Atlanta Repetitive Motion Injury Attorney

Most Georgia workers have some knowledge of the workers’ compensation system and know they can rely upon it after a workplace accident, like a fall or equipment-related injury. However, it’s important for all employees across all industries to know that workers’ compensation covers injuries that appear over time as well. One of the most common causes of workers’ compensation claims is “repetitive motion injury,” or an injury that develops over time due to repetitive motions.

At Cruz & Associates, our repetitive motion injury attorneys have more than 25 years of experience handling workers’ compensation claims in Atlanta for our clients, and we want everyone working in Georgia to understand their rights under Workers’ Compensation Law.

What Counts as a Repetitive Motion Injury?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have identified more than one hundred different possible medical conditions caused by repetitive motions, or repetitive stress. Over time, certain actions take a toll on the body. Over weeks, months, or years of performing the same actions, the repetitive stress causes wear and tear. It’s important to note that even seemingly mundane tasks like opening shipping boxes or typing can cause repetitive stress injuries. Truck drivers and delivery drivers also have a tendency to develop repetitive stress injuries from extended time behind the wheel.

Repetitive motion injuries have gradually grown into the largest category of workplace injuries, partially due to the technology boom in the 1990s that led to the proliferation of computers and other digital devices in the workplace. Using a computer for work for hours on end every day will eventually cause damage to the arms and hands, specifically in the tendons and ligaments that provide flexibility. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a very common repetitive stress injury caused by typing.

Employees who work on assembly lines or in manufacturing positions often perform the same tasks and motions over and over for every shift. Assembling product parts, lifting, pulling levers, flipping switches, and using job-related tools can all create repetitive motion injuries over time. Work environment can play a role in this development as well. For example, cashiers at grocery stores often need to scan and bag thousands of grocery items per shift. Grocery store checkout counters are all the same size, so employees of different heights may have different experiences behind the counters. A shorter employee may have to stretch and exert more effort to complete his or her job than a taller employee, eventually leading to repetitive stress injuries.

Protect Your Rights as an Atlanta Employee

Employees have the right to request reasonable accommodations to perform their work safely and comfortably. Employees also have the right to file for workers’ compensation benefits after a job-related injury. The repetitive motion injury attorneys at Cruz & Associates are here to help injured workers in Atlanta and throughout Georgia with their workers’ compensation claims in any way we can. Whether you just need some guidance for the claims process, or you believe you’re heading toward a lawsuit with a negligent employer or insurance carrier acting in bad faith, we can help. Reach out to Cruz & Associates today to schedule a free case evaluation. Our attorneys will review the details of your situation and let you know your options under Georgia state law.