Spend Your Days At A Desk? Clerical Worker Injuries That May Entitle You To Workers’ Compensation Benefits In Maryland
Administrative assistants, office coordinators, and data entry clerks are all common types of clerical jobs and offer the appeal of steady hours, decent pay, benefits, and paid time off. Clerical workers are in demand, but it is important to be aware of the risks.
Sitting at a desk all day and performing routine tasks on the job can take a heavy toll on your body, resulting in potentially debilitating injuries that prevent you from working. Our Maryland workers’ compensation attorney protects the rights of injured clerical workers, helping them get the benefits they are entitled to. Find out more about these injuries and how to file a claim.
Common Workers’ Compensation Injuries That Can Happen When You Spend Long Hours At A Desk
Business profiles for Maryland show that close to 300,000 residents hold clerical and office administrative positions. These jobs represent one of the most common types of employment in the state and include workers in healthcare, financial, retail, technology, and other industries.
Working at a desk all day may not appear physically challenging, but it can take a terrific toll on your musculoskeletal system. The National Safety Council warns that poor office ergonomics, repetitive stress, and overexertion in performing tasks are all common hazards and can cause injuries that include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome, causing pain in the wrists, hands, and arms;
- Tech or text neck due to looking down, resulting in stiffness and limited head mobility;
- Chronic mid- and lower-back pain due to herniated discs, stenosis, or other problems;
- Muscle sprains, strains, and tears;
- Restless legs and other nerve-related issues;
- Stiffness and limited mobility in hips, legs, or feet.
Remaining in a sedentary position eight or more hours a day can also contribute to and worsen chronic health conditions such as diabetes, depression, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
Maryland Workers’ Compensation Benefits For Clerical Worker Injuries
Private businesses with at least one employee must provide workers’ compensation insurance to protect against injuries on the job. Benefits are administered through the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission, but are paid through insurers, who tend to deny or dispute claims. If you are a clerical worker and suffer job-related injuries, take the following steps to protect your rights in a claim:
- Report your injury immediately to your supervisor;
- Make sure an accident report is filed and details the circumstances involved;
- Seek medical care right away and let your doctor know you were injured on the job;
- Keep copies of your medical records and any receipts for out-of-pocket expenses;
- Contact an attorney to help you file a claim with the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission to protect your rights; and
- Do not give statements to the insurance companies.
Contact Our Maryland Workers’ Compensation Attorney To Schedule A Consultation
Workers’ compensation benefits in Maryland help cover lost wages and medical bills when you suffer injuries on the job. Berman, Sobin, Gross LLP has decades of experience protecting the rights of clients in disputed claims, helping them get the maximum amount they are entitled to. Call or contact us online. Schedule a consultation with our Maryland workers’ compensation attorney today.
Sources:
business.maryland.gov/data/overview
injuryfacts.nsc.org/work/work-overview/top-work-related-injury-causes/
wcc.state.md.us/
