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Does Workers’ Comp Cover Stress Fractures in Pennsylvania?

Workers’ Compensation covers any work-related injury in Pennsylvania, including seemingly minor injuries like stress fractures.

If you sustained stress fractures or repetitive motion injuries at work, that should be covered by your employer’s Workers’ Compensation insurance in Pennsylvania. These injuries are often caused by repeated use or force, making certain workers more prone to sustaining stress fractures. For example, trade workers, like construction workers and carpenters, may be more susceptible to stress fractures in certain areas of the body. The same can be said for warehouse employees, retail workers, and workers who spend considerable time on their electronic devices.

Call Lerner, Steinberg & Associates at (215) 355-6400 and schedule a free case evaluation with our Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation lawyers today.

Will Workers’ Comp Cover My Stress Fractures in Pennsylvania?

Workers’ Compensation in Pennsylvania covers most work-related injuries, including stress fractures. To get benefits, it is important to prove that your stress fractures were caused by your responsibilities at work.

Stress fractures typically occur because of overuse. Unlike other common workplace injuries, one serious accident might not cause a stress fracture. Because of that, there may not be reports of you sustaining your injuries at work, making it more difficult to recover Workers’ Compensation.

That said, our Jenkintown, PA Workers’ Compensation lawyers can prove, by using your medical records and providing detailed explanations of the scope of your employment, how you sustained stress fractures while working at your job. For example, if your job requires you to be on your feet for the majority of the day, stress fractures in the toes or the top of your foot are more easily attributed to workplace injuries. Getting benefits for this type of injury is important, as stress fractures in the hands and feet can prevent you from engaging in your previous responsibilities and earning an income.

Even if your employer offers you a transitional job as you heal from stress fractures or repetitive motion injuries, filing a Workers’ Compensation claim is important. Transitional jobs might be less lucrative for injured workers, meaning they may still be eligible for some lost wage benefits from their employer’s Workers’ Compensation insurance.

If the Workers’ Compensation carrier refuses to approve your claim because it does not agree that your activity at work caused your stress fractures, you can go to court over the matter.

Getting Stress Fractures Diagnosed for Workers’ Comp in Pennsylvania

To get Workers’ Compensation benefits for a stress fracture or repetitive motion injury, you must get your injuries diagnosed. This means visiting a doctor approved by your employer’s Workers’ Compensation carrier in Pennsylvania.

Most insurance companies in Pennsylvania require injured workers to see a medical professional of their choosing before claimants can get benefits. This is best done as soon as you see signs of a stress fracture. Injured workers can get further confirmation of their injuries from doctor they are more comfortable with if they choose, like their primary care physicians. Confirmations of stress fractures from multiple medical professionals can be helpful.

If you do not get stress fractures diagnosed and treated, you may be unable to get Workers’ Compensation benefits in Pennsylvania. Your employer’s Workers’ Compensation carrier will not take your word about being injured and provide you with benefits without the proper medical documentation.

Why Do Stress Fractures Happen at Work in Pennsylvania?

Certain jobs can cause stress fractures, which result from continuous overuse. If you engage in repetitive motions over a long period of time and without sufficient breaks, you might sustain stress fractures.

Stress fractures are small cracks in bones. You might be alerted to a possible stress fracture by swelling, pain, or aching. These injuries are often classified as repetitive motion injuries, as they are born out of doing the same thing over and over again.

Certain jobs require repetitive motion day in and day out. Over time, these activities can cause stress fractures, making it difficult for employees to work. Continuing to engage in repetitive motions or other activities that might aggravate a stress fracture can cause these injuries to worsen.

What Pennsylvania Workers Are Most Likely to Sustain Stress Fractures?

Any worker who repetitively uses the same body parts to do their job might sustain stress fractures and qualify for Workers’ Compensation benefits in Pennsylvania. This includes construction workers, warehouse workers, and retail workers. Even people who work at a laptop and type all day might sustain repetitive motion injuries.

Trade Workers

Trade workers are often very active. These workers might sustain stress fractures, which can increase in likelihood and severity as they age, when carrying heavy objects or doing intricate construction work. For example, trade workers like carpenters, painters, mechanics, or electricians might experience stress fractures in their hands due to continuous repetitive motion.

Warehouse and Production Workers

Warehouse and production employees that work on assembly lines or moving goods might be more likely to sustain stress fractures in Pennsylvania. Stress fractures in the back are common among warehouse workers who have to lift heavy boxes or equipment, and stress fractures in the hands and feet are common among workers who operate on assembly lines and rarely change stations.

Online Workers

Even less physically rigorous jobs, like working on a computer, can cause stress fractures. Repetitive typing might cause stress fractures in the wrist, fingers, or hands that impede an employee’s ability to work. If your job directly causes such injuries, you may be eligible for Workers’ Compensation benefits in Pennsylvania. Workers’ Compensation isn’t reserved only for people in physically demanding professions.

Retail Workers

Retail workers may have to move around heavy boxes and be on their feet all day. This includes many types of retail workers, including those who work in clothing stores and grocery stores. Stocking goods can cause repetitive motion injuries and stress fractures, making you eligible for Workers’ Compensation benefits.

File a Workers’ Comp Claim for Stress Fractures in Pennsylvania Today

For a free case evaluation with our Bucks County Workers’ Compensation lawyers, call Lerner, Steinberg & Associates at (215) 355-6400 today.