When you think about work-related injuries, you may picture a construction accident or a commercial vehicle crash. The construction and transportation sectors may pose a high risk of worker injuries, but other jobs can jeopardize your well-being.
In Pennsylvania, employees in education and business industries appear to suffer a high rate of work-related harm. The possible injuries you suffer may not be immediately severe or disabling, but they could eventually threaten your ability to work.
Cumulative trauma injuries plague these industries
Workplace accidents in a business or school setting do not typically lead to catastrophic injuries like brain damage or limb loss. However, employees in these sectors are extremely vulnerable to cumulative trauma disorders, such as:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Radial tunnel syndrome
- Cubital tunnel syndrome
- Trigger finger
- Bursitis (inflammation of the bursa) and tendonitis
These disorders often arise from repeating the same motions, such as typing, and can be exacerbated by poor posture and ergonomics. In time, repetitive movements can overstress joints and tendons, leading to pain and decreased mobility, potentially limiting your capacity to work and earn a gainful income.
Workers’ compensation covers these sectors
Almost every employee in Pennsylvania has the right to worker’s compensation benefits when harmed in the workplace. Your employer is most likely required to provide coverage to all employees.
You may feel your cumulative injuries are not severe enough to bother with a workers’ compensation claim, but they can threaten your earning capacity if left untreated. Getting proper treatment at the earliest signs of a problem can facilitate your recovery and perhaps prevent the injury from worsening.
If you have trouble obtaining the benefits you deserve, legal guidance can help you navigate your options.
