Tennis elbow is a painful inflammation of tendons, making it painful to move the joint. It is an overuse injury, and it comes from people making the same motion over and over again. This is actually why it is called tennis elbow, as these athletes would often develop the painful condition due to the swinging motion of the racket. Professional tennis players have made that exact same motion millions of times, and it can lead to discomfort, pain and even the inability to play.
But you certainly do not have to play tennis in order to get this injury. Many workers also have to do similar repetitive motions, including butchers, painters, construction workers, plumbers and carpenters – just to name a few. Those who work on assembly lines may also be at risk, as they do the same task, repeatedly, day after day.
Can workers get compensation?
Yes, workers who are suffering from tennis elbow may be eligible for workers’ comp benefits. After all, they were still hurt on the job, even if it didn’t happen in a one-time event – like a fall from a ladder. An overuse injury could take years or even decades to develop.
The key lies in showing how the employment caused the condition. This is when medical evidence can be helpful. A doctor may be able to show exactly what type of injury the worker has, how severe it is, how it limits their ability to work and how long it is expected to last. When compared to the working conditions or the jobs that the employee was asked to do, it may be very clear what has caused these symptoms – and the underlying injury.
