The short answer is yes—workers' compensation should cover any work-related injury that prevents you from completing the duties of your job in Ohio.
However, some disabling injuries are harder to connect to a specific work-related event. These are denied more often by the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC). For example, cumulative trauma injuries that continue to worsen over time are usually harder to support without the help of an experienced workers' comp attorney.
What Is a Cumulative Trauma Injury?
Sometimes called a repetitive-stress injury, cumulative trauma injuries result from repetitive or strenuous actions over time. Cumulative trauma commonly affects:
- Neck. Heavy lifting, leaning over a desk or workbench, and sitting or standing for long periods may cause damage to tendons, muscles, and nerves in the neck and spinal disk injuries.
- Shoulders. One of the most common musculoskeletal injuries among workers, shoulder injuries such as rotator cuff damage is frequently caused by lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling, and working with your hands above shoulder level.
- Lower back. Damage to tendons, muscles, and nerves in the back, and bulges or herniation of spinal discs is often the result of repetitive or heavy lifting and twisting, or sitting at a desk for long periods.
- Wrist. Tendinitis of the wrist and carpal tunnel syndrome are common in workers who perform repetitive tasks, such as on an assembly line or at a supermarket check-out or computer station.
Jobs with high production requirements, such as positions at Amazon fulfillment centers, put workers at particular risk for cumulative trauma injuries, as do tasks that require employees to stay in the same position—whether sitting or standing—for extended periods.
However, even when these risks are well known, you could meet with resistance when applying for workers’ comp for a cumulative trauma injury.
Monast Law Office Can Handle Your Cumulative Trauma Injury Claim
I'm a board-certified Ohio workers' compensation lawyer who provides exceptional legal representation for job-related injury cases like yours. Whether you're considering making a compensation claim or were denied benefits for a cumulative trauma or repetitive stress injury, contact my office today.
Your initial consultation is free, and our legal team will advise you on the best course of action. Give our Upper Arlington law office a call at (614) 334-4649, or download our free guide for injured workers in Ohio.
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