What Determines if an Injury is a Work Injury?

Repetitive motion injuries are a common ailment suffered by many people in New Jersey and across the country. In today’s workplace where so many functions are performed at a computer keyboard or using another type of computer interface over many hours a day, repetitive motion injuries are a constant threat to workers. Determining if an injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, can be considered a work injury can be a gray area.

In a recent case in another state a person suffered musculoskeletal damage to both wrists and required surgery. The employee claimed it was a work-related condition. The employer was unsure as to whether the condition was caused solely by work-related factors and whether the claim had to be reported to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. An on-the-job injury must be reported to OSHA within 7 days.

If a pre-existing injury or disorder is aggravated by job-related activities it can be considered a work injury. The work environment does not need to be the sole cause of the wound. It just needs to be a contributing factor.

If an employee in New Jersey believes he or she has suffered a work injury and has questions about available benefits, an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help. A lawyer can review the facts of the case and help the client to understand the law as it pertains to one’s injury. An attorney can then advise the client as to workers’ compensation eligibility and assist the client with obtaining any and all available benefits.