Repetitive Motion Injury at Work

Workplace Repetitive Motion Injuries in North Carolina

Although the majority of work-related injuries come in the form of an accident or a specific event that causes injury, some of the most disabling injuries arise from repetitive activity.

Repetitive motion injuries or repetitive stress injuries (RSI) can impact your capabilities to perform at your highest level or efficiently perform without discomfort. Injuries that result from continuous and fast-paced production work happen to the hardest working individuals. Positions that often lead to developing repetitive motion injuries include:

Secretarial work
Reservationist work
Factory work
Small product assembly

What to Do If You are Suffering from a Repetitive Strain Injury Due to Work

If you think you may be suffering from an RSI, you should notify your employer and consult with a medical provider. You must go to the medical provider your employer refers you to. If you are not happy with the treatment you receive, you may request to change physicians by following the process set out by NC workers' compensation law.

A lawyer that has workers' compensation experience will help limit your stress and ensure that you receive proper medical treatment and the compensation you need to recover.

More steps to take after an RSI

Occupational Diseases Covered Under Workers' Compensation

Occupational diseases such as lung disease, pulmonary issues, or skin disorders can result from prolonged exposure to chemicals and other harmful substances, such as silica, asbestos, and lead. These cases are routinely denied by insurance companies and force employees to appeal to protect their rights. If your claim is denied:

Seek treatment with your primary care doctor. If the physician states that your job increased your risk of developing the medical condition, and was the cause, you may request an appeal hearing.

Hire a lawyer familiar with NC worker's compensation laws to prepare you for your hearing. You may testify about the intensity of your job, the number of breaks you take, and the length of your workday. Your lawyer will also help you collect testimony from your doctors, which tends to be a significant factor in determining your award.

Types of Stress or Motion Injuries that Occur on the Job

Repetitive motion injuries result from the repetition of an action that would usually not be harmful to an employee’s health. However, repeating the same movement quickly and repeatedly can lead to repetitive motion injuries such as, but not limited to:

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Tenosynovitis or tennis elbow

Tendonitis

Lung and pulmonary diseases

Dupuytren’s contracture

If you think you may be suffering from a repetitive motion injury due to your work responsibilities, you should notify your employer and consult with a medical provider. If the work placed you at an increased risk of developing the condition, you are entitled to compensation for lost time from work and medical treatment.

Repetitive Motion Injury at Work

Workplace Repetitive Motion Injuries in North Carolina

What to Do If You are Suffering from a Repetitive Strain Injury Due to Work

Occupational Diseases Covered Under Workers' Compensation

Types of Stress or Motion Injuries that Occur on the Job

Warning Signs of a Repetitive Motion Injury

Don’t lose your job after being hurt at work