Law Office of James M. Hoffmann Articles Receiving Workers Comp for Overuse Injuries: Knees and Shoulders

Receiving Workers Comp for Overuse Injuries: Knees and Shoulders

By James M. Hoffmann  Jul. 31, 2015 3:29p

Overuse, or repetitive work place injuries don’t typically present from an accident. Rather, these types of injuries occur over time, as you continually use the same ranges of motion to complete tasks. Carpal tunnels syndrome, which affects the fingers and wrists, is the most common of these but other larger joints are also at risk for injury.

Knees and shoulders are essential joints for normal movements of the body, and two that are also affected when used over long periods of time. If you are experiencing pain in one of these areas brought on by your job, but are being denied benefits, a Missouri workman's compensation attorney can help you in making your claim. Don't suffer in silence just because your supervisor is not convinced that an chronic aching knee is not related to your job.

Injury to the knees and shoulders is more common with workplace injuries than you may think, especially in jobs that are physically demanding. The level of pain and necessary treatment may vary, but you are still entitled to use your employer's benefits to seek medical treatment.

Injury to these two major joints will fall under one of two categories, acute, or overuse. It is important that you understand the difference in order to help with processing your claim for workman's compensation benefits.

An acute injury is one that occurs suddenly from an impact or accident. This could be from a direct blow the area, a fall, or even an abnormal body movement like twisting in rapidly in the wrong direction.

With an overuse injury to the knee or shoulder you won't be able to pinpoint an exact moment when the injury occurred. These are from the prolonged stress of repetitive motions on the joints and the tissue surrounding them. Those common to the knee include:

  • Bursitis
  • Tendinitis
  • Plica syndrome
  • Patellofermoral pain syndrome
  • Illotibial band syndrome

Repetitive injuries to the shoulder can include:

  • Bursitis
  • Tendonitis
  • Strained muscles
  • Frozen shoulder
  • Impingement syndrome

All of these present with painful symptoms that impede your range of motion and ability to work to your full potential. If caught and treated early enough, you may be able to relieve the pain and correct the injury with therapy and medication, but in some cases surgery may be required.

The Problem With Repetitive Injury and Workman's Compensation

Without an actual event to cause an injury, workers in Missouri often find themselves having to defend a repetitive motion injury in order to receive their benefits. Employers and their insurance companies will try and claim that the injury is related to activities that you are involved in outside of work, or that it is a pre-existing condition from a prior injury.

If your claim is denied or benefits cut off, you have the right to appeal the decision. A qualified Missouri workman's compensation attorney will help you file the appeal and gather the evidence you need to present your case. Your injury is a painful one, and you have the right to receive your benefits so that it may be treated correctly.

Call (314) 361-4300 to discuss your work injury with a Missouri workers compensation attorney with over 20 years of experience, free of charge.

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