Most employees do whatever it takes to get the job done. Over time, the repetitiveness required of a position can cause joints to wear down or even become overstretched. While a person may try to ignore the symptoms, sprains and strains can result in debilitating pain.
Certain fields are more prone to sprains and strains. If you have suffered an injury, our attorneys are available to ensure that you receive the full extent of no-fault workers’ compensation benefits.
Sprains versus Strains
A ligament is a fibrous tissue that connects bones, joints, and organs. When a ligament is stretched or torn, an individual has suffered a sprain. The most common type is an ankle sprain.
In contrast, a strain occurs when a tendon becomes overstretched. Tendons are fibrous tissue that connects muscles to bones. Since a strain involves a muscle, it most commonly occurs in the lower back or hamstring.
Occupations Most at Risk
Certain occupations are at a higher risk of suffering sprains and strains. These include:
Construction Workers
Sprains and strains are most common in the construction industry. With roughly thirty percent of the industry reporting lower back pain, the demands of lifting and carrying heavy items wreak havoc on a person’s body.
Janitors and Building Cleaners
Society relies on janitors and building cleaners to keep facilities in good condition, but the work is physically intensive. A janitor’s tasks require the individual to bend, squat, and even lift items. Data revealed that in a recent year, there were over 6,100 cases of cleaners sustaining sprains and strains.
Truck Drivers
Truckers spend continuous hours behind the wheel, often having to unload cargo when they reach their destination. The stiffness created by driving only causes their muscles to fatigue, making it more likely that a truck driver will suffer a sprain or strain when lifting heavy cargo.
Nurses
Nurses are the primary caretakers of bedridden patients, who require turning on a regular basis. In some cases, a nurse will need to lift and move a patient who is unable to do so. Nurses are the backbone of the healthcare system, but their work inherently puts their own backs at risk. Some of the most common injuries in nursing include lower back strain, rotator cuff injuries, and tendinitis.
Dental Hygienists
Due to the angle that is required to clean a patient’s teeth, dental hygienists are inclined to strain their neck. Additionally, with the various wrist movements required of hygienists, they may develop a compression of the ulnar nerve, known as cubital tunnel syndrome.
Workers’ Compensation Wage Replacement
Workers’ compensation benefits will start once an employee is unable to work for seven days due to a job-related injury. If a sprain or strain causes temporary disability, an individual will receive 70% of the average weekly wage (AWW) he or she was receiving prior to the injury.
Speak with a Cherry Hill Sprain and Strain Attorney
Nobody should physically suffer to make a living. If you have recently been injured or your workers’ compensation claim has been denied, our Cherry Hill sprain and strain attorneys are here to help. Contact us today online or by phone to schedule your free consultation.
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