Repetitive Stress Injury Lawyers in New Jersey

Some industries are at a higher risk for repetitive motion injuries, such as construction, office work, and retail. However, workers in almost any occupation may suffer from repetitive motion injuries, and in New Jersey those injuries may be covered by workers’ compensation.

What is a Repetitive Motion Injury?

Repetitive motion injuries, also called repetitive strain injuries or cumulative trauma disorders, occur due to repetitive movements of the same body part over time. Symptoms vary depending on the affected body part, but may include pain, tingling, numbness, or reduced utility.

Workers may develop repetitive motion injuries from tasks such as using construction tools, typing on a keyboard, or scanning groceries.

Who is at Risk for Repetitive Motion Injuries?

Workers in various industries may develop repetitive motion injuries from a wide range of repeated job tasks, or holding awkward positions, over time.

Some of the highest risk occupations include:

Common Types of Repetitive Motion Injuries

Injuries caused by repetitive motion may either be temporary or permanent, and may affect the muscles, nerves, ligaments, and tendons. Most commonly affected parts of the body include the hands, wrists, elbows, and arms. However, other body parts such as the neck, back, hips, and legs may also suffer from repetitive motion.

Some of the most common types of repetitive motion injuries include:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This typically develops from performing repetitive work tasks such as typing, working on an assembly line, or grasping objects. It may result in injuries ranging from temporary weakness to permanent nerve damage.

Musculoskeletal Disorders: This type of injury affects the blood vessels, ligaments, muscles, nerves, and tendons. It can happen to any part of the body due to heavy lifting, bending, reaching, pulling, pushing, and working in awkward positions.

Shoulder Injuries: The shoulder is commonly affected by repetitive motion. Two of the most common shoulder injuries are tendonitis, caused by inflammation of the tendon; and bursitis, caused by inflammation of the bursa.

Rotator Cuff Syndrome: This injury commonly affects workers who frequently raise their arms overhead. When the rotator cuff in the shoulder is subject to wear and tear, it can become weaker over time, thus causing further damage.

Epicondylitis: Caused by swelling of the tendons, epicondylitis typically develops among workers who frequently grasp objects, such as carpenters and painters. Treatment typically includes icing the area and physical therapy.

Back Injuries: Chronic lower back pain is a common repetitive motion injury. Factory workers, drivers, and office workers are just some of the types of workers at risk for this type of injury.

Preventing Repetitive Motion Injuries

If a tool, piece of equipment, or workplace is poorly designed, workers may suffer repetitive motion injuries as a result. Employers have a duty to ensure the safety of their workplaces. Therefore, they should both identify any workplace hazards that may be causing repetitive motion injuries and develop solutions to reduce or eliminate those hazards.

Ergonomic solutions may include better materials, improved work methods, personal protective equipment (PPE), and training.

Compensation for Preexisting Injuries in New Jersey

Workers with preexisting injuries are not excluded from receiving workers’ compensation. Generally, workers may receive benefits if a work-related injury aggravated their pre-existing condition.

However, these types of cases can be complex, and workers should seek the counsel of an experienced lawyer in their local area. Our workers’ compensation lawyers are dedicated to helping injured workers successfully navigate the system so they can obtain the compensation to which they are entitled.

The Repetitive Stress Injury Lawyers at Pietras Saracino Smith & Meeks LLP Help Workers Obtain Benefits for Repetitive Motion Injuries

If you sustained a work-related repetitive motion injury, contact our repetitive stress injury attorneys in New Jersey. We can help you obtain a favorable outcome in your case. From our office conveniently located in Cherry Hill, we represent clients across South Jersey, the City of Camden, and throughout New Jersey. For a free consultation, please complete our online contact form or call us at 856-761-3773.