Repetitive Motion Injuries

When you think of workers’ compensation claims, you most likely think about sudden, violent injuries that cause immediate damage to your body. That is not the only type of injury compensable under workers’ comp laws, however. You are also able to file a claim for repetitive motion injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome.

Repetitive motion injuries have slightly different regulations than immediate-trauma injuries under South Carolina law. If you believe you have a repetitive motion or repetitive trauma injury that qualifies for disability payments, contact the workers’ comp lawyers at Steinberg Law Firm by calling 843-720-2800 today.

Causes of Repetitive Motion Injuries

Repetitive motion injuries can occur in any job that requires you to perform the same motion over and over again. These usually build up over time, and may not become apparent until weeks or months of weakening tissue finally makes you unable to perform your work duties.

Tasks that can cause repetitive motion injuries include:

• Typing on a keyboard without adequate wrist support
• Repeated lifting as you load or unload shipping crates
• Performing the same action over and over on a factory line
• Scanning items on a supermarket checkout line
• Sitting at a desk that causes your back to hunch over

Stress and lack of rest can aggravate your repetitive motion injuries further. You need to inform your employer of your injury as soon as you begin to notice it, and go to a doctor to confirm the injury.

Reporting Deadlines for Repetitive Motion Injuries

The timing on reporting repetitive motion injuries can be a bit more forgiving than other workplace accidents. However, the gradual nature of the injuries makes it all the more important that you report your injury to your employer as soon as possible.

Important deadlines for your repetitive motion injury:

• Within 90 days of discovering your injury, you must inform your employer of the injury.
• Within 2 years of discovering the injury, you must file a claim with the workers’ comp commission.
• Your claim must be filed within 7 years of the last date of injurious exposure, whether you knew about the repetitive motion injury or not.

Because repetitive-motion injuries happen gradually, the deadlines are dated from the day you discovered your injury–or, to be more specific, from the day you should have discovered your injury were you exercising reasonable diligence. The vagueness of this wording means that there will always be some debate over when your deadline really is. This makes it important that you inform your employer and file a claim as soon as possible.

Personal Injury Lawyers Representing Charleston & Nearby Areas of South Carolina

Repetitive Trauma Compensation in Charleston, South Carolina

For a free review of your case, call us at 843-720-2800

In order for your repetitive motion injury to qualify you for workers’ compensation, a member of the workers’ compensation commission must find a preponderance of evidence linking the injury to your work. In order to prove your claim, it’s a good idea to get a lawyer familiar with the workers’ compensation process.

At Steinberg Law Firm, we have a number of lawyers thoroughly trained and experienced in presenting cases to the workers’ compensation commission. To set up a free case review to discuss your repetitive motion injury, contact us by dialing 843-720-2800 today. We serve clients in Charleston, South Carolina and the surrounding areas.