When most people think of workplace injuries, they picture sudden accidents—slips, falls, or machinery malfunctions. But not all injuries happen in an instant. Some develop slowly over time due to repeated movements and constant strain. These are known as repetitive stress injuries, and they are one of the most common reasons people miss work or require medical treatment.
If you suffer this type of injury, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits in North Carolina. A dedicated Gastonia workers’ comp lawyer from 1 Charlotte Injury Lawyers can help you get the support and compensation you deserve.
What Is a Repetitive Stress Injury?
A repetitive stress injury, also known as a repetitive motion injury or cumulative trauma disorder, is caused by doing the same motion over and over again. These actions may seem small or harmless at first—like typing on a keyboard, lifting boxes, or using tools—but over time, they can cause damage to muscles, tendons, and nerves.
Unlike a broken bone or a sprained ankle, these injuries don’t usually show up suddenly. They sneak up slowly, and symptoms often start with mild discomfort that gradually becomes painful or even disabling.
One of the most well-known types of repetitive stress injury is carpal tunnel syndrome, which affects the hands and wrists. Others include tendonitis, bursitis, and rotator cuff injuries. These conditions are especially common among office workers, factory workers, nurses, delivery drivers, and others who repeat the same physical tasks each day.
Symptoms of Repetitive Stress Injuries
Since repetitive stress injuries develop slowly, it’s easy to overlook the early warning signs. Many workers brush off the pain or think it will go away on its own. But if left untreated, these injuries can worsen and even become permanent.
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor and report your injury to your employer:
- Tingling or numbness in your hands or fingers
- Sharp or aching pain in your wrists, elbows, shoulders, or neck
- Weakness or reduced grip strength
- Swelling or stiffness in joints
- Limited range of motion
- Pain that gets worse with activity and improves with rest
Prompt medical treatment not only helps you heal but also creates a record that can be used to support your workers’ comp claim.
Common Jobs That Lead to Repetitive Stress Injuries
Repetitive stress injuries can affect workers in just about every industry, but some jobs carry a higher risk than others. In Gastonia, where manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare are major industries, we often see workers with repetitive motion injuries related to:
- Assembly line work
- Data entry and computer use
- Package sorting and delivery
- Food service and kitchen work
- Janitorial and cleaning duties
- Warehouse and forklift operation
- Patient care and lifting in hospitals or nursing homes
In each of these roles, employees perform the same physical motions day after day. Over time, those small movements—whether it’s gripping tools, lifting patients, or even just clicking a mouse—can lead to painful conditions that require medical care and time off work.
Does Workers’ Compensation Cover Repetitive Stress Injuries?
Yes, repetitive stress injuries are covered under North Carolina’s workers’ compensation system, just like other types of workplace injuries. However, proving that your injury is work-related can be more difficult than in cases of sudden accidents. That’s because repetitive motion injuries don’t have a clear starting point. You might not be able to point to a single day or moment when the injury occurred.
Under the law, you need to show that your repetitive stress injury arose out of and in the course of your employment. This means that the injury must be directly related to the tasks you perform at work. It also needs to be diagnosed by a medical professional, and your doctor must confirm that your job duties caused or significantly contributed to your condition.
Unfortunately, many workers have their claims denied because their employer or insurance company argues that the injury happened outside of work or that it’s part of the natural aging process. This is where having an experienced Gastonia workers’ compensation lawyer can make all the difference.
How Do You Prove an RSI is Work-Related?
Proving that a repetitive stress injury (RSI) is work-related requires demonstrating a clear connection between your job duties and the development of your injury. This often involves providing detailed information about repetitive physical tasks and how those motions caused your condition.
Medical documentation plays a crucial role in proving your RSI is job-related. Diagnostic tests like MRIs, nerve conduction studies, or physical exams may also be used to support your claim. Documentation from your workplace can help establish the link between your injury and your job. This may include job descriptions, time logs, witness statements from coworkers, or ergonomic evaluations of your work environment.
Reporting your injury to your employer as soon as possible and filing a workers’ compensation claim promptly are essential. A Gastonia workers’ comp lawyer can help you gather and organize the necessary evidence.
Why You Need a Workers’ Comp Lawyer for a Repetitive Stress Injury Claim
Getting workers’ compensation for repetitive stress injuries is not always straightforward. Insurance companies often challenge these claims and may require you to jump through extra hoops. They might request independent medical exams, delay your benefits, or deny the claim outright. These tactics can be frustrating and stressful, especially when you’re in pain and trying to stay financially afloat.
An experienced workers’ attorney can guide you through every step of the process. Our team at 1Charlotte Injury Lawyers helps workers in Gastonia and the surrounding areas collect the evidence they need, communicate with doctors, and represent them in hearings if their claim is denied. We know how to deal with insurance companies and ensure your case is taken seriously.
We understand that every case is unique, and we’ll work with you to build a strong claim based on your specific work duties, medical records, and the long-term impact of your injury.
Workers’ Comp Benefits for Repetitive Strain Injuries
If your repetitive stress injury is approved under North Carolina’s workers’ compensation system, you may be entitled to several types of benefits. These include:
- Medical treatment: All necessary and reasonable medical expenses related to your injury should be covered, including doctor visits, physical therapy, surgery, medications, and assistive devices.
- Wage replacement: If you’re unable to work due to your injury, you can receive weekly payments to replace a portion of your lost wages (typically about two-thirds of your average weekly wage).
- Vocational rehabilitation: If your injury prevents you from returning to your previous job, you may be eligible for training or job placement assistance.
- Permanent disability: If your injury results in a permanent impairment, you could receive additional compensation based on the severity and location of your disability.
It’s important to remember that these benefits aren’t automatically granted. You must go through the proper process, file paperwork correctly, and respond to requests from the insurance company. That’s why having a skilled Gastonia workers’ comp lawyer on your side is so important.
What to Do If Your Claim Is Denied
If your repetitive stress injury claim has been denied, don’t give up. Many valid claims are denied initially but are later approved after appeal. In some cases, a denial happens because of missing information, a lack of medical evidence, or a misunderstanding about the nature of your job duties.
At 1 Charlotte Injury Lawyers, we have helped many injured workers in Gastonia appeal denied claims and get the benefits they need. We will review your case, gather new evidence if needed, and represent you at hearings before the North Carolina Industrial Commission. We fight to make sure your voice is heard and your injury is taken seriously.
Why Choose 1 Charlotte Injury Lawyers?
We are committed to helping injured workers in Gastonia and across North Carolina. We know how difficult it can be to deal with a repetitive stress injury—especially when you’re facing financial pressure and uncertainty about your job. Our team brings compassion, experience, and a deep understanding of workers’ compensation law to every case.
When you choose 1 Charlotte Injury Lawyers, you’re not just hiring an attorney—you’re getting a team that genuinely cares about your recovery and your future. We handle the legal side of things so you can focus on healing. We’ll keep you informed, answer your questions, and fight for the maximum compensation available under the law.
Contact a Gastonia Workers’ Comp Lawyer Today
If you’re dealing with pain, stiffness, or weakness caused by repetitive tasks at work, don’t ignore the problem. Repetitive stress injuries can take a serious toll on your health, your income, and your ability to provide for your family. The sooner you take action, the better your chances of receiving the benefits you need to get back on your feet.
Let 1 Charlotte Injury Lawyers help you take the next step. Our experienced Gastonia workers’ comp lawyers are ready to listen, explain your rights, and build a strong claim on your behalf. We offer free consultations, and you don’t pay anything unless we win your case.
Call us today or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free case review. You’ve worked hard—now let us work hard for you.
