Thousands of Ohio workers suffer from repetitive stress injuries each year. As the name implies, these injuries develop gradually over months or years of repetitive motions, awkward postures, or constant strain—unlike sudden workplace accidents. But that doesn’t mean they’re not serious. In fact, they often carry lifelong implications if left unaddressed.

What most workers don’t realize is that repetitive stress injuries can qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. Knowing which injuries typically qualify and how to document them properly could make the difference between denied claims and the benefits you deserve. Here are 5 of the most common:

1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. This common workplace injury affects the median nerve in your wrist, causing numbness, tingling, and weakness in your hand. Office workers, assembly line employees, and cashiers are particularly vulnerable. To win carpal tunnel cases, it’s important to have proper documentation linking the condition to specific job duties.
2. Tendonitis and Tenosynovitis. These painful conditions involve inflammation of tendons and their protective sheaths, typically affecting shoulders, elbows, and wrists. Factory workers and healthcare employees frequently develop these injuries from repeated movements. Ohio courts recognize these conditions as compensable when properly documented with medical evidence.
3. Lower Back Strain. Repetitive heavy lifting, bending, or prolonged sitting in poor ergonomic conditions can lead to chronic lower back pain. Warehouse workers, nurses, and delivery drivers commonly develop these conditions. While employers often argue these are age-related, medical evidence can establish that your work activities substantially contributed to the condition.
4. Rotator Cuff Injuries. Workers who repeatedly reach overhead or lift heavy objects can develop painful tears in the shoulder. Construction workers, painters, and mechanics frequently experience these injuries. Establishing the work-related nature requires detailed medical documentation and specialized medical opinions.
5. This painful inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints commonly affects knees, shoulders, and elbows. Jobs requiring frequent kneeling, overhead reaching, or repetitive motions often lead to bursitis. When properly documented, these claims can secure medical treatment and compensation during recovery.

With proper medical documentation and legal guidance, repetitive stress injury claims can be successfully argued in your favor. Strong medical evidence connecting your specific job duties to your condition increases your chances of receiving the benefits you’re entitled to. And, taking action early can make all the difference in securing compensation.

The Law Offices of Tim Misny can help you navigate the challenging workers’ compensation system. When the system tries to deny benefits for injuries that developed from doing your job, I’ll Make Them Pay!^® Call my office at (877) 614-9524 so I can evaluate your case right away.