Repetitive Strain Injury Claim
Repetitive Strain Injury Claim Advice
A repetitive strain injury claim can be made when a repetitive strain injury has been sustained, and it can be established that it is a work-related injury caused by employer negligence. It must also be demonstrated that an employer has failed in a duty of care to an employee and has been negligent regarding his legal health and safety obligations.
A repetitive strain injury is a general term used for a number of different soft tissue medical conditions which all have a similar cause and symptoms. A repetitive strain injury is caused by the repetitive use of a particular body part over a period of time, which leads to an injury being sustained. The repetitive use of muscles, ligaments and tendons can cause over-use injuries to develop, which lead to nerve compression and fluid build up causing temporary symptoms and longer term problems developing such as arthritic joints.
Any repetitive activity can lead to a repetitive strain injury being sustained, although it is often the small movements of the fingers and wrists which is the main cause of a repetitive strain injury in Ireland. Typists, secretaries, packaging staff and IT professionals are often at a high risk of developing a repetitive strain injury, although in many cases it is an injury which is preventable.
Eligibility to Make a Repetitive Strain Injury Claim for Compensation
A repetitive strain injury claim is possible only when an employer has been negligent and you have sustained a repetitive strain injury as a direct result. An employer is bound by law to conduct risk assessments in the workplace, and these apply equally to office staff as to factory floor workers. Office staff that are not provided with ergonomic work stations and who work long hours without taking a break should be advised of the risks of repetitive strain injuries by their employers.
The employer should take steps to reduce the risk of injury and rotate repetitive tasks. Training should also be provided to allow employees to help themselves, and prevent sustaining an injury in spite of their job.
When an employer has failed in a duty of care by not providing the right working environment or level of protection for employees, it is possible to make a claim for repetitive strain injury compensation. However your employer must be advised of any symptoms of a repetitive strain injury as they develop, and a record must be made in the relevant accident report book.
Examples of Repetitive Strain Injuries
Although the highest risk of a repetitive strain injury occurs in offices, machinists, roadworkers and employees using vibrating tools are also considered to be at high risk of a repetitive strain injury. Provided that it can be established that an injury has been sustained due to an employer´s lack of enforcing health and safety regulations, you should speak with a solicitor about making a claim for repetitive strain injury compensation.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Vibration white finger
- Tendonitis
- Tendinosis
- Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
- Bursitis
- Tenosynovitis
- Trigger finger
Seek Medical Advice about a Possible Repetitive Strain Injury
If you suspect that you are developing a repetitive strain injury it is important that you seek medical advice. A repetitive strain injury will deteriorate and the recovery period will be greatly extended if the activity which caused the injury is not stopped immediately. When you visit your doctor you should explain your symptoms, explained when they started and the activity which triggered them, and what you do for a living and the repetitive tasks you perform.
If you are diagnosed with a work related repetitive strain injury, you should seek legal advice about making a repetitive strain injury claim against an employer’s liability insurance policy.
Free Legal Advice about Making a Repetitive Strain Injury Claim
Making a repetitive strain injury claim against a current employer can be a difficult decision to make; however it is a decision which should only be made based on sound legal advice. If you think that you have developed a repetitive strain injury because of your employment, we invite you to call our free legal helpline on 1-800 989 988 for advice.
All calls will be answered by an experienced personal injury compensation solicitor, and you can talk in complete confidentiality about making a claim for repetitive strain injury. You will not be put under pressure or obliged to make a repetitive strain injury claim but you will be provided with impartial and accurate advice in order to make an informed decision.
Call our free legal helpline today for advice about making a repetitive strain injury claim for compensation, or complete the call back form below and one of our personal injury solicitors will call you back at the requested time.
