If you’re suffering from a repetitive stress work injury in the St. Louis area, don’t wait to seek help.
Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) are among the most common workplace injuries. Whether you work at a computer all day, operate machinery, or perform repeated lifting tasks, you may be at risk for developing these painful and potentially debilitating conditions.
At the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann, we understand the challenges workers face when dealing with RSIs. We are committed to helping you understand your rights under Missouri workers’ compensation law.
What Qualifies as a Repetitive Stress Injury?
Repetitive stress injuries, also known as repetitive motion injuries or cumulative trauma disorders, develop over time from repeated movements or sustained positions that put strain on muscles, tendons, and nerves. Common examples include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome from typing or using vibrating tools
- Tendinitis from repeated lifting or reaching
- Tennis elbow from repetitive arm movements
- Back strain from constant bending or lifting
- Trigger finger from gripping tools or equipment
- Shoulder injuries from overhead work
Unlike sudden accidents, RSIs typically develop gradually, making it crucial to understand how they’re covered under workers’ compensation.
Your Rights Under Missouri Workers’ Compensation Law
If you’ve developed a repetitive stress injury due to your job duties, you have several important rights under Missouri law:
- Right to Medical Treatment: Your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance must cover all necessary medical treatment for your RSI, including:
- Doctor visits and specialist consultations
- Physical therapy
- Surgery if required
- Prescribed medications
- Medical devices or equipment
- Right to Temporary Benefits: If your RSI prevents you from working or requires you to work reduced hours, you may be entitled to:
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits if you cannot work
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) benefits if you can only work with restrictions
- Right to Permanent Disability Benefits: For RSIs resulting in lasting impairment, you may qualify for:
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) benefits for partial loss of function
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD) benefits in severe cases
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Steps to Protect Your Rights
To ensure you receive the benefits you deserve for your repetitive stress injury:
1. Report Your Symptoms Promptly
While RSIs develop over time, report your symptoms as soon as you notice them. Missouri law requires you to notify your employer within 30 days of discovering your injury. Early reporting also helps establish the work-related nature of your condition.
2. Seek Medical Treatment
Request medical treatment through your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. Follow all prescribed treatment plans and keep detailed records of:
- Your symptoms and when they occur
- How your work duties affect your condition
- All medical appointments and treatments
- Any work restrictions from your doctor
3. Document Your Work Activities
Keep a detailed record of:
- Your regular job duties
- How long you perform specific tasks
- Any ergonomic issues in your workspace
- Previous complaints about workplace conditions
4. Know Your Rights Regarding Medical Care
Under Missouri law, your employer has the right to select your treating physician. However, you can:
- Request a change of physician if you’re unhappy with your care
- Seek a second opinion (though you may need to pay for it)
- See your own doctor for evaluation (at your expense)
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How Our Law Office Can Help
At the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann, we specialize in helping workers with repetitive stress injuries:
- Evaluating your claim and explaining your rights
- Ensuring proper documentation of your condition
- Dealing with insurance companies and employers
- Appealing denied claims
- Securing appropriate medical treatment
- Maximizing your benefits under the law
Contact Us for Help with Your RSI Claim
If you’re suffering from a repetitive stress injury in the St. Louis area, don’t wait to seek help. The Law Office of James M. Hoffmann has extensive experience handling RSI workers’ compensation claims. We understand the complexities of these cases and will fight to protect your rights and secure the benefits you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your repetitive stress injury claim. Let our experience work for you in navigating the workers’ compensation system and obtaining the compensation you need for your recovery.