stress fractures

These five injuries are commonly seen in Missouri workers compensation claims.

In the world of workplace injuries, there are hundreds of possible ailments that are eligible for workers’ compensation. Of course, certain injuries happen more than others. The following are five of the most common injuries that result in workers compensation claims in Missouri.

Strains and Sprains

The most common of all workplace injuries are sprains and strains. Any number of incidents can cause them, but the most common is lifting. It usually goes like this: A worker is tired from lifting for much of the day, they start to get weaker, they continue to lift despite their fatigue, and finally, they sprain or strain some part of their body. This can happen anywhere, but the most frequent areas are the back, neck, and shoulder. These injuries are not life-threatening, but they can be quite severe. Because of this, they are typically eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.

Cuts and Punctures

In any profession that works with sharp objects, like a chef, cuts and punctures happen frequently. Additionally, any industry that features flying projectiles is prone to these types of injuries too. That includes professions like logging, manufacturing, and construction. Depending on the location and severity of the cut, a worker may miss only an hour of work, or they could be out of work permanently.

Contusions

“Contusion” is another name for a bruise. Though, unlike the bruises we get in day to day life, workplace contusions can be debilitating injuries. They are frequently caused by slips, trips, falls, and falling objects. In some instances, the damages can be extensive. A contusion will likely not keep a person out of work for years, but the worst of them could take a few months to heal.

Inflammation

When most people picture a workplace injury, they often imagine an acute event. Often, though, damages take a long time to develop. Such is the case for inflammation, which is usually the result of extended stress. If you ever have an uncomfortable or painful feeling while at work, you should stop what you’re doing and investigate for inflammation.

Fractures

The last of the common workers’ compensation claims is fractures, which is another name for bone breaks. Like contusions, fractures are most often caused by slips, trips, falls, and falling objects. Unlike bruises, fractures often take months or over a year to fully heal. If you happen to sustain a fracture at work, you will have an excellent chance of getting workers’ compensation benefits.

If you experience one of the injuries on this list, or any damage at all, you should do everything you can to support yourself. A critical step in doing so is investigating your potential to collect benefits. One of the best ways to find out if you are eligible or not is to talk to a St. Louis work injury attorney. Once you figure that out, you and your lawyer can start pursuing the compensation you need.

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If you have suffered a stress fracture injury at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.

$st louis infured worker stress fracture$ Stress fractures are very small cracks in a bone caused by repetitive force, such as repeatedly jumping up and down or running long distances. If you have suffered a stress fracture injury at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. However, obtaining benefits may not be as simple as you think and you may need the help of a St. Louis workplace accident attorney.

Work-Related Stress Fractures

In most cases, stress fractures affect the weight bearing bones of the foot or lower leg. More than 50 percent of all stress fractures occur in the lower leg. Stress fractures in the lower back are also common. A stress fracture that occurs in the lower back is known as lumbar spondyloysis, a condition when a very small crack occurs in the spine.

A stress fracture may result from repetitive stress or from a greater amount of force than the bones of the lower legs, feet, or back can normally bear. This force creates an imbalance between the growth and reabsorption of bones that normally occurs. When the bones are reabsorbed faster than they are replaced, bone fatigue may occur. Repetitive force can then cause the bone to develop tiny cracks, resulting in a stress fracture.

At Risk for Work-Related Stress Fractures

Athletes are prone to developing stress fractures, because of the repetitive stress of the foot striking the ground or any other surface. However, a stress fracture can also be work-related. If a job involves stress to the lower legs, back, or feet from carrying, lifting, or moving, a worker may be susceptible to developing stress fractures.

Signs of a Stress Fracture

The most common sign of a stress fracture is a pain that worsens with activity and subsides with rest. Initially, an injured worker may not feel too much pain; however, the pain will gradually become worse. The pain will originate from a specific spot and there may be some swelling in the area.

In order to diagnose a stress fracture, a doctor will perform a physical examination and check your medical history. An X-ray, bone scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often used to diagnose a stress fracture. Treatment may involve rest and wearing a brace or using crutches to give the bone time to heal. In serious cases, surgery may be required.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Stress Fractures

If you believe your stress fracture is work-related, find out if you qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. If you face any hurdles in getting your rightful benefits, seek help from a St. Louis injured worker attorney. Call The Law Office of James M. Hoffmann at (314) 361-4300 for a free consultation.