Work injuries can be devastating. They’re often painful and can lead to prolonged and even permanent disabilities. In some cases, they can even be fatal. When many people think of work injuries, they picture one-time accidents involving ladders, heavy machinery and equipment, and scaffolding. But many work injuries are subtler and occur over many months, years, or even decades. However, their consequences can be just as devastating as injuries that occur in an instant.
An Indiana workers’ compensation attorney at Stewart & Stewart knows that there are dozens of workplace-related injuries that leave people unable to return to their jobs for long periods of time. And sometimes, those injuries are the result of constant wear and tear on joints and muscles.
Two examples of underreported work-related injuries include:
- Repetitive-stress injuries – Employees who work in factory or warehouse jobs are prone to repetitive-stress injuries, as they must perform similar motions for hours at a time every day. Eventually, this can cause serious inflammation in muscles and joints.
- Overexertion injuries – Workers whose jobs are varied but involve manual labor can also develop serious injuries, especially if they must heavily exert themselves. People who must frequently lift, push, or pull heavy objects can develop debilitating pain and immobility in their arms, legs, and backs.
It’s important to speak with an attorney if you suspect that you were injured at work—even if it was an injury that took months or years to show up. Don’t delay, as waiting too long to seek medical attention and legal representation can jeopardize your claim. Get in touch with Stewart & Stewart today for a free consultation.