like a fall, a chemical burn, or electrocution. But other work-related injuries are the result of the cumulative effect of repetitive motions or postures that are performed on the job. A repetitive motion injury can be caused by any type of repetitive motion, from keyboarding or scanning groceries, to hammering nails or holding a jackhammer. The question then becomes how does a repetitive motion injury and workers’ compensation work?

Workplace injuries that are caused by repetitive motion are covered under the Nevada workers’ compensation system. If you suffered a repetitive motion injury because of your job, you may be entitled to compensation.

Signs, Symptoms, and Causes of Repetitive Motion Injuries

Repetitive motion injuries go by different names: repetitive stress injuries, repetitive use injuries, overuse injuries, or cumulative trauma. Whatever the name, repetitive use injuries cover a wide variety of conditions, including:

  • Cumulative injury caused by continual, repeated motions
  • Strain caused by excessive use
  • Hearing loss due to the cumulative effect of noise
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Bursitis
  • Tendonitis
  • Trigger finger
  • Rotator Cuff Syndrome
  • Epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
  • Low back pain

Symptoms of a repetitive motion injury will vary depending on the affected body part, but may include:

  • Pain
  • Numbness
  • Tingling
  • Loss of strength or coordination
  • Reduced range of motion
  • Loss of flexibility

A Nevada Workers’ Compensation Attorney Can Help

A repetitive motion injury and workers’ compensation can be tricky. Repetitive motion and overuse injuries are covered by Nevada’s workers’ compensation system—as long as you can prove that the injuries were caused by your job.

If you suffered from a repetitive motion injury, you should contact a Nevada workers’ compensation attorney to help protect your right to workers’ compensation benefits. Working with an attorney is particularly beneficial in cases of repetitive motion injuries. A claim for a repetitive motion injury can be harder to prove because the injury occurs over time, rather than in a single accident. But an experienced workers’ compensation attorney will know how to handle your claim to maximize your workers’ compensation benefits.

Jobs Where Repetitive Motion Injuries Are Common

Typing on a computer is one of the most common causes of repetitive motion injuries. These repetitive motions can result in cumulative injuries to the hands, wrists, and arms.

But repetitive motion injuries can be caused by other jobs that require workers to perform the same task over and over again. In addition to jobs that require computer use, the following occupations are at a higher risk for repetitive motion injuries:

  • Grocery and stock clerks
  • Bakers
  • Delivery workers
  • Plumbers and pipefitters
  • Agricultural and meat processing workers
  • Card dealers
  • Firefighters
  • Musicians
  • Bus drivers
  • Janitors and housekeepers
  • Nurses and healthcare aides
  • Factory workers

Repetitive motion injuries can be caused by any work-related task that requires a person to repeat the same movement over and over again. This includes repetitive motion injuries caused by hours spent at a keyboard, repeated lifting and carrying, the use of vibrating machinery, or needing to hold the body in an awkward position for an extended period of time.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits for a Repetitive Use Injury

Injuries caused by repetitive use are eligible for the same workers’ compensation benefits as any other workplace injury. These benefits may include:

  • Payment of Medical Bills
  • Temporary Total Disability (TTD)
  • Temporary Partial Disability (TPD)
  • Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)
  • Vocational Rehabilitation Maintenance
  • Vocational Rehabilitation Training
  • Permanent Total Disability (PTD)

But the workers’ compensation process is complicated, and you will benefit from working with an experienced Nevada workers’ compensation attorney. Your repetitive motion injury and workers’ compensation claim will be in good hands.

The Vander Laan Law Firm: Personalized, Compassionate Legal Representation

Nevada workers’ compensation attorney Natalia Vander Laan has offices in Minden and Carson City, Nevada, and represents injured workers throughout Northern Nevada. If you suspect that you or someone you care about has suffered from a repetitive use injury at work, contact the Vander Laan Law Firm today. You will find Ms. Vander Laan to be an attorney who cares deeply about her clients and their well-being, who will fight for your right to compensation.

Get to know Natalia Vander Laan and learn what makes the Vander Laan Law Firm different from other law firms in Northern Nevada, then contact the Vander Laan Law Firm today to schedule a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case.