If you have ever worked at a job that expected you to perform the same motions over and over, every hour of every day, you likely have felt the pain of a repetitive strain injury, commonly known as an RSI. RSIs are very common in many workplaces—from offices to factories. When these injuries arise, victims often wonder whether workers’ compensation entitles them to receive benefits to cover their medical expenses. The answer is almost always “yes,” and if an employer tries to deny you benefits, you should contact an experienced Connecticut workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible who can protect your rights.
What Does Workers’ Comp Cover?
Workers’ compensation is largely associated with traumatic injuries that a victim sustains in a single and sudden workplace accident. However, workers’ compensation benefits cover any type of injury that takes place as a result of your job. It does not matter whether an injury strikes all at once or develops with time—if the injury is job-related, your employer’s workers’ comp insurance should provide you with the benefits you need.
Workers’ compensation should pay for all of the medical expenses that stem from treatments of your job-related RSI. This can include diagnostic doctor’s visits, physical therapy, wrist braces or other stabilizing equipment, steroid injections, or even surgery in some cases. These costs can add up quickly, and an employee should not face responsibility for these bills.
In addition, an employee may have to miss work for doctor visits and other types of treatment. If they need surgeries, they may need a few days off work. Workers’ compensation should reimburse the employee for a percentage of lost wages as dictated by the law.
Common Types of RSIs
The most well-known repetitive strain injury is carpal tunnel syndrome. While injuries are most often associated with high-risk work environments, the people at highest risk of carpal tunnel syndrome are usually office workers who sit at a desk and type all day. Carpal tunnel can cause nerve pain, numbness, tingling, and other problems in the hands and fingers, and can restrict movement without proper treatments. Other RSIs that may result from different jobs include bursitis and tendonitis.
All too often, an employer will try to deny or limit an employee’s workers’ compensation claim for an RSI. An experienced Connecticut workers’ compensation lawyer, however, can help you appeal any denials and receive the full benefits you deserve under the law.
Contact a Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Law Firm for a Free Consultation
The law firm of Leighton, Katz & Drapeau regularly represents workers in Connecticut who sustained all types of job-related injuries. Our workers’ compensation lawyers fully understand your rights under the law and work to ensure your employer does not not wrongfully deny you benefits.
After a workplace injury, never hesitate to call our office to discuss the workers’ compensation process or for assistance with a claim or an appeal. Please call (860) 875-7000 or contact us online today.
