Workplace Cumulative Trauma and Your Right to Compensation
Injuries in the workplace aren’t always caused by a single accident. Many workers develop medical conditions gradually over time due to repetitive tasks or physical strain. These are known as cumulative trauma injuries—and they’re more common than you might think. For Pennsylvania employees, understanding these injuries and how to secure workers’ compensation for a repetitive stress injury is essential to protecting your health, your job, and your future.
What Is Cumulative Trauma?
Cumulative trauma refers to injuries that develop slowly due to repetitive motion, overuse, or sustained awkward postures during work activities. These conditions often go unnoticed until they start interfering with your ability to perform your job.
Some of the most common cumulative trauma injuries include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tendinitis
- Bursitis
- Shoulder impingement
- Lower back strain
These types of injuries are especially prevalent in industries that involve consistent, repetitive movement—such as manufacturing, healthcare, office work, and construction.
Are Cumulative Trauma Injuries Covered by Workers’ Compensation in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act, cumulative trauma injuries are recognized as compensable. However, the process for claiming benefits can be complicated due to the gradual nature of the injury. It can be difficult to prove the direct connection between the injury and your workplace activities, which is why it’s essential to work with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney.
Establishing a Work-Related Cumulative Trauma Injury
Because cumulative trauma doesn’t stem from one specific event, proving your claim requires detailed documentation and support. Your attorney will help you build a strong case by gathering:
- Medical records linking your condition to workplace activity
- A breakdown of your job duties and how they contribute to the injury
- Witness statements or ergonomic assessments, if applicable
This evidence will help establish that your injury was caused by your job duties—not by something outside of work.
Reporting a Cumulative Trauma Injury: Don’t Wait
Pennsylvania law requires employees to report work-related injuries within 120 days of realizing that their injury is connected to their job. This can be tricky with cumulative trauma, since symptoms may develop slowly.
If you start noticing discomfort, pain, numbness, or limited mobility that you believe may be work-related, report it immediately. Don’t wait for it to get worse. Reporting early ensures you stay within the legal timeframe and helps protect your eligibility for benefits.
Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Once your injury is reported, your lawyer will help you file a formal Claim Petition with the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. This petition begins the legal process of pursuing medical and wage loss benefits. Having legal representation is especially important for cumulative trauma claims, as employers and insurers may try to dispute the connection between your condition and your job.
Employer Responsibilities in Preventing Cumulative Trauma
Employers have a legal obligation to provide a safe work environment. In the context of cumulative trauma, that includes:
- Conducting ergonomic assessments
- Modifying workstations to reduce repetitive strain
- Offering training on proper posture and body mechanics
- Implementing regular break schedules to minimize overuse
If employers fail to address known ergonomic risks, they could face liability under OSHA regulations. Additionally, under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), workers suffering from long-term effects of cumulative trauma may be entitled to reasonable accommodations—such as modified equipment, adjusted hours, or different job duties.
Preventing Cumulative Trauma: A Shared Responsibility
The best approach to cumulative trauma is prevention. Both employers and employees play a role in minimizing risks by:
- Using adjustable ergonomic workstations
- Taking regular micro-breaks and stretching
- Attending training sessions on injury prevention
- Recognizing early signs of strain and reporting them immediately
What to Do If You Suspect a Cumulative Trauma Injury
If you believe your symptoms may be due to a cumulative trauma injury:
- Seek medical attention – A licensed healthcare provider can diagnose your condition and recommend treatment.
- Start documenting – Keep a log of your symptoms, job tasks, and any incidents that could have contributed to your injury.
- Report your condition – Notify your employer as soon as possible. Even if your symptoms seem minor, it’s better to document them early.
- Contact a workers’ compensation lawyer – An attorney can help you file your claim, gather evidence, and fight for the benefits you’re entitled to.
Most importantly, stay in communication with your attorney throughout the process. They can’t advocate for you if they don’t have all the information—and the sooner they’re involved, the stronger your case will be.
Contact Stern & Cohen Today
At Stern & Cohen, The Workers’ Compensation Lawyers, we’ve helped countless Pennsylvania workers recover compensation for cumulative trauma injuries. If you’re struggling with pain or mobility issues caused by repetitive work, don’t wait. Contact us for a free consultation and get the help you need to move forward.