An overexertion injury occurs when a person repetitively performs an activity that causes an injury. Overexertion injuries are very common workplace injuries. These injuries often lead to a musculoskeletal disorder that can cause debilitating pain and can often prevent a person from returning to work.
Not all overexertion injuries require immediate medical attention, however over time, a person to suffer from chronic pain and leading to a mountain of medical bills. You could have a worker’s compensation claim if you have been injured on the job due to overexertion. Let Cincinnati workers’ compensation attorney Mark L. Newman handle your claim to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Call our law firm today at (513) 533-2009 or fill out the contact form on our website to set up a consultation today.
Overexertion Definition
Overexertion is defined as exerting oneself too much. Simply put, overexertion happens when a person pushes themself too hard. These on-the-job injuries affect employees who perform strenuous tasks. Everyone is impacted differently by overexertion injuries, and the side effects will vary depending on age, medical history, and environment/workplace. You can be susceptible to overexertion injuries when sitting, standing, lifting, or doing any activity without frequent breaks.
Common Types of Overexertion Injuries
Overexertion injuries most often affect the musculoskeletal system, bones, muscles, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissue that support and move the body. The following are the most common injuries caused by physical overexertion:
- Back injuries are the most common overexertion injuries. They can vary from mild strains to severe spinal cord injuries. Back injuries can prevent an employee from returning to work and can often involve surgery and physical therapy.
- Muscle strains occur when a person pushes too hard when lifting, pulling, or carrying heavy objects. While they may not be a severe injury, they can be painful and can keep someone from working for a period of time.
- Neck injuries from overexertion can range from a mild strain to more debilitating injury. Not only can this prevent a person from returning from work, but it can also prevent them from performing everyday tasks.
- Joint, tendon, and connective tissue injuries are often caused by lifting, pushing, pulling, holding, or carrying. These movements over time can lead to tendon tears, dislocated joints, inflamed connective tissues, and more.
- Heat exhaustion can be considered an overexertion injury when an employee is repeatedly exposed to hot temperatures without a break. This can lead to heat stroke and heat cramps and even render someone unconscious.
What Causes Overexertion Injuries?
Many activities in the workplace can cause overexertion injuries. Some industries might have a higher overexertion injury risk, but these injuries can happen in any work environment. Common causes of overexertion injuries include:
- Boxes lifted overhead
- Pulling/pushing heavy crates
- Carrying heavy or awkward objects over a period of time
- Long stretches of standing, sitting, bending, or remaining in an awkward position without a break
- Performing repetitive tasks
- Poor ventilation
- Extreme temperatures
- Walking or moving too long without a break
- Lifting patients (such as in nursing and healthcare professions)
Are Repetitive Stress Movements and Overexertion Injuries the Same?
Repetitive stress movements, also known as repetitive motion injuries, and overexertion are the second leading cause of work-related injuries. Repetitive stress movements occur when an employee performs the same tasks repeatedly and are a common type of overexertion injury. Repetitive movement causes stress or damage to muscles, tendons, and nerves.
Though they are not one and the same, when an employee performs the same repetitive motion over time, it can lead to an overexertion injury. For example, if a worker repeats the same physical activity like lifting a heavy object without taking a break, for example, this can lead to an overexertion injury. You could be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if you’ve been injured from overexertion or repetitive stress movement. For over 30 years, Mark L. Newman has been fighting for the rights of injured workers. Call our law firm at (513) 533-2009 to schedule a consultation today.
What Happens When You Receive an Overexertion Injury at Work?
Employers should make sure their employees receive proper training to avoid overexertion. Unfortunately, some workplace injuries are unavoidable, especially those involving excessive physical effort or repetitive movements. If you’ve been injured on the job due to overexertion, you must notify your employer of the injury. Failure to report your injury could prevent you from receiving workers’ compensation benefits. It’s also crucial to seek medical treatment following your injury, as the medical reports and records can help your worker’s compensation claim.
If you’ve suffered injuries at your workplace due to overexertion, you could be entitled to benefits through a worker’s compensation claim. If you’re in the process of filing a claim, it’s best to have an experienced workers’ comp attorney with you from day one. Not only will they help you keep up with the paperwork from filing a claim, but they can fight for your rights if your claim is denied.
Experienced Workers’ Compensation Attorney for Overexertion Injury Victims in Ohio
When dealing with injuries from overexertion at work, you want an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer on your side. For over 30 years, Mark L. Newman has been the voice of injured workers in Ohio and has fought for them to receive the benefits they deserve. Don’t go through this alone. Call our law firm today at (513) 533-2009 or contact us online today.
