Karen's Story
Karen worked in an office environment, spending most of her day typing reports and managing emails. Over time, she started to notice pain in her wrists and shoulders that gradually worsened. At first, she thought it was just part of the job, but soon the pain became unbearable. After visiting a doctor, she was diagnosed with repetitive strain injuries (RSI) that would require extended time off and therapy.
The nature of her work, day in and day out, had led to her injuries, but when she informed her employer, they were dismissive. They argued that the injury wasn’t related to her work and that she had not taken adequate breaks or used proper ergonomics. This left Karen not only in physical pain but also unsure of how to navigate her situation.
In cases like Karen’s, repetitive strain injuries are common in office environments, yet often overlooked by employers. However, under Queensland’s WorkCover scheme, workers can claim compensation for injuries sustained from repetitive motions in the workplace. Whether it’s due to poor ergonomics, lack of breaks, or improper equipment, Karen was entitled to seek compensation for her medical treatments and lost income.
Securing Compensation
By consulting with legal experts and obtaining medical reports that linked her injuries to her work duties, Karen was able to secure the financial support she needed to cover her treatments and rehabilitation. Understanding her rights allowed her to make a full recovery without the added stress of financial loss.