Perhaps you are a medical device assembler and have worked at a company near Minneapolis for the past three years. You had a perfect record of attendance until recently.
You have missed a few days of work due to pain in your wrist, and the discomfort is only getting worse. What should you do about this?
Learning about repetitive motion injuries
Repetitive motion injuries develop gradually as you go about your daily activities, which, in your case, include assembly line work. They are among the most common reasons for filing workers’ compensation claims. The most likely locations for this kind of injury are wrists, hands, elbows and shoulders. You may feel a tingling sensation or outright pain, numbness or loss of strength or flexibility. Repetitive motion injuries affect the soft tissues, such as muscles, ligaments, tendons and nerves.
Taking the next steps
You must inform your employer promptly about your wrist issues. Although by law you have 180 days to report a work-related injury, you should take action as soon as possible if you want your workers’ compensation claim to be successful. You have a right to see the doctor of your choice, and you should do so right away. Most people who sustain a repetitive stress injury enjoy a complete recovery, but if left untreated, the condition could result in permanent impairment.
Establishing a work-related injury
Because repetitive stress injuries develop over time, it is not uncommon for insurance companies to deny a claim for an issue such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis or tenosynovitis. However, the medical report from your doctor will boost your chance of a successful claim. The report must show that your work as an assembler caused your wrist injury, and the doctor’s opinion must be clear without room for any other kind of interpretation. No doubt you wish to resume work and top your current record for perfect attendance. Taking proactive steps to find treatment and receive workers’ compensation benefits help you reach your goal.