North Carolina Workers’ Compensation for Tennis Elbow

Learn which workers are most at risk of tennis elbow and how to file a workers’ comp claim to maximize your benefits in Charlotte

Tennis elbow, commonly associated with sports, is also a frequent injury among workers in Charlotte and across North Carolina who perform repetitive tasks on the job. This condition can develop from everyday work activities, affecting your ability to perform your duties and compromising your overall well-being.

In this article, we’ll explore how tennis elbow can result from work-related activities and guide you through the steps to file for workers’ compensation if you develop this condition. Understanding these key points is essential for safeguarding your health and ensuring your rights are protected in the workplace.

What is tennis elbow?

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that causes pain around the outside of the elbow due to overuse of the tendons, usually by repetitive motions of the wrist and arm. Despite its name, tennis elbow can occur from a variety of activities beyond tennis, such as painting, hammering, typing, or any repetitive gripping activities.

The pain associated with tennis elbow typically develops gradually and may start as mild discomfort, but it can worsen over time. Common symptoms include:

• Pain or burning on the outer part of your elbow that may worsen when using your wrist and hand, especially during activities like lifting objects, making a fist, or straightening your wrist
• Weak grip strength, particularly when attempting motions similar to shaking hands, turning a doorknob, or holding a coffee cup

Can tennis elbow heal on its own?

Tennis elbow can sometimes resolve on its own with rest and by reducing activities that strain the elbow. Recovery can be slow, and without proper care, the condition may persist or worsen. Rest, physical therapy, and ergonomic adjustments are often necessary, and in more severe cases, medical interventions like injections or surgery might be required. 

While tennis elbow can improve on its own, proactive management and treatment often lead to a faster and more complete recovery, reducing the risk of long-term complications.

What is the main cause of tennis elbow?

Tennis elbow is caused by the overuse of forearm muscles and tendons, particularly those involved in extending the wrist and fingers. Repetitive strain leads to small tears where the tendons attach to the lateral epicondyle, causing pain and inflammation.

Common activities that trigger tennis elbow include frequent gripping, twisting, lifting, using hand tools, or typing. A sudden increase in activity or using improper equipment can also contribute to the condition.

How do you know if you have tennis elbow or tendonitis?

Tennis elbow is a specific type of tendonitis affecting the outer elbow tendons, so the two terms are related but not the same. 

The key difference lies in the location and nature of the pain—tennis elbow is localized to the outer elbow and is often associated with activities involving gripping or wrist extension. Tendonitis can occur in any area, such as the shoulder or wrist, due to repetitive strain.

Can tennis elbow be a work-related injury?

Yes, repetitive stress injuries like tennis elbow can indeed be caused by your job. To prove that your tennis elbow is work-related, it’s important to document your job activities, obtain a medical diagnosis linking the condition to your job, and ensure that your symptoms align with the type of work you do.

What occupations are more likely to develop tennis elbow?

Tennis elbow can develop in any occupation that involves repetitive motions of the hand, wrist, or forearm. Some workers who are particularly prone to this condition include:

Proper ergonomics, regular breaks, and exercises to strengthen the forearm muscles can help reduce the likelihood of developing this condition for workers who are at an increased risk.

What benefits does workers’ comp offer for tennis elbow?

Workers’ compensation offers several key benefits for employees who develop tennis elbow as a work-related injury. These benefits are designed to cover the costs associated with treatment and provide financial support during recovery. They include:

• Medical coverage. Workers’ comp will pay for all necessary medical treatments related to your tennis elbow, including doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, physical therapy, and any required surgeries.
• Wage replacement. If tennis elbow prevents you from working, workers’ compensation provides a portion of your lost wages during your recovery, typically two-thirds of your average weekly wage. 
• Vocational rehabilitation. If your tennis elbow prevents you from returning to your original job, workers’ comp can cover the cost of vocational training to help you transition to a different type of work.

It’s important to note that while most North Carolina employers with 3 or more employees are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance, there are some exceptions. For example, independent contractors don’t qualify for benefits.

If you’re unsure of your eligibility for workers’ comp, be sure to discuss your case with a local Charlotte workers’ compensation attorney who can help you understand your legal rights.

How do I file for workers’ comp in NC?

Filing for workers’ compensation in North Carolina involves a few key steps to ensure your claim is properly documented and processed:

1. Seek medical care. As soon as you notice symptoms that may point to tennis elbow, seek medical attention. This ensures you receive the necessary treatment and provides official documentation of your injury, which is crucial for your claim.
2. Inform your employer. Notify your employer of your injury in writing within 30 days. This step is essential for preserving your right to file a workers’ compensation claim. Make sure the notification includes details about your tennis elbow diagnosis and how it may have occurred.
3. Submit Form 18. To officially start your workers’ compensation claim, submit Form 18 to the North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC). It’s best to do this as soon as possible, but you must file it within 2 years of your injury. Send 2 copies of Form 18 to the NCIC, 1 copy to your employer, and keep 1 copy for yourself.
4. Wait for insurance company’s decision. After receiving your Form 18, the workers’ compensation insurance company is required to provide written notice of whether they accept or deny your claim within 14 days. This notice will determine your next steps in the process.

If your claim is denied and you need help filing an appeal, or if you simply want to ensure you’re receiving the full benefits to which you’re entitled, consider hiring a workers’ compensation attorney. An attorney can help guide you through the process, assist with the appeal, and work to minimize your stress while maximizing your benefits.

Contact an experienced North Carolina workers’ compensation attorney for help with your tennis elbow claim

Filing a workers’ compensation claim for tennis elbow can be complicated, especially when it comes to proving it’s work-related. Ensuring your injury is properly documented and your claim is submitted on time is key to getting the benefits you need. However, even small mistakes can lead to a denied claim.

Working with a knowledgeable Charlotte work injury attorney can greatly improve your chances of success. At Wilder Pantazis Law Group, we have over 85 years of combined experience helping injured workers recover the compensation they deserve. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis, so you don’t pay unless we win.

Contact Wilder Pantazis Law Group today for a free, no-obligation consultation and let us help you secure the compensation you need for a full recovery.

References

Cutts, S., Gangoo, S., Modi, N., & Pasapula, C. (2020). Tennis elbow: A clinical review article. Journal of Orthopaedics, 17, 203–207. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jor.2019.08.005