Workers’ Comp Elbow Injury Settlement

If you’ve experienced a work-related elbow injury, an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help protect your right to compensation.

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The introduction of Artificial Intelligence, robotics, the Internet of Things, and other technologies marks a major milestone in humanity’s industrial revolution. These technologies are more efficient, reducing workloads and reliance on manual labor. However, despite the utility and efficiency of the technologies, workplace injuries are still prevalent in many industries.

The elbow is among the body parts that experience the most movement at work. Whether it’s working the assembly line, typing documents, or lifting bags of cement, the elbow is heavily involved. Unfortunately, this puts it at the risk of fatigue and injury. This article will discuss some of the most common work-related elbow injuries.

Repetitive Stress Injury

Repetitive stress injuries result from the excessive use of a body part, your elbow, in this case. Repeatedly using the elbow to move machine controls, hammer nails, and perform other activities stresses the elbow. The physical burden on the joints, ligaments, and tendons causes microtears, leading to repetitive stress injuries.

Short breaks between work activities can help reduce the formation of these micro tears. However, today’s fast-paced world and short deadlines leave little room for breaks, hence the prevalence of repetitive stress injuries affecting the elbow.

Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

Golfer’s elbow is characterized by a sharp pain around the bony part of the elbow. It occurs when repeated work activities damage the muscles and tendons that control the fingers and wrist. The injury is common in golfers, hence the name golfer’s elbow.

Workers who type on their computers excessively, lift heavy loads, or repetitively twist objects, like when using a screwdriver, are likely to get a golfer’s elbow. Golfer’s elbow can often be managed by resting, applying ice on the affected area, and taking OTC painkillers to help with pain and discomfort.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Cubital tunnel syndrome occurs when you bend or lean on your elbow for too long. Doing so compresses the ulnar nerve that runs through the shoulder to the hand. This nerve passes through the cubital tunnel, a small passageway in the elbow called the cubital tunnel. The compression of this nerve causes cubital tunnel syndrome.

Common symptoms of this condition include numbness and a tingly feeling in the fingers. Your hand may also become weak when gripping certain objects. Some people report feeling an aching pain inside the elbows. The right stretching exercises, rest, and anti-inflammatory medication can address the symptoms of Cubital tunnel syndrome.

Elbow Bursitis

Bursitis is another elbow injury common in people who usually rest their elbows on their chairs or desk edges. Doing so exerts inordinate pressure on joints in the elbow, affecting the bursa and leading to pain and swelling in the elbow. Rest and anti-inflammatory medication can help manage elbow bursitis.

Elbow Injury at Work? We’re Here to Help

Your elbow is one of the most vulnerable parts of your body, especially if work involves repetitive elbow movements. Fortunately, elbow injuries generally aren’t life-threatening, but they can impact your ability to work, compromise your quality of life, and be extremely painful. If you suffered an elbow injury at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.

Contact The Law Office of James M. Hoffman to speak with a St. Louis workers compensation attorney with over 30 years of experience and learn more about your legal rights after a work injury. Call 24/7 for a free consultation.