Workers’ Compensation for Job-Related Tendonitis

Tendonitis is a common workplace injury that develops gradually from repetitive tasks. As an Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyer, John Foy and his team understand how challenging tendonitis can be to treat and recover from. 

If you’ve been diagnosed with tendonitis caused or exacerbated by your job duties, you may be eligible for benefits under Georgia’s Workers’ Compensation Act. Workers’ comp financially compensates employees who become injured or ill due to their employment. 

At John Foy & Associates, our experienced attorneys can guide you through navigating your tendonitis claim. They know how to maximize your entitlement to benefits under Georgia law. Here’s what to know about job-related tendonitis and workers’ compensation.

What Is Tendonitis?

Tendonitis is the inflammation of a tendon, usually caused by overuse or repetitive motion. Jobs that require repetitive tasks like lifting, gripping, grasping, elbow flexion, or pinching can put workers at risk. Many jobs, including office jobs, have repetitive tasks that cause tendonitis.

Common symptoms include pain, tenderness, stiffness, or swelling in the tendon area. Pain is usually worsened by activities that stress the tendon and relieved by rest. Since rest is required to heal tendonitis, workers with job-related tendonitis should take time off to recover.

Some common examples include elbow tendonitis, known as tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow. Wrist tendonitis is also fairly prevalent, as are shoulder tendonitis and Achilles tendonitis in the ankle. An Atlanta personal injury lawyer can help you get compensation for these injuries.

When Is Tendonitis Considered a Job-Related Injury?

For tendonitis to be covered by workers’ compensation in Georgia, it must meet certain criteria. First, the job duties must be determined to be the primary cause. If an activity outside of work, such as a hobby or pre-existing condition, is found to be the main contributing factor, benefits may be denied.

Second, the link between job duties and tendonitis must not be too remote or speculative. You’ll need to show that something related to your job could cause or exacerbate a tendon problem, like prolonged gripping or pinching motions.

Finally, the tendonitis must have either developed from or been substantially aggravated by job activities. Proper medical documentation is key to satisfying all elements and qualifying the injury as work-related. Workers’ compensation lawyers can help you get it.

What Benefits Can I Receive Under Workers’ Comp for Tendonitis?

If your tendonitis claim is deemed compensable under Georgia’s Workers’ Compensation Act, you may be eligible to receive all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to evaluating and treating your condition. 

You also may receive temporary total disability (TTD) wage replacement benefits if your doctor deems you unable to perform your regular job duties or any other available work while recovering. TTD is paid at a percentage of your average weekly wage.

In some cases of chronic tendonitis, you could qualify for permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits. It is in your best interest to work with an experienced Georgia workers’ comp attorney to ensure you receive all benefits allowed under the statute for your particular injury.

Are There Georgia Laws That Could Impact a Workers’ Comp Claim for My Tendonitis?

Yes, there are a few Georgia-specific laws that can impact a workers’ compensation claim for job-related tendonitis:

• Statute of limitations: In Georgia, employees have just one year from the date of accident/injury or last authorized medical treatment to file a claim. Missing this deadline can bar recovery due to the statute of limitations.
• Aggravation of pre-existing condition: Georgia law allows recovery if an on-the-job injury materially aggravates a pre-existing condition like tendonitis. Proof is needed to show your work substantially contributed to or exacerbated the condition.
• Employment status: Only employees, not independent contractors, are covered under Georgia’s Workers’ Compensation Act. Determining proper classification can factor into a claim.
• Average weekly wage: Benefits are based on an “average weekly wage” calculation. Disputes over wage calculations may impact benefit amounts.
• Change of physician: Injured workers may seek one change of physician during their claim under Georgia Workers’ Compensation Law. Additional changes require authorization to avoid benefit delays.

An attorney can help navigate these Georgia-specific statutes to maximize the strength of your tendonitis workers’ comp claim.

How Can an Attorney Help With Workers’ Compensation for Job-Related Tendonitis?

Workers’ comp attorneys like those at John Foy & Associates can assist with filing paperwork, managing communications, identifying additional benefits, advocating if the claim is denied, and helping to resolve the claim quickly and with the best possible settlement. 

Doing your claim alone is possible, but there is every possibility that there could be a mistake or omission on your claim that could affect your benefits. By using a lawyer, you can make sure it’s done right the first time.

If you’re facing a workers’ compensation denial for job-related tendonitis, you should speak with an attorney immediately about your situation. You have a limited amount of time to secure a lawyer’s help before your hearing. The sooner you start, the better your chances will be to win.