Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Elma, NY
Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Elma, NYWhile many work-related injuries occur suddenly in an accident, there are a lot of job injuries that only become noticeable over a period of time. According to national statistics from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), each year, almost two million workers suffer a repetitive stress injury that is caused by their job duties. These types of injuries include tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck, and lower back injuries. Under New York law, a worker who suffers from a job-related repetitive stress injury may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. A workers’ compensation lawyer in Elma, NY can help.
Repetitive Stress Injury Claim
Repetitive stress injury symptoms occur gradually. It starts with occasional pain in the injured area, but usually not enough to alert the worker that something is wrong. Over time, that occasional pain works itself into a persistent and chronic pain that often interferes with the worker’s quality of life and their ability to do even day-to-day activities. Their ability to perform their job duties is also greatly affected since they are required to continuously move the affected area in the same way that caused the injury to begin with.
Under New York law, injured workers are required to notify their employers within 30 days of the injury, however, with these types of claims, it is often difficult to determine what the date of injury should be. However, once a worker realizes something is wrong, they should notify their employer and seek out medical attention right away.
Any medical treatment that you do receive should be documented and all of these records kept. This will be used for evidence in your workers’ compensation claim. This information will be especially important for your Elma, NY workers’ compensation lawyer to have should the insurance company deny your claim.
Denying repetitive stress injury claims is fairly common due to the way these injuries progress slowly over time. But having a skilled lawyer can make all the difference in proving that the injury is work-related and covered under workers’ compensation insurance.
Once a claim is approved, all of the injured worker’s medical treatments will be covered. While physical therapy, medications, and other non-invasive treatments sometimes work, many people who suffer from these injuries require surgery to repair the damage.
Unfortunately, even with surgery, many workers find that they are left with some degree of permanent damage and are unable to return to their prior occupation. In these cases, a lawyer will make sure that either the employer provides an alternative position, or the worker is provided with some kind of education and/or vocational training in some other profession that their permanent injury will not interfere or worsen.
Call Our Office for Help
If you believe you have suffered a repetitive stress injury from work, contact Hurwitz, Whitcher & Molloy, LLP to speak with an Elma, NY workers’ compensation lawyer and find out what benefits you may be covered for.
