How is disability defined?

The Social Security Administration defines disability as the inability to do a “substantial gainful activity,” or SGA. SGA requires significant physical or mental activities, or a combination of both, while working either part-time or full-time. Generally, if an individual earns more than $1310 per month (unless they are blind) they are considered to be performing SGA. In order to meet the definition of being disabled, disability, your medical conditions must prevent you from performing work activities. “Gainful” means that the work can be done for pay or profit. There are two types of Social Security disability benefits: Supplementary Security Income, and Social Security Disability Insurance.

How is SSI different from Social Security Benefits?

A recipient of SSI can also receive Social Security benefits, and can apply for both programs with the same process. However, the two programs are different in a number of ways. SSI benefits are not determined by work history – meaning how long the recipient worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI and Social Security are funded differently. SSI financed by general funds of the U.S. Treasury, collected from personal income taxes, corporate and other taxes. Social Security taxes collected under FICA do not fund the SSI program. SSI recipients may be eligible for other federal benefits. In most States, SSI recipients also can get medical assistance under Medicaid for expenses such as hospital stays, doctor bills, and prescription drugs, as well as food assistance.

Des Moines Repetitive Stress Injury Lawyers

Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) are painful conditions caused by overuse of one part of the body—most often experienced in the workplace. These injuries are typically preventable if employers provide appropriate conditions for their workers. Sadly, these types of injuries can sideline a victim for a long time, leaving them unable to do their job or other basic activities.

At Iowa Lawyers, our experienced Des Moines repetitive stress injury lawyers are dedicated to helping injured workers through Iowa’s workers’ compensation laws to secure the benefits they deserve. If you’re suffering from an RSI, we’re here to help.

What Are Repetitive Stress Injuries?

Repetitive stress injuries are caused by overuse or repetitive motions that strain specific parts of the body over time. Unlike sudden injuries, RSIs develop over time, often due to prolonged activities or poor ergonomics.

Examples of common RSIs include:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Nerve compression in the wrist causing pain, tingling, and weakness
Tendinitis: Inflammation of tendons due to repetitive strain
Bursitis: Inflammation of fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion joints
Rotator Cuff Injuries: Strains or tears in the shoulder caused by repetitive overhead motions

These injuries can be excruciatingly painful and can significantly limit your ability to work and perform daily activities.

Common Causes of Repetitive Stress Injuries

Workplace environments are a leading cause of RSIs. Contributing factors include:

Poor Ergonomics: Improper workstation setups, such as poorly positioned keyboards or desks
Repetitive Motions: Tasks like typing, assembly line work, or scanning items in retail settings
Lack of Breaks: Long stretches of repetitive activities without proper breaks or rest periods
Insufficient Training: Failure to educate employees about injury prevention or proper techniques

It is every employer’s responsibility to provide a safe work environment, including proper ergonomics and training to minimize the risk of RSIs.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Repetitive Stress Injuries

Recognizing the symptoms of RSIs early is crucial for effective treatment.

Common symptoms include:

Pain and Stiffness: Persistent in affected area
Numbness or Tingling: Can be caused by nerve compression
Weakness or Reduced Range of Motion: Difficulty performing routine tasks
Swelling or Inflammation: Visible signs of strain or injury

A proper diagnosis may require physical exams, imaging studies (e.g., X-rays, MRIs), or nerve tests to determine the severity of the condition.

Legal Options for Repetitive Stress Injury Sufferers

Filing a workers’ compensation claim for an RSI can be difficult. These injuries are not always immediately obvious, so challenges include:

Proving the Injury is Work-Related: It’s important to show that repetitive tasks or workplace conditions caused the injury.
Addressing Denied Claims: Employers or insurers may argue that the condition is pre-existing or unrelated to work.

An experienced lawyer can help you over these hurdles by gathering medical evidence, documenting workplace conditions, and negotiating on your behalf.

Compensation for Repetitive Stress Injury Cases

Workers experiencing RSIs may be entitled to various forms of compensation under Iowa workers’ compensation laws, including:

Medical Expenses: Coverage for doctor visits, physical therapy, surgeries, and rehabilitation
Wage Replacement: Compensation for lost income during recovery
Permanent Disability Benefits: Additional compensation if the injury results in long-lasting impairment

Our team will work to help you receive the full benefits you are entitled to under the law.

Why Choose Iowa Lawyers?

At Iowa Lawyers, our workers’ compensation attorneys have years of experience handling workers’ compensation claims, including those involving RSIs. Here’s why injured workers trust us with their claims:

In-Depth Knowledge: We understand Iowa workers’ compensation laws and how to handle the claims process effectively.
Experience With RSI Cases: We have a strong track record of helping clients secure the benefits they need to recover from work-related injuries.
Personalized Attention: We prioritize your well-being by always considering what makes your situation unique. We take every aspect of your situation into account so that we can effectively fight for the maximum compensation available.

Steps to Take After a Repetitive Stress Injury Diagnosis

If you’ve been diagnosed with an RSI, take the following steps to protect your rights:

Report the Injury: Notify your employer of your injury and diagnosis immediately.
Seek Medical Attention: Follow through with all recommended treatments and keep detailed records.
Consult an Attorney: Contact an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer to evaluate your claim and ensure deadlines are met.

Contact Our Des Moines Repetitive Stress Injury Lawyers Today

If you’re suffering from a repetitive stress injury caused by your work environment, don’t attempt to handle Iowa’s workers’ compensation system alone. Contact Iowa Lawyers today for a free consultation. Let us help you secure the benefits you need to move forward.