When we talk about workers’ compensation cases in Carrollton, the subject often brings to mind the sudden and severe injuries that are caused by a particular incident. You might imagine a factory worker getting hurt by a machine, a delivery driver getting into an auto accident, or a construction worker falling from a roof, for example. There are hundreds of ways that a worker could become injured by an accidental event. Yet, there are also many ways that a worker could become injured through a repeated motion, a syndrome, overuse, or painful conditions that arise over time. Today, we’re going to look at some of the most common examples of this in carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD).
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Carrollton Workers’ Compensation Claims
Carpal tunnel syndrome is an injury of the wrists and hands that is caused by repetitive motion and overuse. It can be caused by typing, using certain kinds of manual machinery, or any other task involves the repetitive motion and use of your wrists and hands. Following are some of the most common causes of carpal tunnel syndrome in the workplace in Carrollton, Georgia:
- Manufacturing Jobs
- Assembly Line Jobs
- Sewing Jobs
- Meat, Poultry, and Fish Processing Jobs
- Computer and Typing Jobs
The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include weakness of the hands and wrists, numbness, tingling, burning, difficulty grabbing or gripping things, and even a terrible pain going up your arm. This is because the median nerve of your wrist can be damaged. The treatment can include wearing a brace and taking time to rest your affected hand or hands. In some cases, you may be required to take time off of work, and you might even need to get surgery if the repetitive motion injury is severe enough.
Tendonitis in Carrollton Workers’ Compensation Claims
Tendonitis is another repetitive motion injury, and it sometimes can be mistaken by the sufferer for carpal tunnel syndrome in the hands and wrists. In fact, it is not uncommon for a worker to have carpal tunnel syndrome in one hand and tendonitis in another, since the same activities can cause both. The hand which is used most repetitively and frequently (typically the dominant hand) is more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome. Yet, tendonitis does not only affect the hands and wrists. It is a repetitive motion injury, an over stretching injury, or an overuse injury to any of your tendons. Your tendons are soft tissues that connection your muscles and bones. If any of these tendons become inflamed, then you may be diagnosed with tendonitis. It is especially common in older workers and employees with a long history of manual labor jobs. It is common in the same industries as carpal tunnel syndrome, but it is also common in other industries that involve overusing your legs, ankles, arms, etc.
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Injuries in Carrollton, GA, Workers’ Compensation Claims
One of the lesser known injuries, which can be caused by repetitive motion, strain, or a work related accident is reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) or complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). This is a nerve disorder which can cause a variety of unusual symptoms. For example, your skin could change color and temperature and become more sensitive. You could also experience chronic pain. The cause of the condition is misfiring nerves that send pain signals to your brain, limit your range of motion, and can result in permanent disability. It is particularly common after a work related injury has healed, and you may not realize that you have it right away.
In many cases, an injured worker will be waiting for the injury to heal and will notice that not only is the pain not going away, but it is worse than it should be. This is one of the first indications that you have RSD or CRPS, noticing that your pain is more severe than the given injury would account for. Even so, it is rarely diagnosed right away. On average, people who have these conditions see five doctors before one of them recognizes the symptoms and gives an accurate diagnosis.
The two forms of CRPS that you might be diagnosed with are Type I and Type II. Type I is the one that is also called RSD. It results from damage to nerves that cause severe pain, the swelling of tissues, significant sweating, and blood circulation issues. It is especially common in cases where an injury has occurred and was not treated properly. Type II is similar, but is known as Causalgia, and involves damage to a major nerve. Type II can be even more disabling.
Call the Law Offices of John B. Jackson & Associates for a Free Consultation
If you have a workers’ compensation claim in Carrollton, Georgia, due to carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, CRPS, RSD, or Causalgia, then you need to seek the advice of a skilled workers’ compensation attorney. The attorneys at the Law Offices of John B. Jackson & Associates are here to help. We know how difficult it can be to prove your injuries, establish causation, and recover the compensation that you need and deserve. While you’re focused on managing your pain and treating your injuries, our compassionate Carrollton, GA, workers’ compensation attorneys will focus on getting the wage benefits and medical benefits that you need from your employer’s workers’ compensation coverage. The sooner you call and get your free consultation, the sooner we can get started on investigating and proving your case. Repetitive motion injuries and nerve injuries can be very difficult to prove, particularly if you also have a pre-existing condition. Don’t assume that your employer, the company approved physician, or the insurance company are going to do what’s best for you without a fight. If you encounter any resistance in recovering compensation or need workers’ compensation advice, call us today.
