Most Louisiana workers perform the same tasks repeatedly while on the job. The more repetitive those actions become, the higher the risk of suffering injuries due to repetitive stress. It may take some time for at least some of those workers to connect their pain to their work.
Some Louisiana workers may not even realize that their job duties are responsible for their pain even though at least one out of every eight people suffer due to on-the-job stresses on their bodies. As it turns out, somewhere around 60 to 75 percent of the work-related injuries reported involve repetitive stress. For harbor and longshore workers, repetitive stress injuries could easily occur.
These workers often find themselves bending, twisting, lifting objects over their heads and more. Over time, the cumulative trauma leads to chronic pain. Conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis and bursitis are common under these circumstances. Even the pain in someone’s lower back, shoulders and neck is often the result of this type of cumulative injury.
For those who realize that their pain is connected to their work, pursuing compensation for lost income, medical expenses and more is often the next step. Doing so could present a challenge since proving that this type of injury is work related may not be a simple task. It takes a substantial amount of time for repetitive stress injuries to reach the point where they cause the type of pain and inconvenience that sends workers to doctors. Obtaining the appropriate evidence to prove the need for compensation under the Longshore Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act is crucial and may require some experienced assistance.