New Jersey Strains and Sprains Lawyer

Job Injury Attorneys Representing Employees Throughout New Jersey

Strains and sprains are some of the most common workplace injuries and are often caused by repetitive movements. Strains and sprains are not life-threatening injuries, but they still can cause significant pain and may impair a person’s ability to work. As a result, anyone who has suffered a strain or sprain in the workplace should speak to an attorney regarding whether he or she can recover medical and income benefits. If you suffered an injury in the workplace, the diligent New Jersey work injury lawyers at New Jersey Workers Compensation Lawyer of The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall will gather the evidence needed to establish the work-related nature of your injury, and we will zealously pursue any benefits that you may be owed.

You can reach us through our form online or at (934) 200-5372 to schedule a case evaluation.

Understanding Strains and Sprains

A strain occurs when a tendon or muscle is worked or stretched excessively. Sprains happen when a ligament that is connected to a joint is injured or stretched but does not tear or become dislocated. Strains and sprains can be caused by repetitive motions that place stress on muscles or joints, and they can also be caused by sudden injuries, such as a slip or trip-and-fall accident. Generally, people are more likely to suffer sprains in their knees, ankles, and wrists, while shoulders, hamstrings, and backs are areas where people often suffer strains. Sprains and strains are generally treated with noninvasive treatment, such as rest, physical therapy and assistive devices, but they can take a long time to heal.

Proving That a Strain or Sprain Is Work-Related

If an employee suffers an injury at work, he or she may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits. To recover benefits, the employee must establish that his or her injury occurred while he or she was in the course and scope of his or her job duties. When a strain or sprain is caused by a fall or another accident, it is generally easy to connect the injury to a workplace event. When a strain or sprain is caused by repetitive motions, though, the employer may argue that the injury did not occur while the employee was in the performance of his or her job. Therefore, the employee may need to undergo a physical examination by a doctor to assess whether the injury is work-related.

Common Workplace Scenarios Leading to Strains and Sprains

Strains and sprains are frequent injuries across various industries, not just in physically demanding fields like construction, manufacturing, and healthcare. These injuries can also occur in office settings, where repetitive tasks such as typing, prolonged use of machinery, or improper workstation setups put workers at risk. Additionally, employees in retail, food service, and warehousing face hazards like heavy lifting, sudden movements, or extended periods of standing, which can strain muscles and ligaments.

Common workplace conditions contributing to these injuries include

• Slippery or cluttered floors,
• Poor ergonomics,
• Inadequate safety training,
• Excessive workload demands.

For example, an improperly adjusted chair or keyboard can strain a worker's wrists or back over time, while a wet floor may result in a sudden slip leading to a sprained ankle or wrist.