Hamstring injuries sustained at work
The three muscles located in the back of the thighs are known as the hamstring muscles. They may get injured due to several reasons. Sometimes, it may be a minor injury which can be taken care of at home. However, a serious injury may require medical assistance and much rest. This means that a worker who sustains a hamstring injury on the job will likely be facing lost wages and mounting medical expenses. Fortunately, workers can seek workers compensation benefits for a hamstring injury.
How Do Hamstring Injuries Occur
A hamstring injury occurs when a person puts a lot of strain on the hamstring muscles, or pulls them, and thereby tears them. Usually, sportsmen who play basketball and soccer sustain such injuries because they run and stop suddenly. Workers may hurt their hamstring muscles while performing their work-related duties.
There is a greater chance of hamstring injuries when a person's quadriceps are more developed, compared to their hamstring muscles.
When the hamstring muscles are injured the area generally becomes swollen and the person experiences severe pain in the back part of the thigh.
Workers compensation for hamstring injuries
A worker who has injured his hamstring muscles may not be in a position to walk because it may not be possible to put his weight on the injured leg. Even if he manages to do so, it may be very painful to walk.
A worker who has injured their hamstring typically cannot go back to work until they have recovered completely because there are chances of sustaining another injury. If a hamstring injury is not given due care, the other muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and the kneecap may also get injured.
If a worker is injured while performing his duties at work he should inform the employer as soon as possible. He should also contact a doctor and get medical assistance promptly.
Why Compensation May Be Denied
If you have been injured, your employer and their insurance company may say that there was a prior injury which led to the present one and therefore deny your workers compensation claim.
But this is not an adequate argument to deny reimbursement. A worker can claim for compensation even if there was a pre-existing injury.
Workers have to show that work is the major reason for the injury they have suffered. They will have to prove that the pre-existing injury has been worsened by the work performed by him. The worker can show the previous imaging along with the existing imaging to confirm that a new hamstring injury has occurred due to the workplace accident.
The worker can also present other pieces of evidence. They can use the documents related to the medical treatment and the recommendations of the doctors. It is generally in your best interests to speak with a St. Louis work injury lawyer for help proving that the hamstring injury is work related and you get the benefits you deserve.
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