Is Workers’ Comp Just for Accident Injuries?

 Posted on April 11, 2025 in Workers' Compensation

You probably know that if you get hurt in an accident at work, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance should pay your medical bills and part of the wages you lose if you are out of work because of your injury. Some people believe the only time workers’ comp pays is after a workplace accident. However, that is not the case.

Workers’ comp also covers work-related illnesses and repetitive stress injuries. Just because your condition should be covered, do not expect to receive full benefits. Like most insurers, workers’ comp insurance companies would rather keep their profits rather than pay claims fairly. Our dedicated Bloomington, IL workers’ compensation lawyers refuse to let an insurer take advantage of our clients.

What Kinds of Occupational Illnesses Are Covered by Workers’ Comp?

Work-related diseases and illnesses vary depending on your occupation. Common ones include:

• Lung, heart, and brain disease
• Skin disorders
• High blood pressure
• Cancer
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Joint and muscle disorders

These conditions have a wide variety of causes, such as stress, extreme cold or heat, breathing dangerous fumes, and exposure to toxic chemicals. Most of these conditions develop over time. That gives an insurer plenty of room to say that your job did not cause your condition.

What Are Common Work-Related Repetitive Stress Injuries?

Your job duties may require you to perform the same motions over and over. That can stress your muscles, joints, nerves, and tendons. Assembly line work can cause back issues if you have to twist your body constantly. Using a mouse and keyboard can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. Bursitis, which is a type of joint inflammation, often affects elbows, knees, shoulders, and hips. Lifting heavy objects, particularly over your head, can lead to rotator cuff tendinitis.

These conditions can cause severe, long-lasting pain. You may need surgery, which means medical bills and time away from work.

Why Do I Need a Lawyer for a Work-Related Illness or Repetitive Stress Injury?

As an injured or ill worker, you have the right to collect the full workers’ comp benefits you are entitled to. Although work-related, the workers’ comp insurer may deny your claim. They may say that because an accident did not cause your injuries, they did not happen at or because of work. They could claim that your illness developed on your own time, without any work-related cause. You will need evidence proving otherwise.

We know the kinds of evidence needed to support your claim, and we know how to get it. We also know how to deal with insurance companies and force them to pay valid claims. We can make sure you get the benefits you deserve.

Call Our Skilled Peoria, IL Workers’ Compensation Lawyers

You do not have to fight for workers’ comp benefits alone. You can count on our determined Springfield, IL repetitive stress injuries attorneys to be by your side. Call Kanoski Bresney at 888-826-8682 now to schedule your free consultation.