Today’s typical worker is subject to far less risk of bodily injury than at any time in history. As our society has moved from being dominated by heavy industry to an information-based economy, office jobs have become the norm, with high-risk, dangerous jobs being more specialized and less common. However, these less-dangerous jobs do not come without risk of injury, and we are seeing repetitive motion and stress injury diagnoses are at an all-time high. To protect yourself and your body, it’s important to know the causes and early warnings of these types of injuries. In Milwaukee, Domnitz & Domnitz Law are your workplace injury attorneys, and we can offer you some valuable advice based on our experience serving injured Wisconsin workers for over 55 years.
While modern medical science has given employers a much better understanding of proper body mechanics, ergonomics, and the human factors involved in preventing repetitive motion injuries, these principles are rarely implemented correctly. Every individual has unique needs that should be addressed on a case-by-case basis to ensure they are seated properly, using ergonomic tools and practicing proper movement and mechanics. While most companies make an attempt to provide for these needs, they rarely have the resources to ensure that all employees are avoiding injury at all times.
For this reason, employees need to educate themselves and learn what steps need to be taken to avoid injury. A quick internet search will give you valuable information about things like proper computer monitor height, the benefits of keyboard/mouse wrist-rests, the need to stand frequently and move often, and proper office chair adjustments. Discuss these items with your supervisor, and make sure that any needs you have to improve your working conditions are met.
Prevention is the first step, and early detection is your next line of defense. Be aware of movements that you frequently make as you go about your workday. Pay attention to any numbness or tingling in your fingers, pain in your elbow or shoulder, and odd sensations in your arms. These sensations can be experienced in different parts of the body from where the injury is actually located, a phenomenon called “referred pain”. If you experience symptoms that last more than a few days, you may choose to discuss this with your supervisor, and schedule an appointment with a doctor to diagnose the issue.
If your injury proves to be a work-related injury, you have legal rights that need to be addressed. This is obviously a very confusing and complicated area of the law that will require the constant guidance of an experienced legal professional. With more than 55 years experience, Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. understands all applicable personal injury and liability statutes and their interplay with Workers’ Compensation claims. We can sort through the confusion to determine the best course to a maximum recovery.
Contact Domnitz & Domnitz today
At Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C., we have the resources to provide top-notch representation in workplace injury cases. Contact our Milwaukee personal injury attorneys online or call 414-289-0909 immediately after a work accident for a free consultation and review of your legal rights from respected Milwaukee workplace injury attorneys.