No matter where a person works, they can fall victim to a repetitive strain injury (RSI). Sometimes called repetitive stress injuries or musculoskeletal disorders, RSIs occur when muscles, tendons, or nerves in the body are damaged due to repetitive motions or constant usage. When you develop an RSI as a result of your job, it can seriously impact your financial, physical, and mental health. If you are experiencing a work-related RSI, you may be entitled to compensation through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board of Ontario (WSIB).
If you are suffering from an RSI, you should not have to navigate the legal complexities of an injury claim alone. By working with an experienced Ontario work accident lawyer, you can quickly and accurately assess the compensation available for your injury and file your claim. With over 20 years of experience navigating the WSIB and its decision-making protocols, our Toronto WSIB lawyers at Goodman Elbassiouni LLP can help you receive the benefits you are entitled to. To discuss the details of your injury and your legal options, schedule a free initial consultation with our lawyers today.
Repetitive Strain Injuries: Causes & Symptoms
According to the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development, musculoskeletal disorders and RSIs have accounted for approximately 30% of all lost-time claims reported to the WSIB since 2015. Repetitive strain injuries often occur following the overuse of specific parts of the body. According to the WSIB, four major risk factors, alone or in combination, may make developing an RSI more likely while at work. These include:
- Awkward or static posture
- Repetition
- Force
- Vibration
RSIs can affect a wide variety of body parts, including both upper and/or lower extremities. Commonly, RSI symptoms may include pain, tingling, and numbness in the:
- Back
- Neck
- Wrists
- Shoulders
- Knees
- And more
If you experience an RSI while working, it is always advisable to contact a work injury lawyer to discuss the possible benefits available to you. A professional who understands the nuances of WSIB protocols can help you file your claim optimally as soon as you are injured. To learn more about the benefits of working with a WSIB lawyer, you can speak with our team at Goodman Elbassiouni LLP today.
How Do I Pursue Compensation for a Work-Related Repetitive Strain Injury?
When your work-related injury or disease has reached maximum medical recovery (MMR) and there is clinical evidence of ongoing impairment, you are considered to have a permanent work-related impairment. As a result, you can file an injury claim with the WSIB. Their decision-makers will determine the degree of your work-related permanent impairment (PI) and your entitlement to non-economic loss (NEL) benefits.
The WSIB takes a unique approach to assessing RSIs to ensure a fair and consistent recognition of work-related permanent injuries across the organization. Decision-makers who work in the WSIB’s Permanent Impairment Program are guided by several relevant policies while conducting their investigations, which they utilize to rate the degree of your RSI and award benefits appropriately. As a result, the compensation you receive may depend on the type, severity, or location of your injury. For example, the WSIB rates RSIs differently according to whether the impairment has affected:
An Upper Extremity (UE), including;
- Shoulders
- Arms
- Forearms
- Wrists
- Hands
- And more
Or a Lower Extremity (LE), including;
- Hips
- Thighs
- Legs
- Ankles
- Feet
- And more
If you wish to file a claim with the WSIB following an RSI, you should contact an experienced work accident lawyer to assist with the process. You will need to begin by speaking with your doctor, speaking with your employer, and completing and submitting all documentation required by the WSIB. A work accident lawyer can make sure that your claim is filed without error or delay to help you receive the compensation you are owed when you need it most.
Contact Our Toronto Work Accident Lawyers at Goodman Elbassiouni LLP Today
Navigating your rights and entitlements can be complex, especially when you are not familiar with the legal system. The support, guidance, and resources provided by a legal professional can be extremely beneficial during injury claims. When it comes to repetitive strain injuries and the WSIB, a lawyer can help you understand the compensation you may be entitled to according to the board’s policies and the best way to pursue it.
Our Toronto work accident lawyers at Goodman Elbassiouni LLP have considerable experience with non-economic loss (NEL) recovery and repetitive strain and stress injuries. Our background provides us with a behind-the-scenes understanding of how the WSIB makes its decisions, meaning you can feel confident in your claim from your first meeting with our team. To schedule your free initial consultation and discuss the legal pathways available to you, contact us today.
