Can I Get Workers’ Compensation for Repetitive Stress Injuries?
Yes, repetitive stress injuries can qualify for Pennsylvania workers’ compensation benefits if they are caused by your job duties. Conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and other overuse injuries may be covered when medical evidence shows the injury developed as a result of repetitive work-related activities.
Absolutely. Any injury suffered from a work-related accident is eligible for workers’ compensation benefits in Pennsylvania. As long as the repetitive stress injury occurred within the course and scope of your employment, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation.
What is a Repetitive Stress Injury?
A repetitive stress injury occurs when a person performs the same motion repeatedly, eventually leading to temporary or permanent damage to muscles, nerves, and tendons. Continuous repetition without sufficient healing time can exacerbate these injuries.
Many people believe that workers’ compensation is only for one-time injuries at work, but that is not the case. Injuries caused by repetitive motions, even if they begin as minor discomforts, can develop into significant conditions over time. The critical factor to prove is that the injury occurred within the course and scope of employment.
Types of Repetitive Stress Injuries
Repetitive stress injuries can affect various parts of the body, including hands, wrists, shoulders, neck, elbows, forearms, knees, and lower back. Symptoms can include pain, stiffness, numbness, cramping, weakness, or throbbing, resulting from damage to tendons, nerves, ligaments, or muscles.
One of the most well-known repetitive stress injuries is carpal tunnel syndrome. This condition occurs when the median nerve along the wrist, forearm, and hand becomes compressed due to inflammation or swollen tendons and ligaments. It is common in individuals who work with computers or perform repetitive tasks.
Tendinitis is another prevalent repetitive stress injury, occurring when tendons connected to bones become injured from overuse. By doing the same job or motion repeatedly, initial injuries may not have enough time to heal, leading to further damage.
Repetitive Stress Injuries and Workers’ Compensation in Pennsylvania
Under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act, a person must prove a causal connection between the injury and their job duties. In repetitive injury cases, this connection may not be as obvious as in a one-time work accident. To receive workers’ compensation benefits, medical testimony from doctors must indicate that the injury occurred within the course and scope of employment. Both sides will present medical evidence, and a Workers’ Compensation Judge will determine if there is sufficient proof to demonstrate this causal connection.
Repetitive motion injuries can occur in nearly any profession, but they are particularly common in jobs that require repeated movements throughout the workday.
Office Workers
Typing, computer use, mouse use, and prolonged sitting can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome, wrist injuries, neck pain, and shoulder problems.
Construction Workers and Tradespeople
Electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and other tradespeople frequently perform repetitive lifting, gripping, bending, kneeling, and overhead work that can lead to chronic injuries.
Healthcare Workers
Nurses, home health aides, and other healthcare professionals often perform repetitive patient transfers, lifting, charting, and computer work that can cause overuse injuries.
Janitorial and Housekeeping Staff
Mopping, sweeping, vacuuming, and lifting supplies can place ongoing stress on the shoulders, wrists, knees, and back.
Drivers
Bus drivers, truck drivers, delivery drivers, and other transportation workers may develop repetitive stress injuries from prolonged sitting, steering, gripping, and vibration exposure.
What Should You Do If You Think You Have a Repetitive Stress Injury?
If you believe your job duties caused a repetitive stress injury:
- Report the condition to your employer
- Seek medical treatment
- Explain your job duties to your doctor
- Follow medical recommendations
- Document your symptoms and work activities
Early reporting and medical documentation can be important when pursuing workers’ compensation benefits.
Talk to a Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Repetitive stress injuries can be difficult to prove because they often develop gradually rather than from a single accident.
At Stern & Cohen, our Pennsylvania workers’ compensation attorneys help injured workers pursue benefits for carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, repetitive motion injuries, and other occupational conditions.
Contact Stern & Cohen today for a free consultation.
FAQs
Is carpal tunnel syndrome covered by workers' compensation in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Carpal tunnel syndrome may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits if medical evidence shows it was caused by repetitive work activities.
Learn MoreCan I get workers' compensation if there was no specific workplace accident?
Yes. Pennsylvania workers’ compensation may cover injuries that develop gradually over time, including repetitive stress and repetitive motion injuries.
How do I prove a repetitive stress injury is work-related?
Medical evidence is typically required to establish a connection between the injury and your job duties. Your doctor may need to explain how your work activities contributed to the condition.
When should I report a repetitive stress injury to my employer?
You should report the injury as soon as you become aware that your symptoms may be related to your work duties. Delays in reporting can create challenges when pursuing workers’ compensation benefits.