Does Workers’ Compensation In Illinois Cover Repetitive Stress Injuries?

In Illinois, after a worker suffers a work-related injury, they have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim and recover compensation. This is true whether the injury was due to an accident that occurred while the employee was on the job or is a repetitive stress injury. So, one can comfortably say workers’ compensation in Illinois covers repetitive stress injuries.

Unfortunately, repetitive stress injuries are quite common among employees. This is because the workplace is full of the repetitive motions associated with repetitive stress injuries. The following is more on workers’ compensation and repetitive stress injuries.

Understanding Repetitive Stress Injuries

In case you don’t know what a repetitive stress injury is, it is a type of injury that occurs over time because of overusing a body part. When you perform the same movements and tasks over and over again, you may end up developing a repetitive stress injury. Repetitive movements and tasks can cause wear and tear to tendons, joints, or muscles and cause injury to any body part. From office workers to assembly line workers, a majority of employees are at risk of suffering repetitive stress injuries.

The following are some of the movements and tasks that can cause a repetitive stress injury;

Typing on a keyboard
Handling tools
Lifting heavy boxes
Placing items on shelves
Driving

And as it pertains to the types of repetitive stress injuries workers may experience, below are some of the most common ones;

Carpal tunnel syndrome
Tendonitis
Bursitis
Trigger finger
Degenerative disc disease
Epicondylitis
Lower back pain
Rotator cuff syndrome

Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Illinois for a Repetitive Stress Injury

As already mentioned, workers’ compensation in Illinois covers repetitive stress injuries. However, you should know that a workers’ compensation claim involving a repetitive stress injury is more complex than a claim involving an injury sustained in an accident. When an employee, for example, falls off a ladder and breaks their back, there is little objection to how they suffered their injury. On the other hand, proving that you suffered an injury over time can be challenging. Because of how difficult it can be to prove that an injury was sustained over time, many of these claims are denied.

Fortunately, if you suffered a repetitive stress injury and wish to file a workers’ compensation claim, a qualified workers’ compensation attorney can help you with your case. An attorney can help you gather evidence that can support your case. Some of the pieces of evidence that can help you prove that you suffered an injury over time because of performing the same movements and tasks include doctor’s testimony and medical records.

Statute of Limitations

Illinois has a statute of limitations on workers’ compensation cases. An injured employee has three years from the date of their injury to file a claim. Knowing when the “clock” starts ticking in a repetitive injury case can be challenging. But generally, it starts ticking when the injury becomes apparent. If you’re experiencing symptoms that you believe could be an indication of a repetitive stress injury, it is crucial that you report this to your employer and contact an attorney as soon as possible.