The image of the injured worker that most often comes to mind is that blink and you’ll miss it moments when something goes wrong, and there is a visible injury that requires immediate attention.
Industries like construction or agriculture are often seen as more dangerous. While this is generally true, it’s a mistake to assume a desk job is harmless. People who, for instance, sit behind a computer for most of the day as part of their job can experience what is called a repetitive stress injury.
How It Can Occur
If you work on a computer, you are most likely forced to remain in the same position and perform the same movements over and over again. For instance, using a mouse is known to cause carpal tunnel syndrome, but that’s far from the only condition.
Additionally, computer work can also cause:
- Posture issues if you are not sitting straight at your desk
- Eye/vision problems as your eyes are focusing on the same point for a long period of time
- Tendon or muscle pains or swelling, etc.
Can You Be Compensated?
The short answer is yes. As long as you work for a company that legally has to provide workers compensation to its employees, you can file a claim for your computer work injury.
You’ll have to notify your employer of your injury. Under the law, your employer has a right to choose the doctor that will give the check up and administer the treatment. If you see a doctor before you notify your employer, the insurance company may refuse to cover that bill if the doctor isn’t on their list of collaborating physicians.
However, if you do see a doctor first, tell your employer of your consultation and injury as soon as you can, preferably as soon as you get the diagnosis. It’s possible to argue that you were initially not aware this was a work injury, and only found out after the compensation. But the more treatment you get without your boss knowing, the harder it may be to get compensated.
After you notify your employer, you can begin your treatment. Note that some employers or insurance companies might dismiss these injuries as less severe and try to get out of providing workers comp. This is why it is important to speak with a work injury attorney as soon as possible after a work injury.
Workers Compensation for Desk Workers
Though less dramatic, injuries caused by computer work are nothing to ignore. They can cause pain and uncomfortable situations, and Missouri law says you are entitled to compensation for any injury caused by your job.
To make sure you don’t hit any bumps along the way, please reach out to a Missouri workers compensation attorney and work with them on filling the claim. Give us a call 24/7 at (816) 399-3706 for a FREE consultation.
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