Strains And Sprains

Job Injury Attorneys Representing Employees Throughout New Jersey

Strains and sprains are some of the most common workplace injuries and are often caused by repetitive movements. Strains and sprains are not life-threatening injuries, but they still can cause significant pain and may impair a person’s ability to work. As a result, anyone who has suffered a strain or sprain in the workplace should speak to an attorney regarding whether he or she can recover medical and income benefits. If you suffered an injury in the workplace, the diligent New Jersey work injury lawyers at New Jersey Workers Compensation Lawyer of The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall will gather the evidence needed to establish the work-related nature of your injury, and we will zealously pursue any benefits that you may be owed.

Understanding Strains And Sprains

A strain occurs when a tendon or muscle is worked or stretched excessively. Sprains happen when a ligament that is connected to a joint is injured or stretched but does not tear or become dislocated. Strains and sprains can be caused by repetitive motions that place stress on muscles or joints, and they can also be caused by sudden injuries, such as a slip or trip-and-fall accident. Generally, people are more likely to suffer sprains in their knees, ankles, and wrists, while shoulders, hamstrings, and backs are areas where people often suffer strains. Sprains and strains are generally treated with noninvasive treatment, such as rest, physical therapy and assistive devices, but they can take a long time to heal.

Proving That A Strain Or Sprain Is Work-Related

If an employee suffers an injury at work, he or she may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits. To recover benefits, the employee must establish that his or her injury occurred while he or she was in the course and scope of his or her job duties. When a strain or sprain is caused by a fall or another accident, it is generally easy to connect the injury to a workplace event. When a strain or sprain is caused by repetitive motions, though, the employer may argue that the injury did not occur while the employee was in the performance of his or her job. Therefore, the employee may need to undergo a physical examination by a doctor to assess whether the injury is work-related.

Benefits That You Are Entitled To Recover

If your attorney can establish that you suffered a strain or sprain at work, you may receive medical benefits to cover any treatment that is reasonable and necessary, which usually includes physical therapy, braces, and assistive devices. In most cases, your employer can choose your treating physician. If an employer refuses to provide medical treatment, however, an employee may be able to seek treatment from a physician of his or her own choosing.

If you cannot work for more than seven days because of your strain or sprain, you may receive disability benefits as well. Temporary disability benefits are based on a percentage of your wages at the time of your injury, within specified limits. Temporary disability benefits will usually end when you reach maximum medical improvement, which means that your condition will no longer improve, or when you return to work. If you remain left with a partial permanent disability or a total permanent disability, you might be able to receive permanent disability benefits.

Talk To A Dedicated New Jersey Lawyer

Strains and sprains are often nagging injuries that cause pain and a diminished capacity to work for an extended duration. If you sustained a sprain or strain at work, it is wise to talk to an attorney about the benefits that you may be owed. At New Jersey Workers Compensation Lawyer of JFM Law, we have the resources and experience to prove your eligibility for benefits. We have offices in Freehold, New Brunswick and Toms River, and we regularly help people with workers’ compensation cases throughout New Jersey, including in Burlington, Atlantic, Bergen, Camden, Hudson, Essex, Middlesex, Mercer, Ocean, Somerset, Monmouth, Passaic and Union counties. You can reach us through our form online or at 866-916-3549 to schedule a case evaluation.