Does Colorado Workers' Compensation Cover Repetitive Stress Injuries?
Repetitive stress injuries (RSI), also known as repetitive motion injuries (RMI) and cumulative trauma disorders (CTD), occur when constant strain is put on certain muscles or joints, especially in the back, neck and shoulders.
Even hunching over a computer desk and typing can eventually put stress on the back, wrists and elbows. Carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, tennis elbow and trigger finger are just a few of the more common RSIs people experience on the job every year.
Establishing that it is a workplace injury
Most workplace injuries in the state of Colorado are covered under workers’ compensation. To establish a claim, you must prove that your injury occurred within the course and scope of your employment.
As an example, if you notice severe back pain after a month of sitting hunched over a sewing machine and you’ve never had any lower back pain before, you may be entitled to benefits.
Contesting a repetitive stress injury
Gray areas start to emerge when pre-existing conditions come into play. Employers want to be able to see facts, figures and dates. But knowing exactly when the pain started to occur isn’t always possible since workers commonly ignore an occupational disease at first as something minor and temporary.
Colorado businesses and insurers often try to argue that without a specific date or event, there’s no reason to offer compensation. By hiring an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in these situations, you can help ensure that you don’t have to suffer for the rest of your life and manage your pain on your own.
Common treatments for RSIs
Common treatments for work-related repetitive stress injuries include rehabilitation programs with a focus on physical therapy, stretching, strengthening exercises, and conditioning to prevent further injuries from occurring.
Most patients fully recover with no permanent damage and can avoid future injuries as long as they continue to follow the prescribed treatment. They should also take breaks throughout their shifts to stretch and do simple exercises.
How to prevent future injuries
If you spend hours sitting at a computer or sewing machine, sit in a chair with strong back support.
If you’re constantly on the phone and having to use your hands, ask your employer to invest in a headset that lets you do your job without craning your neck.
Adjustable desks are the latest and greatest technology sweeping the business industry. These let you stand or sit at whatever height is most comfortable for you. Make sure to stand up and stretch after sitting in one position for long periods of time.
Use the equipment available to you. Forklifts, carts and dollies are your best friends if you work in a warehouse and are constantly moving heavy products.
Suffering from the pain of a workplace repetitive stress injury isn’t your only option. Consult an experienced Colorado lawyer who has the legal expertise and knowledge to take the load and stress of filing for workers’ compensation off your shoulders.
About Mack Babcock
Colorado injury attorney Mack Babcock has spent a majority of his professional career committed to fighting for the rights of injured workers in Denver, Littleton, Aurora and throughout the state. In his most recent venture as the founder of The Babcock Law Firm, Mack uses his extensive legal experience, insight and professional relationships to help Colorado workers obtain all of the legal compensation afforded to them under state and federal workers’ compensation laws.?