Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. This can result in pain, weakness or numbness in the hand or wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused by using your hands to perform repetitive job tasks. If you are having pain, weakness and/or numbness in your hand or fingers, you should ask that the employer send you to a doctor. It is important to give your doctor a description of your job duties so that he can determine whether repetitive work activities caused you to develop this condition. Your job duties must be the prevailing factor in causing carpal tunnel syndrome and any resulting disability under Missouri workers' compensation law.
Back Injuries
Back injuries may be caused by a specific accident or due to performing repetitive job tasks over a period of time. Whether the injury occurred as a result of a specific trauma at work, or developed over a period of time due to repetitive job duties, you may be able to pursue a workers' compensation claim. Under Missouri law, for a back injury caused by repetitive job duties to be compensable, work must be the prevailing factor in causing the injury and disability. Back injuries can range from a sprain or strain that requires limited medical treatment, to a herniated disc that requires surgical repair. You should immediately ask the employer to provide you with medical treatment for a work-related injury to your back.
Neck Injuries
Neck injuries may be caused by a specific trauma or the result of repetitive job activities. Whether the injury occurred as a result of a specific trauma, or developed over a period of time, you may be able to pursue a workers' compensation claim against your employer. If a neck injury is the result of your repetitive job duties, work must be the prevailing factor in causing the injury and disability. Neck injuries, like back injuries, can involve a sprain or strain and require limited medical treatment, or involve a herniated disc that may require surgery. You should immediately request that the employer provide you with medical treatment for any injury to your neck.
Shoulder Injuries
Shoulder injuries can be caused by repetitive job duties or be the result of a specific trauma. Both types of injuries may be covered by workers' compensation laws. If a shoulder injury is the result of repetitive job duties, work must be the prevailing factor in causing the injury and disability. Injuries to the shoulder may involve a strain that requires short-term physical therapy or a severe injury that requires surgery. Injuries to the shoulder include, but are not limited to, a torn rotator cuff, a SLAP tear, and impingement syndrome. You should immediately ask the employer to provide you with medical treatment for any work-related injury to your shoulder.
Any work injury can involve complex issues. If you have any questions at all regarding your work injury you should consult with an attorney.
