Accidents can happen on any job site, regardless of how safe it might seem. When it comes to overexertion, the reality is that an employee can suffer from overexertion on a construction site or in a skyscraper office building. It can happen anywhere, and that’s why 31.4% of workers’ compensation claims are filed for overexertion. Overexertion includes overuse and pushing yourself physically while on the job. Overuse injuries are often referred to as repetitive motion injuries. There are any number of examples of overexertion, some that are more obvious than others. A grocery store clerk might experience wrist pain from swiping items over the scanner for hours on end, while a roofer working in the summer heat might push himself too hard and get sick. If you believe you have experienced overexertion on the job then you could qualify for workers’ compensation. Any worker who has been injured on the job is eligible to file a workers’ comp claim, but it is important to understand the steps that must be taken in order to file. Common Injuries That Occur Because of Overexertion As mentioned, overexertion can encompass everything from repetitive motion injuries to getting heat stroke from working too hard in poor working conditions. Repetitive motion injuries are a common issue among workers’ compensation claims because they happen at all levels of industry. Typing too much without an ergonomically designed workspace can lead to carpal tunnel issues, while a janitor might experience shoulder injuries from mopping over and over again. If you find that you have been pushing yourself to complete your tasks and you become injured as a result, then you could have cause to file a workers’ compensation claim. What To Do The steps to filing a workers’ comp claim are important. You must report your injury to your employer within the timeframe set forth by your state. You should also see a doctor so that your injury can be evaluated and a treatment plan can be prescribed. This will help support your claim. In addition to medical documentation, depending on the nature of the injury you should collect witness statements, photographs of the scene or any security footage available, especially if your injury came about as a result of conditions in the workplace. For repetitive motion injuries, document the kind of work you do, the equipment you use and any other information that helps to paint a picture of how you sustained your injury. Get A Free Case Evaluation Today If you have been injured on the job, it is important that you act quickly. You must report your injury within a specific amount of time as determined by your state, and only then are you able to file a claim for workers’ comp. However, the process to file for workers’ comp is complex and it can be stressful and intimidating. You might consider working with a workers’s comp attorney who can help you gather evidence, navigate insurance forms or work with your company’s human resource department. Working with an attorney will not guarantee that your claim will be approved, but it will greatly increase your chances for success when you have an experienced advocate working on your behalf. And in many cases there are no upfront fees, as many workers’ comp attorneys work on a contingency basis so you only pay if you win your case. For more information about how a workers’ comp attorney might be able to help you, fill out a free case evaluation today. Additional Resources Workers Compensation and Carpal Tunnel Damages You Can Claim For Workers' Comp
