When tennis players practice or play matches, they repeat the same swinging motion with a racket many times. This can sometimes lead to painful inflammation of the muscles, tendons, and ligaments on the outside of the elbow. This condition is known as tennis elbow, and the pain and discomfort can sometimes be so severe that the athlete can no longer play.
However, you do not have to be a tennis player to be at risk for this type of injury. Many manual labor workers face the same risk because they engage in similar repetitive motions. Examples include carpenters or roofers who swing a hammer. There are also risks for those working in manufacturing centers, warehouses, assembly lines and many other jobs that can take a physical toll on the body.
Can they seek workers’ comp benefits?
Yes, if a worker is injured in the course of their job, they may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can typically cover a portion of lost wages if the injury is severe enough to prevent them from working. They may also cover medical bills if the worker needs surgery, physical therapy, medication or other types of medical treatment to address the inflamed elbow.
The key is to demonstrate that the injury is related to the worker’s employment. This can sometimes be difficult with repetitive motion injuries because they take time to develop. There is not a single accident that causes the injury on one specific day. Instead, the injury may develop over years or even decades of work in that industry.
As such, it is crucial for injured workers to know exactly what legal steps to take, and it can be helpful to work with an experienced law firm at this time.