Repetitive motion injuries come from strain caused by performing the same motion over and over again for your occupation. For example, if you work in an office and type on a keyboard the majority of the day, you are at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome. Other injuries may affect your shoulder, back, neck, or fingers. While it is sometimes more difficult to have the claim approved, you may be able to get workers' compensation insurance coverage for your work-related repetitive motion injuries. Here are some tips for filing the claim and getting it approved.

Let Your Employer Know Immediately When You Have Discomfort

With other injuries, they tend to happen suddenly, so it is easier to let your employer know immediately after they occur. What makes repetitive motion injuries different is that they happen gradually. You shouldn't wait until your stress injury is causing you so much pain that you can't perform your job anymore. You need to inform your employer as soon as you notice signs of discomfort. They will first try to rearrange your workstation to help reduce the pain. If after doing this, it continues, you can then speak to your employer about workers' compensation and getting medical help.

See an Appropriate Doctor and Get Documentation of the Injury

When you let your employer know about the injury, they will inform you of what doctor to see for proper documentation. Make sure you save all documentation from this visit, including any diagnosis, treatment plans, and notes from the doctor. Workers' compensation will likely want to speak to the doctor and get definitive proof you saw them for your injury, but you should also include as much medical proof in your original claim as possible.

Include as Many Details as Possible in the Claim

When you are ready to file your claim, make sure you find out exactly how long until it must be filed. There are limits for workers' compensation cases, and if you fail to send in the paperwork within that period of time, it could be denied automatically. Your company's human resources department should be able to tell you how long you have. Work quickly to gather your documentation and start explaining your injury. With a repetitive motion injury, they need to know as many details as possible. This includes what type of job you do, if you have requested help from your supervisor, how long you have had the job, and how long you have had the discomfort. You need to prove that the injury was not preventable; otherwise, your claim might be denied.

Speak to a Personal Injury Attorney About the Claim

It helps to have some professional guidance during the claim process since repetitive motion injuries tend to be more complicated. The workers' compensation attorney can help you get your medical proof together, fill out your paperwork, and handle an appeal if you first claim is denied.