Repetitive stress injuries develop gradually through constant, repeated motions that damage your muscles, tendons or nerves over time. You might experience these injuries from typing at a computer, working on an assembly line or performing the same physical task repeatedly at your job.
Unlike sudden accidents, these injuries build up slowly, often starting with minor discomfort that worsens if the activity continues. New Jersey workers’ compensation covers repetitive stress injuries when they’re work-related, but these claims can be more challenging to prove.
Understanding your rights is crucial since New Jersey law requires you to notify your employer within 14 days in most cases and file your claim within two years of discovering the injury is work-related.
Common repetitive stress injuries
Workers in manufacturing, office environments, construction and health care frequently develop repetitive stress injuries due to the nature of their daily tasks. Common workplace repetitive stress injuries include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tendinitis
- Tennis elbow
- Trigger finger
- Back strains and sprains
- Bursitis
- Nerve compression syndromes
If left untreated, these conditions can significantly impact your ability to work and your quality of life.
Steps for pursuing a claim
Repetitive stress injury claims differ from traumatic injury claims because you must establish that your condition developed specifically from work activities rather than from a single identifiable accident. This often requires more detailed medical documentation and evidence connecting your job duties to physical symptoms.
To file a workers’ compensation claim for a repetitive stress injury:
- Notify your employer as soon as you realize your injury is work-related
- Seek medical attention and clearly explain how your job duties contributed to your symptoms
- Follow all treatment recommendations from health care providers
- Document your symptoms, work activities and medical visits
- File your claim petition with the Division of Workers’ Compensation within two years
- Attend all required medical examinations and hearings
Getting knowledgeable legal guidance for a repetitive stress injury claim can make a significant difference. A lawyer skilled in New Jersey workers’ compensation law can help gather the necessary medical evidence, connect your condition to your work activities and navigate the claims process while you focus on recovery.
This assistance is particularly valuable since employers and insurance companies often scrutinize repetitive stress claims more closely than traumatic injury claims, looking to deny or minimize benefits.