Repetitive injuries, also known as cumulative trauma injuries, occur over time as a result of performing the same task or movement repeatedly. These types of injuries are common in jobs that involve repetitive motions, such as typing on a computer or assembly line work. Under Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law, employees who suffer from repetitive injuries are entitled to benefits just like those who suffer from a single, sudden injury on the job.
How to Receive Workers’ Compensation Benefits for a Repetitive Injury
To be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits for a repetitive injury, the employee must first prove that their injury is work-related. This means that the repetitive motions or tasks performed at work were a significant contributing factor to the development of the injury. The employee must also provide medical evidence of the injury, including a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Once the injury is determined to be work-related, the employee is entitled to benefits such as medical expenses and wage loss payments. These benefits can help the employee to cover the costs of medical treatment, as well as lost wages while they are unable to work. If the injury prevents them from doing their pre-injury job and they get a new job at lesser pay they are entitled to partial disability benefits.
It is important to note that in Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for filing a claim for a repetitive injury is three years from the date of the last work-related incident that caused the injury or from the date that the employee knew or should have known that the injury was work-related.
Repetitive injuries are covered under Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law, and employees who suffer from these types of injuries are entitled to the same benefits as those who suffer from a single, sudden injury. It is important for employees to be aware of their rights and to seek legal assistance if they suspect that their repetitive injury is work-related.
It is important to understand that workers’ compensation is a complicated area of the law. The insurance company has lawyers. Shouldn’t you? Call the Law Offices of James V. Monaghan for a free consultation from an attorney certified by the Pennsylvania Bar Association as a specialist in Workers’ Compensation.
