Tasks involving repetitive motions could lead to cumulative injuries, which develop over time. As noted by BusinessInsurance.com, cumulative injuries include painful conditions such as tendonitis. Working with repeated exposure to sounds, vibrations or chemicals could also lead to cumulative injuries.
Job-related pain could make it difficult for employees to complete their work tasks. Affected employees may apply for workers’ comp. Qualifying for benefits could help overcome cumulative injuries. An employer may, however, attempt to dispute that an injury resulted from repetitive work duties.
Disputing claims due to rising coverage costs
As noted by the NCCI.com website, employers’ workers’ comp insurance premiums rise with increased medical costs. High costs could cause some employers to attempt denying certain employees’ workers’ comp applications. Employers may, for example, claim that an employee had a preexisting condition. A counter-claim might also assert that a health problem had no connection to work duties.
A Liberty Mutual Insurance study found the 10 most expensive injuries for workers’ comp. The study showed at least 28% of employers’ insurance expenses went toward treating conditions caused by cumulative traumas.
Spotting the symptoms of cumulative musculoskeletal injuries
The National Safety Council describes musculoskeletal injuries as those caused by repetitive tasks or working in awkward positions. Repeated reliance on overworked muscles, ligaments and tendons often causes physical pain. As described by MedicineNet, symptoms may also include stiffness, numbness or difficulty moving body areas. Severe conditions could require medical treatment such as surgery or long-term physical therapy.
As noted by the NSC, musculoskeletal disorders accounted for over 247,000 illnesses or injuries affecting U.S. employees in 2020. California’s labor laws require most employers to carry workers’ comp insurance. Qualifying for benefits could cover the recovery costs of job-related injuries.
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If you’ve been injured at work, you don’t have to fight for your workers’ compensation benefits by yourself. Contact our workers’ compensation firm for a free initial consultation to learn how we can help you.