What Qualifies as Wear and Tear Injury Under Workers’ Compensation
Not every workplace ache or soreness means there’s a workers’ compensation claim. Under United States law, a wear and tear injury must be both work-related and the result of repeated physical stress or strain over time. It’s this gradual build-up vs. a one off incident that distinguishes wear and tear claims from single-event injuries. Let’s take a look at some of the most common culprits that contribute to wear and tear injuries:
The real challenge? Many employers and insurers will question if your injury truly comes from the workplace. That’s where documentation, a detailed job history, medical assessment, and an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer comes into play.
- Repetitive Motions: Repeated actions such as typing, assembly line work, constant grabbing, etc. can cause carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, or similar issues over time.
- Chronic Overuse: Constant lifting, pushing, or carrying, especially in manual labor jobs, often leads to chronic back, shoulder, or knee problems.
- Standing or Vibration Exposure: Workers who spend long hours standing on hard floors or operating vibrating machinery are at risk for joint degeneration and/or circulatory issues.
- Environmental Factors: Even the office desk job can prompt wear and tear injuries. Examples include eye strain from screens or poor ergonomic setups.
The real challenge? Many employers and insurers will question if your injury truly comes from the workplace. That’s where documentation, a detailed job history, medical assessment, and an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer comes into play.