When most people think of workplace injuries, they picture dramatic accidents like falls or machinery incidents. But some of the most debilitating work-related conditions develop slowly over time, the result of performing the same physical motions day after day. These are known as repetitive stress injuries (RSIs), and they are absolutely covered under Florida workers’ compensation law.
What Are Repetitive Stress Injuries?
Repetitive stress injuries occur when repeated movements cause cumulative damage to muscles, tendons, and nerves. Common examples include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (common in office workers, assembly line workers, and cashiers)
- Tendinitis in the shoulders, elbows, or wrists
- Rotator cuff injuries from overhead work
- Lower back strain from prolonged sitting, bending, or lifting
- Knee damage from prolonged kneeling or squatting
These conditions are particularly common in industries like healthcare, manufacturing, data entry, construction, and food service.
Proving a Repetitive Stress Injury Claim
Repetitive stress claims can be more challenging to prove than acute injury claims because there is no single incident to point to. Insurance companies often argue that the condition is the result of non-work activities or aging rather than job duties. This is why documentation and medical evidence are so important.
Your medical records should clearly connect your diagnosis to the physical demands of your job. A detailed work history, job description, and statements from your treating physician can all help establish that your injury is work-related.
The 30-Day Reporting Requirement
One question that often comes up with repetitive stress injuries is when the clock starts on Florida’s 30-day reporting requirement. Florida courts have generally held that the reporting window begins when you knew or should have known that your condition was work-related. If you recently received a diagnosis that connects your symptoms to your job duties, report it to your employer as soon as possible.
Long-Term Impact
Repetitive stress injuries, if untreated or undertreated, can become permanent and seriously limit your ability to work. Workers’ comp should cover your diagnosis, treatment, therapy, and any permanent impairment that results.
William Heller Fights for All Types of Workplace Injuries
Whether your injury happened in an instant or developed over years, you deserve full compensation. Attorney William Heller has over 35 years of experience fighting for injured workers throughout South Florida, including those dealing with repetitive stress conditions.
If you believe your job duties have caused or contributed to a physical condition, call today for a free consultation at (954) 921-7171.