Can You File for Texas Workers Compensation for Repetitive Strain Injuries?
One of the most contentious medical conditions under the Texas Workers Compensation system is the condition known as Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). This is a condition caused by the damage of various areas of the body noted for having delicate tissues such as the tendons and the main cause of RSI is the repeated use of the same parts of the body for the same tasks without variation. This condition has been contentious because there are a few doctors in the United States that claim that this condition doesn’t exist and therefore insurers under the Texas Workers Compensation program sometimes try to hang onto that assertion in order to avoid the payment of the necessary financial and medical benefits to employees that develop this condition.
Repetitive Use of Computers Found to Be Number One Cause of RSI under Texas Workers Compensation
Majority of those that file for Texas Workers Compensation benefits as a result of RSI are those that find themselves in working environments where they have to use a personal computer all day. It is no secret that most workers type on their computers all day and this causes a lot of discomfort in their hands, wrists and related areas of the body. In some cases, the level of discomfort deteriorates to the extent that affected workers are unable to utilize their hands for other tasks such as carrying items or even driving. So, can you successfully file a Texas Workers Compensation claim for suffering a Repetitive Strain Injury?
Employees Are Eligible to File Texas Workers Compensation Claim for RSIs
Repetitive Strain Injury is regarded as a real medical condition by majority of physicians in the country and if you find yourself doing the same tasks over and over again then you may develop the condition. As such, you should be able to file Texas Workers Compensation claim for RSI as long as there is evidence to suggest that officially assigned responsibilities expose you to the risk of suffering from the condition. Filing a Texas Workers Compensation claim for RSI shouldn’t be different from other conditions suffered by workers and insurance carriers in Texas are required to provide the same level of support for your condition.
You should be able to receive treatment from a Texas Workers Compensation approved treating doctor of your choice as stipulated by Texas laws and you should in no way be forced to seek treatment from company doctors or those preferred by your employer. Your employer’s Texas Workers Compensation insurer should provide treatment for your condition based on the recommendation of your doctor. Keep in mind that physicians usually prescribe various medications ranging from pain killers to anti-inflammatory drugs to treat RSI.
In some cases, injured workers under Texas Workers Compensation may require physical therapy in order to treat their RSIs. There have been other situations where surgery has been prescribed for the treatment of Repetitive Strain injuries and your Texas Workers Compensation insurance adjuster is required by law to grant the necessary authorization for treatment. If you are having any problem getting the right form of treatment for RSI then you should get in touch with an experienced Texas Workers Compensation lawyer as soon as possible.