That persistent ache in your wrist, the shooting pain in your shoulder—it’s more than just an annoyance. It affects your ability to work and live your life. But when you finally get a diagnosis for carpal tunnel or tendonitis, the last thing you expect is for your employer to claim it didn’t happen at work.
But what are your options when they argue your injury is just ‘wear and tear’ or from a weekend hobby? You have to build a strong case to protect your rights and get the benefits you need for your recovery.
You’re in the right spot. In this guide, we will give you a step-by-step plan to prove your repetitive stress injury is work-related and help you fight for the compensation you deserve. With the average cost of a medically consulted work injury reaching $43,000, it’s no surprise that insurers often dispute these claims.
Understanding Why Repetitive Stress Injuries Are Disputed
Unlike a sudden fall or accident, a repetitive stress injury (RSI) doesn’t happen at a single, specific moment. These conditions, also known as cumulative trauma disorders, develop over months or even years. This gradual onset makes it easy for employers and their insurance companies to question the cause.
The most common defense tactic is to argue about causation. Your employer may claim the injury is from a pre-existing condition, a hobby like gardening or playing an instrument, or simply the natural process of aging. Insurers may also use legal technicalities to their advantage. For example, a Delaware firefighter’s claim for a recurring injury was denied because of how his first claim was settled, showing how complex these cases can become.
The rise of remote work adds another layer of difficulty. Proving causation can be much more complicated when your workplace is your home. In one recent case, a court overturned a WFH employee’s injury claim, highlighting the critical need for clear documentation of your home workplace and its specific hazards.
How to Prove Your Repetitive Injury Is Job-Related: A Step-by-Step Guide
Building a strong case feels overwhelming, but it boils down to following a few crucial steps. Let’s get started.
1. Get a Specific Medical Diagnosis Immediately
You must see a doctor as soon as you suspect an injury. Do not wait. When you go, tell the doctor exactly what you do at work. Describe every repetitive motion, the tools you use, and the hours you work. You need a medical professional to make the initial link between your job duties and your physical condition in writing.
2. Report the Injury in Writing
As soon as your doctor suggests your condition is work-related, notify your supervisor immediately. A verbal conversation is not enough. You must send an email or a formal letter that states your diagnosis and explains that you believe it was caused by your work duties. This action creates a critical paper trail that you will need later.
3. Document Your Daily Work Tasks
This is your most powerful tool for proving your case. For a week or two, keep a detailed log of your work activities. Write down every repetitive task you perform. For example: typing for 2 hours straight, lifting 15-pound boxes from the floor to the shelf 50 times, or using a vibrating sander for 4 hours. Also, note any lack of ergonomic equipment. This log directly counters the it wasn’t from work argument.
4. Gather All Medical Evidence
Your family doctor’s diagnosis is the first step, but it might not be enough. You may need a referral to a specialist, like an orthopedist or a neurologist, whose opinion will carry more weight in a disputed claim. Keep organized copies of every test result, prescription, medical note, and bill related to your injury.
5. Identify and Speak with Witnesses
Think about your coworkers. Do they perform the same tasks as you? Have any of them complained of similar pain or been diagnosed with a similar condition? Statements from coworkers can help establish a pattern of injury related to your specific job, strengthening your claim that the work environment is the cause.
What Do You Do When Your Employer Fights Your Claim?
Despite your best efforts, your employer or their insurance carrier may still deny your claim. The workers’ compensation system can be incredibly complex. A recent survey revealed that nearly 60% of industry professionals cited litigation as a top concern, which shows just how often these cases end up in a legal battle.
Winning a disputed claim requires a higher level of proof. You must build an airtight case that leaves no room for doubt. Navigating these challenges and securing the benefits you are owed often requires professional legal help.
| Type of Evidence | Why It’s Important | How to Get It
|
| Initial Medical Diagnosis | Establishes the injury and provides the first link to your work. | See a doctor immediately; describe your job duties in detail. |
| Daily Work Log | Provides concrete proof of the repetitive nature of your tasks. | Keep a detailed journal for 1-2 weeks of your specific actions. |
| Witness Statements | Corroborates your claims and shows a pattern of risk. | Ask coworkers who perform similar tasks if they’ve had similar issues. |
| Expert Medical Opinion | An independent specialist provides a definitive legal opinion on causation. | A specialized attorney can connect you with a trusted medical expert. |
When an insurer denies a claim for a repetitive stress injury, they are banking on the fact that you won’t have the resources or knowledge to fight back. This is where a firm that specializes in these exact types of cases can be essential. Firms like Pond Lehocky Giordano have built a reputation on handling these challenging, often-disputed claims. They understand the tactics insurers use to deny responsibility for carpal tunnel, tendonitis, and other occupational diseases.
Their deep expertise means they know how to build a case that connects your daily work to your medical condition, often bringing in medical experts to provide undeniable evidence. For injured workers facing a tough fight, having a dedicated workers’ compensation lawyer from a firm with a record of success can be the key to securing the benefits needed for medical care and lost wages. They provide a full support system to handle the legal complexities so you can focus on your recovery.
Your Pain Is Real, and Your Rights Are Protected
Proving a repetitive stress injury is work related is a methodical process. It requires you to be diligent about getting a diagnosis, reporting it immediately in writing, and documenting everything you do at your job.
Don’t let an employer or insurance company dismiss your injury just because it happened over time instead of all at once. You have the right to a safe workplace and to compensation when that work causes you harm. By taking these steps, you are taking control of your claim and fighting for the respect and support you are owed.
