Repetitive Strain Injuries: When Gradual Pain Qualifies for Benefits

In most cases, you can easily connect a workplace injury to a recent accident. Unfortunately, not all injuries are the same. Some might take weeks, months, or even years to develop.

Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) are among those. If you suffer from one, you might’ve considered them “part of the job” or simply ignored them until now. But did you know RSIs can also qualify for workers’ comp benefits? Learn more about when gradual pain could be eligible for benefits and how to know if it’s work-related.

What Is a Repetitive Strain Injury?

RSIs happen from repeated movement or overuse of one part of the body. Over time, the muscles, tendons, and joints can degrade, causing pain, numbness, or even permanent damage if you ignore them for too long. From typing at a keyboard to moving patients around in healthcare settings, these types of repetitive tasks can cause serious workplace injuries.

Common repetitive strain injuries include:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Tendonitis
• Back strain
• Shoulder injuries
• Tennis elbow

What makes repetitive strain injuries stand out from other conditions is that they’re not connected to one clear incident. These injuries result from repeatedly performing the same motions for an extended period. This is why cases involving these conditions are more complex, especially if you don’t have clear evidence connecting them to your job duties.

When Gradual Pain May Qualify for Workers’ Compensation

New York’s workers’ compensation system covers any on-the-job injuries or illnesses, including RSIs. They don’t need to occur in a single major accident to be eligible for benefits. What’s most important is whether you can link your condition to your workplace responsibilities. If you can prove that, get a proper diagnosis, and show relevant evidence, you have a higher chance of qualifying for workers’ comp while you recover.

How Do I Know My Injury Is Work-Related?

Pain Worsens During Work

Have you noticed your symptoms flaring up during specific job tasks? Maybe it’s picking up a box, typing for too long, or bending in a particular way.  Regardless of what the scenario is, this type of chronic pain isn’t normal. In fact, it may be a clear sign you have a repetitive strain injury that’s directly connected to your daily work duties.

You’re Noticing Ongoing Physical Limitations

General pain is one thing, actually feeling like you can’t use a specific body part without pain is a completely different story. After some time with an RSI, it’s common to have real physical limitations that may make performing your job duties impossible. This could be anything from trouble gripping equipment to general numbness or weakness in a specific part of your body.

Whether you’re in chronic pain or unable to perform basic job duties, don’t ignore the symptoms. Seek medical help to prevent your condition from worsening and report your injuries to your supervisor ASAP. The earlier you do this, the faster you can file a claim and receive benefits.

Speak To Our Lawyers Today

While an RSI may not seem major at first, ignoring them can lead to long-term injuries and conditions you may not recover from. The gradual nature of these conditions also make them more complex than other cases. The most successful RSI claims have strong evidence that can connect the applicant’s condition with their workplace duties.

If you have a repetitive strain injury, you don’t need to go through this process alone. Our New York workers’ compensation lawyers help injured workers defend their rights and secure the benefits they deserve. Contact us at 855-280-7585 to schedule a free consultation with us today.