Recognizing a Work-Related Repetitive Stress Injury

 Posted on January 09, 2025 in Workplace Injuries

When people think of workplace injuries that would lead to a workers' compensation claim, they tend to think in terms of distinct accidents that might be fairly dramatic in nature. You might think of construction workers falling from scaffolding or factory workers losing limbs in abrupt machinery accidents. However, a large percentage of workplace injuries are what are called repetitive stress injuries. Repetitive stress injuries do not happen suddenly as a result of a particular accident. Instead, they come on gradually over time. It is not always obvious to an employee when he or she has sustained a repetitive stress injury, and medical evaluation is usually needed. If you have suffered a repetitive stress injury at work, an experienced Gilroy, CA workers’ compensation attorney may be able to help you get the benefits you need to take time off from work and have your injury treated.

Identifying a Repetitive Stress Injury 

People with worsening repetitive stress injuries often think that they are just sore or that the pain they are experiencing is just a routine part of getting older. Especially if your job is physically demanding, it is not always easy to tell an actual injury from expected aches and pains. While being sore after a difficult day may be normal for some workers, pain that worsens over time instead of resolving might mean you have an injury requiring treatment. Repetitive stress injuries often progress to the point where they become disabling.

It is best to catch and treat a repetitive stress injury early. These injuries tend to keep getting worse, especially if you are still performing the work that caused them. If you do not address the injury until it progresses to the point where it is preventing you from working, you may have a longer and more difficult recovery or permanent damage.

Proving That a Repetitive Stress Injury is Work-Related 

When there was no obvious accident that led to your injury, proving that your injury was work-related may be more difficult. A medical report may be needed to show that a task you perform at work could lead to the type of injury you have sustained. Even if the repetitive stress injury could have been caused by something else, you might still be eligible for workers’ compensation if there is evidence that performing your job duties made the injury worse.

For example, say you type all day for work and are also an avid PC gamer. You have carpal tunnel syndrome, a repetitive stress injury that is common in people who spend a lot of time at a keyboard. Even if your gaming hobby may have contributed to your carpal tunnel syndrome, working at a computer likely exacerbated the injury.

Contact a Gilroy, CA Workers’ Compensation Lawyer 

Cramer + Martinez is experienced in helping workers with repetitive stress injuries get the compensation they need. Our knowledgeable Santa Clara County, TX workers’ compensation attorneys will fight for you to get the time off and treatment you need to recover. Contact us at 408-848-1113 for a complimentary consultation.