A muscle injury is painful and can prevent workers from being able to their job. These injuries can be treated, but medical expenses can add up and a worker may lose income during recovery. The experienced workers’ compensation attorneys at Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP, helps injured workers get the benefits they deserve after a muscle injury.
People in any kind of workplace can experience a muscle injury, but workers in certain jobs are at higher risk. These include construction workers, warehouse workers, delivery drivers, nursing home staff members and landscapers. Any job that requires frequent lifting, bending, reaching, pulling or pushing can put a worker at risk.
Injuries can also occur to tendons and ligaments connected to muscle. A worker can suffer an on-the-job injury in different parts of the body, including the shoulder, arm, leg, back, ankle or foot. Muscles can be strained or sprained, ligaments can be torn and tendons can become pinched and inflamed.
Whether Sudden or Over Time, a Muscle Injury Affects Your Life
An injury can occur suddenly-for example, after lifting a heavy object, or from slipping and falling. Or, the injury may occur over time from overexertion after performing the same motions over and over, causing the muscle to break down.
Doctors and specialists can help treat these types of injuries. Depending on the severity and type of injury, this treatment may involve physical therapy and in some cases, surgery. Treatment also typically involves resting the muscle, which means the worker may be left temporarily unable to perform the functions of his or her job.
In Illinois, injured workers are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits that can help them financially. These benefits include 100% coverage for all necessary medical treatment. They also include two-thirds of the worker’s average weekly wage while they are unable to work.
We Can Help You Fight for the Benefits You Need
But the process of applying for benefits can be difficult. Employers must be notified of the injury, the correct paperwork needs to be filled out with the necessary information, and deadlines must be met. In addition, employers and insurance companies may dispute the extent of your injury, and question whether you are really unable to work.
That’s why you need an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to fight for your rights. We gather evidence-including accident reports, medical records and witness statements-that proves you were injured on the job and deserve benefits. If your claim is denied, we will provide vigorous representation at all hearings during the appeals process.
If you have suffered a muscle injury at the workplace, schedule a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you with your workers’ compensation claim.
