Workers can suffer on-the-job injuries at any time. For instance, professionals in the construction or manufacturing industries tend to be exposed to greater risks while performing their assigned duties, making them vulnerable to falls or machinery-related injuries. When a worker in Washington state suffers a work-related injury and meets certain eligibility requirements, they may file a workers’ compensation claim to receive financial support to assist with the medical expenses and other costs associated with the injury. As a worker in Washington state, you may wonder whether injuries like those caused by repetitive stress or strain entitle you to file a workers’ compensation claim. Although many repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) develop slowly over time, they can cause debilitating and painful injuries to workers, including carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, rotator cuff injuries, knee injuries, back issues, and many other health complications.
If you have sought medical treatment for a work-related RSI in the greater Seattle area, you may be eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim to help you cover the costs associated with your injuries. Enlisting the guidance of a knowledgeable and experienced workers’ compensation attorney is highly recommended to ensure that you understand your legal rights and options so that you can make fully informed decisions with greater certainty. Let’s take a closer look at the workplace injury claim process in Washington state and some of the steps you can take when proving an RSI for workers compensation.
What Are Repetitive Stress Injuries?
First, let’s explore what the term repetitive stress injury refers to, particularly when it comes to workers’ compensation claims. According to Brown University Health, “A repetitive strain injury (RSI), sometimes called repetitive ‘stress’ injury, affects muscles, tendons and nerves that undergo repetitive motion or prolonged overuse. These injuries are common in the workplace, especially in people who spend hours typing or performing repetitive manual tasks.” In other words, employees who are tasked with repetitive physical work as part of their job description can develop health complications and RSIs from these recurring motions. While RSIs can manifest in many different ways, some of the most common repetitive stress injury workers compensation claims include injuries and conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, bursitis, rotator cuff injuries, and low back pain. Those who work in high-risk industries and occupations, such as assembly line workers, healthcare professionals, construction workers, and other physically demanding jobs may be more likely to develop an RSI over time.
How Washington State’s Workers’ Compensation Laws Cover Repetitive Stress Injuries
The workers’ compensation system in Washington state allows qualified workers to receive benefits for any work-related injuries they suffer while on the job. In exchange for providing injured workers with workers’ compensation benefits, the employer can be shielded from liability (i.e., the injured worker accepting benefits cannot sue their employer). In order to file a workers’ compensation for RSI in Washington, you will need to meet certain eligibility requirements and provide supporting documentation showing that the injuries you suffered are work-related. This means that you will need to seek a medical evaluation from a healthcare professional who can certify that your injury is work-related. You will also need to demonstrate that you are following up on all recommended treatment you need in order to prove you are taking your injury seriously. Whether you are interested in pursuing a carpal tunnel workers compensation claim or a chronic pain workers compensation settlement in the greater Seattle area, working with a dedicated and experienced repetitive motion injury lawyer is highly recommended to maximize your chances of submitting a successful claim.
Challenges in Proving an RSI For Workers’ Compensation
As you begin to explore your options for seeking compensation for a work-related RSI, it’s important to recognize some of the challenges that may arise during the claims process. Since many RSIs develop slowly, the delayed onset of symptoms may prompt employer skepticism when you report these conditions. For instance, you may develop a rotator cuff injury from working in a warehouse, but your employer may deny that that condition is directly related to your job duties. An employer or the insurance company may argue that the injury was triggered by a non-work activity, or that the worker had a pre-existing injury before they started their job. This is where it’s critical to work with a knowledgeable and highly skilled Seattle workers’ compensation lawyer who can help you identify the strongest pieces of evidence in support of your claim. Together, you can draw a direct line from your assigned job duties and the work-related injury compensation you deserve due to the repetitive strain required of you by your employer.
Steps to Strengthen Your Workers’ Compensation Claim For an RSI
There are several strategies that can be used to strengthen your workers’ compensation claim in Washington state. First, it’s essential that you seek medical treatment as soon as symptoms develop so that a clear paper trail can be established as early as possible. Next, you should report the injury to your employer right away to make sure they are aware of your condition. Although Washington does not require injured employees to hire an attorney in order to file a workers’ compensation claim, doing so is highly encouraged to minimize the chances of receiving a denied workers compensation claim. With a trusted and experienced personal injury attorney by your side, you can make more informed decisions with greater certainty and improve your chances of securing the benefits you need to support the costs of your work-related injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About RSI Workers’ Compensation Claims in Washington State
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most frequently asked questions about the workers’ compensation claim process in the greater Seattle area. If you have additional or more specific questions about your case, please contact Scott & Scott, PLLC, today to get started.
What if My Employer Denies That My Injury is Work-Related?
Reach out to an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer right away to start compiling clear and substantial evidence that links your injury to your job duties. Together, you can seek medical assessments that link your RSI to the repetitive physical motions required of you by your employer.
Can I Still Qualify For Workers’ Compensation if my RSI Developed Over Years?
Yes, as long as you can link the RSI to the job-related duties assigned to you. Working with a knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorney is highly recommended to ensure that you can present a compelling workers’ compensation claim.
If you want to learn more about workers’ compensation claims in Washington state, the dedicated and highly qualified legal team at Scott & Scott, PLLC, is ready to provide you with the customized guidance you need to identify the most strategic path forward. Please contact our Seattle office today at (206) 622-2200 to get started with a knowledgeable and caring personal injury and workers’ compensation attorney.
