Can I File a Workers’ Compensation Claim for a Repetitive Stress Injury in New Jersey?

Repetitive stress injuries can develop over time, often starting as mild discomfort before becoming debilitating conditions that interfere with your ability to work and perform daily tasks. If your job requires recurring motions, heavy use of certain body parts, or prolonged physical strain, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits for a repetitive stress injury under New Jersey law. Continue reading and consult with a knowledgeable New Jersey workers’ compensation claims lawyer for more information today.

What is a Repetitive Stress Injury?

A repetitive stress injury (RSI), also known as a repetitive strain or cumulative trauma injury, occurs when repeated physical movements cause damage to muscles, tendons, nerves, and soft tissues. Unlike acute injuries that result from a sudden accident, RSIs develop gradually over time due to consistent, prolonged, or forceful repetition of a specific motion, often without sufficient recovery time.

These injuries typically affect the upper extremities, such as hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, and neck, but can occur in any part of the body subjected to repetitive strain. Common symptoms include persistent pain, stiffness, throbbing, tingling, numbness, and a loss of strength or coordination in the affected area.

Examples of common RSIs include:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome: Compression of the median nerve in the wrist, often caused by frequent typing, assembly line work, or use of vibrating tools.
• Tendonitis: Inflammation of a tendon, resulting from gripping, lifting, or repetitive forearm movements.
• Bursitis: Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints, frequently seen in the shoulders or elbows due to constant reaching or leaning.
• Thoracic outlet syndrome: A group of disorders resulting from compression of nerves or blood vessels in the space between the collarbone and the first rib, often linked to poor posture or repetitive overhead reaching.
• Trigger finger: A condition where a finger or thumb gets “stuck” in a bent position due to inflammation of the tendon sheath.

Can I File a Workers’ Compensation Claim for a Repetitive Stress Injury in NJ?

Yes, you can file a workers’ compensation claim for a repetitive stress injury in New Jersey. New Jersey law recognizes RSIs as compensable occupational diseases if they are directly caused by or aggravated by the conditions of your employment.

To successfully file a claim, you must demonstrate a causal link between your job duties and the development of the RSI. This often involves showing that the repetitive tasks, motions, or prolonged physical strain required by your work led to your condition. It is not necessary to prove a single, specific accident. Instead, the injury must have developed over time due to the nature of your job.

Due to the complex nature of proving a gradual-onset injury, the insurance company will likely scrutinize your medical history and work tasks closely. Therefore, securing a diagnosis from a doctor who can link your RSI to your occupation is crucial. Consult with a New Jersey workers’ compensation attorney for help navigating the specific filing requirements and necessary medical evidence.