When your job requires you to use the same motions repeatedly, it can take a toll on your body. Carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis, tendonitis, and tennis elbow are all examples of repetitive strain injuries. They manifest in your neck, shoulders, back, wrists, knees, feet and hands, depending on the kind of work you perform. Repetitive strain injuries can be quite painful—throbbing, stiffness, weakness and tingling are all common symptoms.

If you’ve developed a repetitive strain injury due to your job, you are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Here’s what you need to know about filing a claim.

Is Your Injury Work-Related?

Since repetitive strain injuries develop over time, it’s harder to prove that it happened because of your job. There’s not always an easy way to establish that your work is the sole cause of your injury—which is why it’s important that you have the help of an experienced attorney. Since they’ve worked on similar cases, they’ll know how to present the most compelling evidence.

Repetitive strain injuries are common in office workers, healthcare professionals, drivers, factory workers, plumbers, janitors, housekeepers and grocery clerks. Even if your job isn’t on that list, you may still be eligible for workers’ compensation.

As soon as you notice that you have symptoms, seek medical treatment right away. Tell your doctor about your job duties, whether that’s typing and using a mouse for eight hours a day, operating a jackhammer or working on an assembly line. This will help your doctor accurately diagnose your condition. Left untreated, repetitive strain injuries can worsen and make it difficult, if not impossible, to carry out your job functions.

Document all of your appointments, prescribed medication and your pain levels. If your symptoms increase during and after work, be sure to note that. Your workers’ compensation attorney will review your medical files and documentation—and your accurate documentation could help prove your case.

Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim

When you suspect that you have a repetitive strain injury, visit a doctor first. Then call a local, experienced workers’ compensation attorney for assistance with your claim. Although you can file your own claim, getting assistance from the start is prudent. It will help reduce the chances of your claim being denied at the outset, or missing the statute of limitations. If your claim is denied, your attorney will already be prepared to make an appeal.

Talk to an Ohio Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Have you developed a repetitive strain injury due to your job? Let’s file a claim with the Ohio BWC together. I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call me today at 877.944.4373 for a consultation.