Not every work injury is caused by a single accident. For many employees, the damage builds slowly—day after day, task after task—until the pain can no longer be ignored. These injuries are often more difficult to detect and prove, but they can be just as life-changing as an immediate trauma.
Below, our friends at Brown Paindiris & Scott, LLP discuss what you can do when you have a work injury that has occurred over time.
The Nature Of Repetitive Injuries
These types of injuries—often referred to as repetitive strain or cumulative trauma injuries—develop gradually. They can affect joints, muscles, nerves, and tendons and are frequently caused by repeating the same motion or maintaining poor posture for long periods. Common conditions include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, rotator cuff injuries, and lower back pain.
Common Occupations Impacted
Repetitive injuries can happen in any work environment. Office employees who type all day or do something while sitting or standing at a desk, factory workers performing repetitive tasks, healthcare workers lifting patients, and construction laborers using vibrating tools are all at risk. Even seemingly minor activities can lead to significant injuries if performed repeatedly without sufficient breaks, proper equipment, or ergonomic support.
Reporting The Injury Matters
One of the biggest challenges with cumulative trauma is that many workers wait too long to report it. They may hope the pain goes away, or they might not realize the injury is work-related, or they might feel that they can somehow prevent the pain from continuing. But in most states, there are strict deadlines for notifying your employer and filing a claim. The sooner you report your symptoms, the stronger your case may be.
Building A Strong Case
Because there’s no single accident to point to, proving a repetitive injury often requires thorough documentation. Medical records, detailed job descriptions, workplace safety reports, and statements from coworkers can all help demonstrate how the injury occurred. Repetitive trauma attorneys often work with medical professionals who understand the nature of these injuries and can link them directly to your job duties.
Getting The Right Legal Help
Workplace injuries that develop over time are often met with more resistance from employers and insurers. They may argue the injury is due to aging, lifestyle, or an off-the-job activity. That’s why having the right legal support is critical. A skilled workers’ compensation lawyer can guide you through the process, collect necessary documentation, and advocate for fair benefits—including medical treatment, wage replacement, and compensation for permanent impairment.
You Don’t Have To Tough It Out
Many workers feel guilty about speaking up or assume that pain is just “part of the job.” But you have the right to a safe work environment, and that includes protection against injuries caused by repeated strain. If you’re hurting and suspect your job is the reason, don’t wait until it becomes unbearable.
Repetitive trauma attorneys can help you understand your options and pursue the support you need to recover and return to work safely. Many people with repetitive stress injuries caused by work think that they should just power through the pain. This is not the case and people in this position should know that taking care of their own health is not selfish. It is important to get relief from their pain by stopping what is causing it before it gets worse. A good lawyer may be able to help you get the financial support you need to be able to do this.
