Repetitive stress injuries (“RSIs”) are common in workplace accident claims in Zephyrhills, Florida. These are injuries that develop gradually due to repetitive movement and overuse of certain joints over time.
Are you suffering from an RSI that originated at your workplace? Below, this workplace accident lawyer in Zephyrhills, Florida is going to discuss everything you’ll need to know about filing a claim for these types of injuries.
What is an RSI?
People typically associate workplace accidents with slips and falls or accidents involving heavy machinery. However, workers are just as likely — if not more likely — to sustain repetitive stress injuries. A warehouse worker, for example, may suffer a spinal injury if they are asked to repeatedly lift heavy objects. Likewise, a receptionist may develop carpal tunnel syndrome (also known as median nerve compression) due to extensive typing over the years.
How Much Compensation Can You Get if You Develop an RSI?
According to Martindale Nolo Research, most workers who developed RSIs received some form of compensation for their injuries. In fact, over three-quarters of all workers got a settlement or award. These workers received settlements or awards ranging from $13,600 to $22,100 on average.
How Long Does It Take to Resolve Workplace Claims Involving RSIs?
Martindale Nolo Research also shows that it takes an average of 16.1 months for workers with RSIs to resolve their claims. This is only slightly longer than the average time it takes to resolve other workers’ compensation claims, which was 15.7 months.
Several factors can influence how long a workplace accident claim stays unresolved, including:
- Whether the insurer initially dismisses your claim
- Whether you need to request a hearing or submit an appeal to resolve your claim
- Whether you partner with a reputable workplace accident lawyer in Zephyrhills, Florida
Can Your Claim Be Denied?
About half of the workers with RSIs who receive a settlement or award have their claims initially denied. To put it another way, denials of these types of workplace accident claims are relatively common. Given the nature of RSI, this is not surprising.
Because RSIs develop gradually over time — often without a single traumatic “accident” — proving that the injury was caused while performing job duties can be more challenging. While getting your claim denied does not spell the end of the road for you, it does mean that you must go above and beyond to secure your benefits. For example, you might have to file an appeal or a hearing request, which your workplace accident lawyer in Zephyrhills, Florida can assist you with.
Hiring Legal Counsel Can Be Crucial
Almost half of all workers who develop RSIs do not hire a Zephyrhills workplace accident lawyer to represent them in their cases and end up filing claims with the state workers’ compensation department. However, not partnering with a legal professional can be a costly mistake.
For one, the appeals process can be complicated, as it requires you to file paperwork, attend hearings, and adhere to procedural standards for collecting and presenting evidence. Furthermore, workers who retain a lawyer are likely to receive much higher compensation than those who do not.
Looking for the Top-Rated Workplace Accident Lawyer in Zephyrhills, Florida?
If you or a loved one has suffered an RSI on the job, and if you’re looking to partner with the top-rated workplace accident lawyer in Zephyrhills, Florida, look no further than the experts at O’Toole Law Group. Our legal experts will vigorously pursue your case and work to help you win the settlement you need to get back on your feet.
Contact us today at (863) 533-5525 to learn how we can assist you.
