Overexertion Injuries

Some jobs are more physically challenging than others, and those whose occupations put stress on their bodies necessarily have a higher risk of injury. Overexertion injuries are one of the most common types of injuries in these physically demanding jobs. While you may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits based on overexertion injuries, these cases can be hard to prove because you must show that your injury was caused by or related to your employment. At the Olsinski Law Firm, PLLC, our team of workers’ compensation lawyers has decades of experience successfully obtaining workers’ compensation disability benefits on behalf of workers suffering from overexertion injuries.

Simply put, overexertion occurs when you push yourself too hard. Overexertion can happen in a variety of ways. For example, lifting a heavy object one time may put too much stress on your back, causing it to go out. However, many cases of overexertion are the result of seemingly harmless movements performed frequently over a long period of time. By performing the same movements day in and day out, you can put a tremendous amount of stress on certain parts of your body. Over time, this stress can result in an overexertion injury or repetitive stress injury.

There are many types of overexertion injuries, and a worker’s particular risk of developing such an injury depends on their job. Generally, those in the construction, warehousing and service industry face the greatest risk of an overexertion injury. Some of the most common types of overexertion injuries include the following:

• Back injuries,
• Twisted ankles,
• Tendon and joint damage,
• Neck injuries,
• Knee injuries,
• Hernias,
• Muscle sprains and strains, and
• Heat exhaustion.

These injuries may happen suddenly or develop slowly over time. In fact, it is common for workers experiencing an overexertion injury not to realize it has anything to do with their job until the injury is aggravated at work.

The North Carolina workers’ compensation system allows employees suffering from overexertion injuries to obtain workers’ comp benefits. However, these claims are generally much harder to prove when compared to those stemming from workplace accidents. This is because, to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, you must show that your injury was the result of your occupation. The issue is that many overexertion injuries have hereditary components or could be caused outside of work. Thus, an employer facing a workers’ compensation claim based on an overexertion injury may contest the worker’s claim, arguing that their injuries were not related to their employment. For example, if a worker suffered a wrist injury, their employer may argue that it was due to their frequent cell phone use on their time off.

To decrease the chance of an employer or their workers’ compensation insurance carrier from successfully bringing this argument, documentation is key. Injured workers who present a well-documented medical history of their condition have a greater chance of success. This is also why it is important to see a doctor as soon as you notice signs of an overuse injury.

If you recently suffered from a repetitive stress injury that you believe was related to your work, contact the Olsinski Law Firm, PLLC, for immediate assistance. At the Olsinski Law Firm, PLLC, our team of workers’ compensation lawyers has an unrivaled knowledge of the state’s workers’ compensation laws and extensive experience successfully bringing claims on behalf of workers suffering from all types of occupational diseases. We know exactly where to look to gather the most compelling evidence that your injury was related to your job, increasing the chance that your application will be approved. However, in the event the insurance company is unwilling to approve your claim, we also have decades of experience litigating workers’ compensation claims. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation with a Charlotte workers’ compensation lawyer, give us a call at 704-405-2580. You can also reach one of our Concord workers’ compensation lawyers at 704-918-4747.