What Are Repetitive Use Injuries?
Repetitive use injuries, also called repetitive strain injuries (RSIs), occur when a worker performs the same motion or activity repeatedly over time, causing stress and damage to muscles, nerves, or tendons. Unlike acute injuries that happen suddenly, repetitive use injuries develop gradually. These types of injuries are common in occupations that require repetitive tasks, awkward postures, or prolonged use of certain muscles.
Common Examples of Repetitive Use Injuries:
1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Compression of the median nerve in the wrist, often caused by repetitive hand and wrist movements.
2. Tendinitis – Inflammation of tendons from overuse, commonly affecting the shoulders, elbows, and knees.
3. Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) – Pain and inflammation around the outer elbow, caused by repetitive arm and wrist motions.
4. Trigger Finger – A condition where a finger gets stuck in a bent position and may snap straight, caused by repetitive gripping.
5. Rotator Cuff Injuries – Damage to the muscles and tendons around the shoulder, often from repetitive overhead movements.
How Does Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Handle Repetitive Use Injuries?
In Mississippi, repetitive use injuries are compensable under the state’s Workers’ Compensation Law if the injury arises out of and in the course of employment. Unlike sudden injuries, RSIs often require more detailed medical evidence to prove that the injury is work-related.
Key Factors in Workers’ Compensation Claims for RSIs:
1. Work-Relatedness – The injury must be directly related to the worker’s job duties.
2. Medical Evidence – Claimants must present medical documentation linking their repetitive tasks to the injury.
3. Timely Reporting – Under Mississippi law, injured workers must report their injury to their employer within 30 days . Failure to do so could jeopardize their claim.
Challenges in RSI Workers’ Comp Claims
Repetitive use injuries can be more challenging to prove than acute injuries. Employers and insurance companies may argue that the injury is due to natural aging or activities outside of work. This makes it critical for injured workers to seek legal representation to navigate the claims process and gather the necessary evidence.
Benefits Available for Repetitive Use Injuries
If an RSI is deemed compensable, the injured worker is entitled to:
1. Medical Treatment – Coverage for doctor visits, therapy, and any necessary surgeries.
2. Temporary Disability Benefits – Payments for lost wages if the worker is unable to work temporarily due to their injury.
3. Permanent Disability Benefits – Compensation if the injury leads to lasting impairment.
Why You Need a Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Navigating an RSI claim can be complicated. A knowledgeable workers’ compensation lawyer will help injured workers gather the right evidence, meet deadlines, and handle disputes with employers or insurers.
If you’ve suffered a repetitive use injury at work, contact Eichelberger Law Firm to discuss your case. Our firm's workers compensation division, led by attorney Jennie Eichelberger, is dedicated to helping injured workers in Mississippi secure the benefits they deserve.