DBA Benefits for Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSIs)

Posted on Wednesday July 29, 2020

It is possible to obtain Defense Base Act benefits for a repetitive stress injury, which can include many types of painful conditions. You want to have a DBA attorney helping you receive the benefits you need for medical care and missed work. 

When you think of a work-related injury – especially as an overseas defense contractor – you might think of a sudden accident that occurs that results in an acute traumatic injury. However, many people sustain job-related injuries over time due to the repetitive nature of their work. Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) are also commonly called overuse injuries, and they can develop due to many types of repetitive tasks that put too much strain on certain muscles, joints, bone, or soft tissue.

While an RSI might not seem as serious as a traumatic injury from an unexpected accident, these injuries can have debilitating effects on a person’s life. While domestic employees can seek workers’ compensation benefits to cover their medical expenses and lost income, contractors working for the U.S. in foreign countries will need to file a claim under the Defense Base Act (DBA). It is important to call the DBA attorneys at Mara Law Firm for assistance right away. 

Common Work-Related RSIs

RSIs can result from many different types of repetitive motions, whether they are small or large movements. Some motions that can lead to injury are:

• Grasping tools
• Typing or using a mouse for a computer
• Swiping items at a retail store
• Lifting or hoisting objects
• Twisting or turning knobs
• Sitting for long hours
• Assembly line work

These movements might seem harmless, though they can lead to a variety of RSIs. Some of the more common repetitive stress injuries include the following:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome – This condition develops due to the compression of your median nerve in your wrist and hand. It can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in your hand and fingers.

• Tendonitis – If you regularly move a joint in repetitive ways, it can cause inflammation of your tendon, which is painful and limits movement. This is common in the shoulder, wrist, knees, and elbows.

• Bursitis – Your joints are cushioned by fluid-filled sacs called bursae, and repetitive stress can cause the inflammation of your bursae, which can lead to pain, redness, swelling, and other symptoms.

• Tennis elbow – Officially called lateral epicondylitis, tennis elbow is a painful inflammation of your joint when you try to extend or straighten your arm. Tennis is not the only cause of this condition, and any repetitive twisting or turning of your elbow can lead to this injury. 

Your DBA claim will require you to show that your RSI was from your job duties – and not from activities outside of work. This can be complicated, and you want the right lawyer preparing and handling the claim process for you. 

Consult with Our Experienced DBA Attorneys for Help

The Mara Law Firm helps with DBA claims stemming from all types of conditions, including repetitive stress injuries. Call (619) 234-2833 or contact us online to discuss the many ways we can help you get the benefits you deserve.