Workers’ Compensation for Injuries Caused by Overexertion
When people think of workers’ compensation claims, they tend to think of injuries like falls or being struck by objects. Those are common injuries, but the most common cause of worksite injuries is overexertion. At Silverman, McDonald & Friedman, we know all too well how badly an employee can be injured by overexerting him or herself at work. If this has happened to you, we invite you to schedule a consultation at one of our offices in Seaford, Wilmington or Newark to talk to an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer about your needs.
What is an overexertion injury?
According for the Centers for Disease control and Prevention, “An overexertion injury occurs when a person works beyond his or her physical capacity or, more specifically, when the physical forces required to perform a task exceed the tolerances of the body’s soft tissues.” This can lead to the injury of the muscles or tendons (strains) or to the ligaments (sprains).
The most common causes of overexertion injuries, according to the Insurance Journal, are:
- Carrying
- Holding
- Lifting
- Pulling
- Pushing
- Throwing
Who is most at risk of an overexertion injury?
Any worker can sustain an overexertion injury, which is why they make up close to 25% of the claims for workers’ compensation each year. According got the US Department of Labor, however, certain industries are at a greater risk of developing a musculoskeletal disorder as a result of overexertion than others. They include:
- Health care. Nurses, home health aides, EMTs – all of these workers spend their days lifting people up, moving them around, bending over to reach dropped objects or to lower a bed. The health care industry, with its repetitive movements and long shifts, sees a great number of injuries.
- People who move heavy objects from one place to another, and are forced to sit in a driver’s seat for hours in order to do so, are at great risk of overexertion injuries. Without adequate time to stretch, or if they are not provided safety equipment, they could do serious damage to their backs.
- Warehousing and retail. Objects go up and down the aisles and on and off the shelves all day long. Employees spend long hours scanning items for inventory purposes or for customers. All of the lifting, carrying and pushing can lead to an overexertion injury.
- Construction is a dangerous industry for many reasons, but overexertion is high on the list. Construction workers move heavy materials and tools all day long, and in all types of weather. They are at perpetual risk of overexerting themselves, even under the best of circumstances.
Overexertion injuries can lead to long-term or even permanent injuries later on, especially if an employee continues to go to work while injured. You don’t have to keep pushing yourself after an injury; that is why workers’ compensation is there. At Silverman, McDonald & Friedman, we can help you build your claim for benefits, and will review your documentation if you made an unsuccessful claim before you came to see us. Please contact us to schedule a free consultation with a workers’ compensation lawyer in Newark, Seaford or Wilmington.
Attorney Jeffrey S. Friedman joined Silverman, McDonald & Friedman in 2001. He graduated from Widener University School of Law, and is admitted to practice law in Delaware and Pennsylvania, and in several Federal Circuit courts. He areas of concentration include auto accident and workers’ compensation cases. Read more about Attorney Friedman here.