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Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) have become increasingly common in today's workplace, affecting workers across many industries.
According to the Department of Labor's Bureau of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), work-related musculoskeletal disorders, a category to which RSIs belong, are a leading cause of missed work and labor restrictions.
Why is this? The answer may be that the American workforce is shifting away from traditional factory jobs and toward office-based computer work and service-oriented roles, both of which often involve repetitive motions.
This raises another important question for injured workers: Does workers' compensation cover repetitive stress injuries?
In Washington State, the answer is yes. The state’s Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) recognizes RSIs as legitimate workplace injuries, making them eligible for workers' compensation benefits.
At Lehmbecker Law, our Seattle workers' compensation attorneys regularly help clients secure the benefits they need to deal with these challenging and frustrating injuries.
A repetitive stress injury occurs when muscles, nerves, and tendons suffer damage from performing the same motion repeatedly over time. Unlike sudden accidents, RSIs develop gradually through continuous strain on specific body parts. These injuries can be debilitating and significantly impact your ability to work and perform daily activities.
The term "repetitive stress injury" is synonymous with "repetitive motion injury" and "repetitive strain injury”.
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders make up over one-third of all workers' compensation claims involving time loss. These injuries not only tend to be more severe than typical workplace injuries and illnesses but also rank among the most common causes of long-term disability in Washington State.
The following are examples of the most common repetitive stress injuries seen in Washington State:
Tennis elbow (epicondylitis) develops when repetitive arm and wrist movements cause inflammation in the tendons connecting the forearm muscles to the elbow.
Despite its name, this condition frequently affects workers who repeatedly grip tools or perform twisting motions, such as construction workers, painters, and plumbers. Early symptoms include pain on the outside of the elbow and reduced grip strength.
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs through a narrow passage in the wrist called the carpal tunnel, becomes compressed. Office workers who spend hours typing are particularly vulnerable, but assembly line workers and others who perform repetitive hand movements are also at risk.
With approximately 10,000-2,000 keystrokes per hour for a typical office worker, it's no wonder this condition is so prevalent.
Bursitis affects the small fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion certain joints. Workers who frequently kneel, bend, or perform overhead work can develop inflammation in these sacs, leading to pain and limited mobility. Common areas affected include the shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees.
Tendinitis involves inflammation of the tendons, the thick cords connecting muscles to bones. It frequently affects workers who perform repeated reaching, gripping, or lifting motions. Symptoms include pain, tenderness, and mild swelling near the affected joint.
These conditions primarily affect workers who perform overhead work or repetitive gripping tasks. Rotator cuff syndrome impacts the shoulder, while trigger finger causes painful locking of the finger joints. Impingement syndrome occurs when the shoulder tendons become pinched and inflamed.
Early warning signs of RSIs include:
Ultimately, the only way to know for sure whether you have a repetitive strain injury is to seek a formal diagnosis from a qualified medical professional.
If you suspect you have a work-related RSI, it’s important to take the following steps:
Unless you have experience handling similar claims in the past, you’ll likely require the assistance of a knowledgeable Washington workers’ compensation attorney. A lawyer can help ensure that your claim is filed correctly and organize the essential evidence you’ll need to back it up.
Yes. However, the standard of proof is that your work activities "more likely than not" caused or contributed to your RSI.
Medical evidence linking your condition to your job duties is crucial. Your doctor's documentation of your symptoms and official diagnosis, as well as the causal relationship between your condition and certain work activities, will form the foundation of your claim.
Washington State’s workers’ compensation system provides several types of benefits for workers suffering from repetitive stress injuries. The exact amount you can claim will depend on various factors, including your wage history, the severity of your condition, and your ability to return to work.
Here's a detailed breakdown of the available benefits:
L&I will cover all necessary medical treatment for your RSI, including doctor visits, physical therapy, medications, and surgery, at no cost to you when you use approved providers. Treatment will continue as long as your doctor deems it necessary.
If your injury prevents you from working while you recover, L&I will provide time-loss compensation to help you maintain financial stability.
In Washington State, these benefits typically equal about 60%-75% of your gross wages, depending on your marital status and number of dependents. The first three days after leaving work are considered a waiting period; however, if your disability extends beyond 14 days, these initial days will be covered retroactively.
Your time-loss benefits will continue until your doctor approves your return to work or determines that you've reached maximum medical improvement. During this period, your employer must keep your position open for you if you're able to return within specified timeframes.
Some repetitive stress injuries may result in permanent impairment, even after maximum medical improvement is reached. In these cases, you may qualify for permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits, which provide compensation based on the degree of impairment as determined by standardized medical evaluations.
For more severe cases where you're unable to return to any form of regular employment, permanent total disability benefits can offer long-term wage replacement. These benefits can continue for life and may include pension payments, vocational rehabilitation services, and ongoing medical care related to your condition.
The amount of disability benefits you stand to receive depends on your pre-injury wages and the nature and extent of your permanent impairment.
To receive benefits for an RSI in Washington State, you must file a claim within one year of receiving written notice from a medical provider linking your condition to your work activities.
You should notify your employer and file a workers' comp claim as soon as you become aware that your condition is work-related. Any delays could complicate your claim and potentially affect your right to benefits.
Unlike acute injuries, where the date of injury is clear, RSI claims often follow the "last injurious exposure" rule. This is typically the last day you performed the work activity that contributed to your condition.
Repetitive stress injuries can adversely impact your ability to work and your overall quality of life. The passionate workers' comp attorneys at Lehmbecker Law understand the challenges of pursuing RSI claims. We work tirelessly to help injured workers secure the benefits they deserve.
If you're struggling with a repetitive stress injury, don't wait until your condition worsens. Contact our legal team to schedule a free consultation to discuss your claim. We'll help you navigate the complex workers’ compensation system and fight for your right to receive proper medical treatment and financial support.
Don't let a debilitating injury derail your life. Contact Lehmbecker Law to get professional assistance filing a workers’ comp claim.
