Workers Comp

Accidents at work can result in serious injuries, but some of the most unusual injuries aren’t as widely discussed. Many of these injuries may be covered by your workplace’s workers’ compensation policy, and according to workers compensation lawyers with our friends at Polsky, Shouldice & Rosen, P.C., you may need help from a lawyer to get the support and compensation you deserve.Although more traditional injuries, such as falls and back injuries, are more commonly seen in workers’ compensation claims, there are some strange injuries that can also be considered for compensation:

Injury #1 – Falling Asleep on the Job

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), an employee has a right to a safe working environment and should not be put at risk of an injury due to fatigue. If you do find yourself dozing off while at work, it is important that you take the necessary steps to protect yourself from potential harm. Make sure that you take regular breaks throughout the day, get enough rest before and after your shift, and inform your supervisor if you feel overly tired or fatigued.

Injury #2 – Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that affects the hands and wrists due to repetitive motion. It occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes compressed at the wrist. Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome include pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hand and wrist. The most common cause of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is repetitive motions, such as typing on a keyboard or operating machinery. People who work in manufacturing, construction, or office settings are particularly at risk for developing this condition. Additionally, people with health conditions like diabetes, thyroid disease, or arthritis are more likely to experience Carpal Tunnel Syndrome than others. When workers suffer from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome due to their job, they may be eligible for benefits. To qualify, they must be able to demonstrate that their job duties caused their injury. Additionally, they must be able to show that their employer failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the injury from occurring.

Injury #3 – Repetitive Strain Injury

Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is a type of injury caused by repetitive motions and extended periods of time performing the same task. Symptoms of RSI can include pain, numbness, tingling, stiffness, or swelling in the affected areas. Commonly affected areas are the hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, and neck. Workers may develop RSI due to their job duties, such as typing, typing on a computer keyboard, operating machinery, assembly line work, and more. It’s important to note that RSI is not limited to physical jobs – even those who work at a desk all day can experience RSI from repetitive motions.

Injury #4 – Back Injury from Poor Ergonomics

Poor ergonomics can cause serious back injuries and pain. Many employers are not aware of the importance of ergonomically designed furniture, equipment, and tools. When an employee’s workspace is not properly set up for them, it can lead to chronic back pain, muscle strain, and other physical issues.

Injury #5 – Emotional Distress

Emotional distress is a type of injury that is not as visible as physical injuries, but can be just as debilitating. It is characterized by mental anguish and suffering from an event or situation in the workplace. While emotional distress can be difficult to prove, many lawyers may be able to help you make a case if you have been subjected to any of the following in the workplace:

• Intentional infliction of emotional distress
• Hostile work environment
• Unlawful termination

If you have suffered from any of these specific cases, contact a workers compensation lawyer near you for help immediately.