Unlike other states that mandate workers use a company doctor for work-related injuries and conditions, New York statutes afford workers the right to use a doctor of their choice for their work injuries. However, when you go to the doctor, tell him/her about your work tasks that likely contributed to the injury so that he/she will document the work-related nature of your condition.
The first thing you’ll need to do is tell your employer. OHSA requires that employers identify and correct hazards such as those that lead to RSIs. Your employer cannot try to change and fix the job conditions if it isn’t aware of your injuries or that your job duties are causing a problem. So be open with your employer and tell your supervisor or HR manager about your symptoms. If your condition is work-related, it may be compensable under workers’ compensation laws. But, you’ll need to inform your employer and file a workers’ compensation claim in a timely manner so that all of your doctor’s appointments and treatments will be covered.
Unfortunately, finding a doctor who is competent to diagnose and treat RSI can be a challenge. Some doctors doubt the existence of RSI, and many others dismiss it as an insignificant problem. Some doctors don’t know the first thing about treatment, while others encourage their patients to undergo unnecessary (and possibly dangerous) surgery in hope of a quick fix. With that in mind, know that you must be careful and selective when choosing a physician.
Repetitive stress or repetitive motion is commonly seen in assembly line workers often perform the same task over and over again, which can cause the tissues to wear out. Tissue damage may cause significant pain, loss of use of muscle, and other health problems. Then there is exposure to harmful substances coming in contact with inhaling certain hazardous chemicals can cause serious injuries to workers in the manufacturing industry. Contact with equipment and objects is seen in factory workers who tend to suffer severe injuries including loss of limbs and crush injuries by getting caught in between or coming in contact with heavy equipment.
Some injuries are a result of machinery accidents, but continuous exposure to hazardous materials such as chemicals, plastics, metal, glass, and other similar substances can also cause illness. Failure to enforce safety codes and regulations also contribute to assembly line accidents. Negligent operation and machinery malfunctions are also a common cause of injuries. Lack of safety training also plays a major role in causing assembly line injuries.
At HURT-511, our personal injury lawyers help injured workers recover the benefits to which they are entitled by law. For a free consultation with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer, call us toll-free at 800-4878-511 or complete our online form. Our firm handles accident and injury claims throughout all five boroughs of New York.
HURT-511 operates in all boroughs of New York including all Bronx neighborhoods, namely: Bedford Park, Belmont, Fordham, Highbridge, Hunts Point, Jerome Park, Kingsbridge, Morris Park, Morrisania, Mott Haven, Parkchester, Riverdale, Spuyten Duyvil, Throgs Neck, University Heights