If you have sustained a repetitive motion injury in the workplace as a result of repeated stress or injuries, you may be able to seek compensation with the help of a reliable workers’ comp attorney. These injuries can be extremely serious in some cases, potentially resulting in dramatic changes to a victim’s life, with high medical costs and lost wages from treatment and time off work needed for recovery.
Types of Repetitive Stress Injuries Workers’ Comp Covers
There are several types of repetitive trauma injuries that can result from repeated stress or injuries in the workplace over time. These common injuries can include:
- Chronic knee injuries
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Chronic neck pain
- Tendonitis
- Spinal disc injuries
- Bursitis
- Epicondylitis (tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow)
- Trigger finger
- Cubital tunnel syndrome
- Chronic back injuries
Because of the nature of these injuries, since they occur over time as opposed to occurring from a single accident in the workplace, it can be more of a challenge to prove that the trauma is work-related. However, our attorneys have worked with many clients to help them get the benefits they deserve as a result of many different types of work-related injuries, including those resulting from repetitive trauma.
Common Causes of Repetitive Stress Injuries at Work
Repetitive stress injuries often develop gradually when workers perform the same motions day after day without enough rest or variation. Some of the most common workplace causes include:
- Repetitive movements such as typing, data entry, assembly line work, or scanning items.
- Heavy lifting or awkward postures that place strain on the back, shoulders, or knees.
- Frequent use of vibrating tools like jackhammers, drills, or power saws.
- Prolonged standing or sitting without proper support or ergonomic adjustments.
- Reaching, bending, or twisting as part of daily job duties.
- Forceful gripping or pinching required in manufacturing, construction, and other
Over time, these activities can lead to wear and tear on muscles, joints, tendons, and nerves. While the effects may not be immediate, untreated repetitive stress injuries can worsen and interfere with a worker’s ability to perform their job.
How to File a Repetitive Use Injury Workers’ Comp Claim in Illinois
Filing a workers’ compensation claim for a repetitive use injury in Illinois requires careful documentation and timely action. Because these injuries often develop slowly over time, it’s important to follow each step to protect your rights. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
- Report the Injury to Your Employer: Notify your employer as soon as you realize your condition may be work-related. Illinois law requires you to give notice within 45 days of when you knew or should have known your injury was connected to your job.
- Seek Medical Attention: Visit a doctor to get a clear diagnosis and treatment plan. Make sure to tell your provider the injury is related to repetitive job tasks, so it’s noted in your medical records.
- Document Work Activities and Symptoms: Keep track of your daily duties, repetitive motions, and how your symptoms have progressed. This evidence can help establish that your injury is linked to your work environment.
- File a Claim with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC): Your employer should report the injury to their insurer, but you can also file an official claim with the IWCC to ensure your case is recorded and your rights are protected.
- Consult a Workers’ Comp Attorney: Because repetitive trauma cases can be harder to prove than single-incident injuries, consider speaking with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. They can help gather medical evidence, strengthen your claim, and represent you if disputes arise.
How Workers’ Comp for a Repetitive Stress Injury Can Help
If you experience a repetitive trauma injury or another work-related injury, you may be able to seek benefits to help you get the treatment you need for a full recovery. Workers’ compensation can help pay for a variety of repetitive trauma injury bills, including:
- Doctor visits
- Surgery
- Medication
- Rehabilitation
- Hospital stays
- Transportation to and from doctors’ appointments
- Medical equipment
Compensation You May Be Entitled to for Your Repetitive Strain Injury
If your repetitive strain injury is found to be work-related, Illinois workers’ compensation law provides several types of benefits to help you recover and manage the impact on your life. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may be entitled to:
- Medical Coverage: Payment for doctor visits, hospital care, physical therapy, medications, and any necessary surgery or medical equipment.
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD): Wage replacement if you are unable to work while recovering.
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): Benefits if you can return to work with restrictions but earn less than you did before your injury.
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): Compensation if your repetitive strain injury results in lasting impairment, such as reduced strength or mobility.
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD): Benefits if your injury leaves you unable to return to any type of work.
- Vocational Rehabilitation: Assistance with training or job placement if you cannot return to your previous position.
The type and amount of compensation depend on the extent of your injury, your ability to return to work, and medical evidence supporting your claim. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help ensure you receive the full benefits you are entitled to under Illinois law.
What Is the Average Workers’ Comp Settlement for Repetitive Motion Injuries?
The average workers’ compensation settlement for repetitive motion injuries in Illinois can vary significantly depending on the severity of the condition, the body part affected, and how the injury impacts your ability to perform your job. Settlements may range from several thousand dollars for minor injuries to well over $100,000 for serious, long-term impairments.
For example, a mild case of tendonitis that improves with treatment and allows you to return to work quickly may result in a smaller settlement. On the other hand, conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome requiring surgery, chronic back injuries, or permanent damage to the shoulders or knees can lead to much higher payouts. The extent of lost wages, medical treatment, and any permanent restrictions on your ability to work are key factors in determining the value of your claim.
Requirements for Repetitive Strain Injury Workers' Compensation in Illinois
To qualify for workers’ compensation benefits for a repetitive strain injury in Illinois, certain requirements must be met. Because these injuries develop gradually, the law focuses on when the injury becomes noticeable and clearly connected to your work. Key requirements include:
- Timely Notice: You must report the injury to your employer within 45 days of the date you knew, or reasonably should have known, that your condition was related to your job.
- Work Connection: Medical evidence must show that your repetitive strain injury was caused or aggravated by your job duties rather than outside activities.
- Medical Documentation: A clear diagnosis and treatment records are needed to support your claim and demonstrate the impact of the injury.
Meeting these requirements can be more challenging with repetitive trauma injuries compared to a single workplace accident, since proof often relies heavily on medical records and detailed documentation of job tasks. Having an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can make the process easier and improve your chances of success.
Get the Help You Need with a Devoted Repetitive Stress Injury Workers’ Comp Firm
When you work with the professionals at Vasilatos Injury Law, we will file your repetitive trauma injury workers’ comp claim and provide representation in any negotiation. We can also stand with you in court if required. Our attorneys know how crucial it is to work on every aspect of your life that your injury has impacted.
We’ll provide an accurate assessment of how your injury has impacted your life from health and finances to current and future employment. We’ll then work with you to recover the benefits you deserve. We can work with you to make sure you receive a fair settlement and that you are offered a sufficient amount of compensation to cover lost wages resulting from lost work along with required treatment.
Here at Vasilatos, our repetitive trauma injury workers’ comp attorneys in Chicago will give you the attention you need regarding any case. We have years of collective experience working with hundreds of workers’ comp clients to recover compensation.
How an Attorney Can Help with Your Repetitive Motion Injury Workers’ Compensation Settlement
Filing a workers’ compensation claim for a repetitive motion injury isn’t always straightforward. Because these injuries develop slowly, employers and insurance companies sometimes question whether they’re really work-related. Having an experienced attorney on your side can make all the difference. Here’s how an attorney can help:
- Prove the Work Connection: Gather medical records, job descriptions, and expert opinions to show your injury stems from the repetitive tasks you perform at work.
- Keep You on Track with Deadlines: Make sure all reports and filings are submitted properly and on time, so you don’t risk losing your benefits.
- Calculate the Full Value of Your Claim: Look beyond immediate medical bills to include lost wages, rehab costs, and any long-term impact on your ability to work.
- Stand Up in Disputes: Represent you if your claim is denied or disputed, presenting evidence before the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission on your behalf.
- Negotiate a Fair Settlement: Push for the maximum benefits available under Illinois law, protecting your health and financial future.
- Take the Pressure Off: Handle the paperwork, communication, and legal process so you can focus on recovery instead of fighting with insurance adjusters.
If you’re dealing with a repetitive motion injury and wondering what your claim might be worth, talking with a workers’ compensation attorney is the best next step. An attorney can walk you through your options and help you fight for the benefits you deserve.
Convenient & Reliable Workers’ Comp Attorneys for Your Repetitive Stress Injury
At Vasilatos Injury Law, we understand how consequential a workers’ comp case can be, which is why we offer a free consultation to provide an honest assessment of your situation and determine how to handle your case. At each of our locations in Chicago and Flossmoor, our helpful staff will work with you to ensure your case is handled with the utmost professionalism and expertise. If you have sustained a work-related injury resulting in a repetitive trauma injury or other type of injury, contact Vasilatos Injury Law for help reaching a repetitive trauma injury workers’ comp settlement. Simply call us today toll free at (877) INJ-LAW1 and we’ll help determine if you have a case and provide you with some of the best representation available in the Chicagoland area.
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FAQs
Does workers’ comp cover repetitive motion injuries in Illinois?
Yes. Workers’ comp does cover repetitive motion injuries in Illinois if you can show that your condition was caused or aggravated by your job duties. Because these injuries develop gradually, medical records and documentation of your work activities are important for proving your claim.
Is repetitive strain injury covered by workers’ comp?
Yes. Repetitive strain injury workers’ comp claims are recognized under Illinois law, provided the injury is connected to your work duties. Common covered conditions include carpal tunnel, tendonitis, bursitis, and chronic neck or back pain.
How do I prove my repetitive use injury is work-related?
To prove a repetitive use injury workers’ comp claim, you’ll need medical evidence linking your condition to your job tasks, along with documentation of your work activities. An experienced workers’ comp attorney can help strengthen your case and counter insurance company disputes.
How long do I have to file a repetitive injury workers’ comp claim in Illinois?
Under Illinois law, you must report your injury to your employer within 45 days of learning that your condition is related to work. Failing to give timely notice can jeopardize your workers’ comp claim and the benefits you receive.
How long does it take to reach a repetitive motion injury workers’ comp settlement?
The timeline for a repetitive motion injury workers’ comp settlement can vary depending on the severity of your injury, the complexity of your case, and whether your employer or insurer disputes the claim. Some straightforward cases may be resolved in a few months, especially if medical treatment is complete and the work connection is clear. More complicated repetitive injury workers’ comp claims—such as those involving surgery, long-term disability, or contested causation—can take a year or longer to settle. Working with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help streamline the process and ensure you receive fair compensation as efficiently as possible.
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