Do you suffer from carpal tunnel or another repetitive strain injury caused by your job duties? Most people with workplace injuries or illnesses are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. But you may face obstacles during the claims process that keep you from getting all the money you deserve.
Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers is a well-established law firm helping injured workers in the Tampa Bay area recover compensation for work-related injuries. We have over three centuries of legal experience in our firm, and we’ve recovered more than $675 million in compensation for clients since 1955. We’re ready to help you navigate the workers’ comp system, file an appeal if necessary, and determine whether you could be eligible to file a third-party personal injury lawsuit.
Contact our Clearwater law office today by calling us at (727) 796-8282 to speak with a Clearwater repetitive trauma injury lawyer.
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How Can Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers Help With a Repetitive Trauma Workers’ Compensation Claim in Clearwater?
The workers’ compensation process is not always intuitive. And even when you’re entitled to certain benefits, your employer’s insurance company still has discretion when it comes to approving your claim. You can benefit from hiring a law firm to protect your rights.
When you hire our Clearwater workers’ compensation attorneys, we’ll:
- Ensure your workers’ compensation claim is filed on time and free of errors
- Consult with your medical providers to understand the full extent of your injuries
- Compile documentation necessary to support your claim
- Fight back if your employer’s insurance provider tries to force you back to work before you are medically ready
- Determine whether you have a permanent disability
- File an appeal if your claim is denied
Three of our attorneys are Board Certified by the Florida Bar Association, an elite distinction held by less than 2% of lawyers in the state. We are known and respected for our work, and that goes a long way when we’re on your side.
What Is a Repetitive Trauma Injury?
A repetitive trauma injury occurs when your muscles, tendons, ligaments, or nerves are damaged from constant use. It may also be called a repetitive strain injury, repetitive motion disorder, or repetitive stress injury.
The body’s soft tissue may develop microscopic tears when used repeatedly or overstretched without time to recover. This leads to inflammation and pain. If left untreated, a repetitive trauma injury could lead to a permanent disability.
Examples of Repetitive Trauma Injuries
Repetitive motion injuries may affect:
- Wrists
- Elbows
- Fingers and thumbs
- Shoulders
- Knees
- Neck
- Back
- Feet
- Ankles
It can present as:
- Carpal tunnel
- Bursitis
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Tennis elbow
- Stress fractures
- Ganglion cysts
- Trigger finger
Symptoms often include tingling, numbness, pain, swelling, stiffness, or weakness.
What Compensation Is Available for Repetitive Trauma Injuries In Clearwater, Florida?
Just like if you were injured in a workplace accident like a fall or fire, you can seek workers’ compensation benefits for a repetitive trauma injury. Because they typically occur over time, filing a claim can be complicated. Our Clearwater workers’ compensation attorneys are skilled at working with these types of claims and know what documentation is needed to support an accurate value for your claim.
Workers’ compensation generally covers your medical treatment and wage replacement up to a certain limit (the maximum allowed for injuries after January 1, 2022, is $1,099). The exact amount depends on several factors, such as the severity of your injury and whether you’re able to return to work in the same capacity.
Damages in each case are unique to the individual. With a free consultation, we’ll be able to tell you more about the specific damages that may be available to you.
What Causes Repetitive Strain Injuries In Clearwater, FL?
Repetitive strain injuries develop over time, and you may not experience noticeable symptoms for quite some time.
Repetitive trauma often occurs from:
- Regular lifting or carrying
- Repeating one motion using an isolated set of muscles
- Repetitive micro movements
- Not taking breaks
- Not using safety equipment, such as back support belts
- Poor posture
- Overexertion
- Working with vibrating tools, such as jackhammers
Many workers must perform repetitive motions as part of their jobs. Examples of workers who could be at risk for repetitive trauma injuries around Pinellas County include:
- Grocery cashiers
- Assembly line workers
- Janitors
- Farm workers
- Bus drivers
- Delivery drivers
- Construction workers
- Nurses
- Computer programmers
- Graphic designers
- Carpenters
- Sewing machine and other textile workers
- Athletes
- Musicians
- Data entry and other office workers
- And many more
Your employer should allow breaks and provide safety equipment to help prevent injury on the job. Ergonomic workspaces can reduce the risk of repetitive motion injuries in office jobs.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Clearwater
Have you suffered an injury from performing repetitive motions as part of your job duties? These injuries may not seem as severe as those suffered in a single traumatic workplace accident like a fall, but they can cause long-term pain and have devastating consequences for your career.
Our Clearwater repetitive trauma injury lawyers have years of experience helping workers recover the full value of the compensation they deserve after getting hurt at work. Call today for your free case evaluation.