Practice Areas Workers’ Compensation Common Work Injuries Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation for Repetitive Stress Injuries

Not all workplace injuries happen in a single accident. Many workers develop painful medical conditions over time from repetitive physical labor, repeated motions, or long-term strain on the body. Repetitive stress injuries can affect a worker’s ability to perform job duties and may worsen gradually over months or years.

At Stern & Cohen, we help injured Pennsylvania workers pursue workers’ compensation benefits for repetitive stress injuries and long-term workplace illnesses caused by repetitive job duties. If you are seeking workers’ comp benefits for a repetitive stress injury in Pennsylvania, our attorneys are ready to help.

Common Causes of Repetitive Stress Injuries

Repetitive stress injuries often develop from repeated physical activity, awkward movements, or long-term wear and tear caused by job duties.

Common causes of workplace repetitive stress injuries include:

  • Repetitive lifting and carrying
  • Frequent bending or twisting
  • Repetitive typing or keyboard use
  • Repeated gripping or tool use
  • Assembly line or factory work
  • Repetitive scanning or warehouse work
  • Long-term physical labor
  • Repetitive overhead work
  • Repeated kneeling or climbing

Workers in warehousing, construction, manufacturing, healthcare, office, transportation, and delivery jobs may face an increased risk of repetitive stress injuries.

Types of Repetitive Stress Injuries We Commonly See

Repetitive stress injuries can affect the muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and spine.

Common work-related repetitive stress injuries include:

Symptoms may include:

  • Chronic pain or stiffness
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Weakness
  • Reduced mobility
  • Swelling or inflammation
  • Difficulty lifting, gripping, or performing repetitive tasks

These injuries can interfere with a worker’s ability to safely perform physical labor or repetitive job duties.

Long-Term Workplace Illness and Pre-Existing Conditions

Many repetitive stress injuries develop gradually over time rather than from a single event. Workers may still qualify for workers’ compensation benefits even if they had a pre-existing condition that was worsened or aggravated by work activities.

For example, repetitive lifting, kneeling, typing, or physical labor may aggravate existing arthritis, old sports injuries, or degenerative conditions and create a valid workers’ compensation claim.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Repetitive Hand Injuries

Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common repetitive stress injuries seen in Pennsylvania workers’ compensation claims.

Workers may develop carpal tunnel syndrome from:

  • Repetitive typing or keyboard work
  • Factory or assembly line work
  • Repeated gripping or scanning
  • Repetitive hand tool use
  • Frequent lifting or repetitive hand motion

These injuries are common among office workers, warehouse employees, factory workers, healthcare workers, and delivery employees.

Notice Requirements for Repetitive Stress Injuries

Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law requires injured workers to notify their employer about a repetitive stress injury or occupational condition.

Because repetitive injuries often develop gradually, workers may not immediately realize their condition is work-related. In many cases, the notice period begins when a worker first learns — either personally or through a medical provider — that the condition was caused by work duties.

Medical Treatment and Workers’ Compensation for Repetitive Stress Injuries

Repetitive stress injuries often require ongoing medical treatment, therapy, rehabilitation, injections, or surgery.

Pennsylvania workers’ compensation benefits may cover:

  • Medical treatment and specialist care
  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation
  • Surgery and hospital bills
  • Ongoing medical care
  • Wage-loss benefits during recovery
  • Compensation related to permanent impairment in severe cases

Insurance companies frequently dispute repetitive stress claims and attempt to blame injuries on aging or non-work-related conditions. Our attorneys are experienced in handling contested repetitive injury claims under Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law.

Let Stern & Cohen Help With Your Repetitive Stress Injury Claim

At Stern & Cohen, we understand how frustrating and painful repetitive stress injuries can be. Whether your injury developed from repetitive lifting, typing, factory work, warehouse duties, or years of physical labor, our experienced Pennsylvania workers’ compensation attorneys are ready to protect your rights and fight for the benefits you deserve.

If you suffered a repetitive stress injury because of your work duties, contact Stern & Cohen today for a free consultation.

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Common Work Injuries

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We recovered $210,000 for a carpenter/foreman who stepped off a ladder, landed on equipment, and fell at work. He suffered a full tear of his dominant right rotator cuff.

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We recovered $230,000 for a union carpenter who fell from a six-foot scaffold while installing sheet rock and metal framing. He landed on his left hand and wrist and later developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).

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Electrician with Knee, Hand, Wrist, and Back Injuries

We secured $230,000 for an electrician who tripped over a pipe at a Pennsylvania job site, injuring both knees, hands, wrists, and his back. His employer failed to properly document the incident, and the insurance company initially accepted only part of his injuries.