You didn’t fall. You weren’t in an accident. But over time, your hands started tingling. Your wrists ache by the end of the day. Your shoulders feel tight, your neck stiff, and the pain just won’t go away. This isn’t a one-time injury—it’s the result of doing the same motion, over and over again, for years at work.
A Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI)—also referred to in workers’ compensation cases as a cumulative trauma injury—is a condition caused by repeated movements or overuse of specific body parts over an extended period of time. Unlike sudden injuries from falls or accidents, RSIs develop gradually as a result of daily work-related tasks.
Some of the most common RSIs seen in California workers’ comp claims include:
Repetitive stress injuries are especially common in industries where workers perform the same motion over and over again, including:
In legal terms, RSIs are classified as cumulative trauma injuries—a category of workers’ compensation claims based on damage that occurs over time, rather than from a single event.
Under California workers’ compensation law, cumulative trauma injuries are just as valid as one-time injuries, but they can be harder to prove because there’s no specific accident date. That’s why detailed medical evidence and clear documentation of your job duties are essential in these cases.
At Tim Wright Law, we know how to build strong RSI claims—even when the injury developed gradually or your employer denies responsibility. We work closely with medical experts and understand how to connect your work tasks to your injury under California law.
Yes—repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) are fully covered under California’s workers’ compensation system. These types of injuries fall under the legal category of cumulative trauma, meaning they result from repeated strain or motion over time, rather than a single, sudden incident.
Under California workers’ compensation law, you don’t have to prove that your employer did something wrong or unsafe. Workers’ comp is a “no-fault” system, which means that as long as the injury happened during the course of your work duties, you may be entitled to benefits—regardless of negligence.
This is critical for RSI claims, where there may be no obvious “accident” to point to. Instead, the injury might result from years of typing, lifting, or operating machinery. As long as your job duties are a contributing factor, you may have a valid claim.
Although RSIs develop gradually, it’s important to report your symptoms to your employer as soon as you suspect a work-related issue. California law requires you to notify your employer within 30 days of discovering that your injury may be job-related. Delayed reporting can weaken or even invalidate your claim.
After you report it, your employer should provide you with a DWC-1 Claim Form to begin the workers’ comp process. From there, your injury will be evaluated by a medical provider—ideally within the employer’s medical provider network (MPN), unless you have a predesignated doctor.
The success of a cumulative trauma claim often hinges on solid documentation. Keep detailed records of:
As soon as you notice persistent pain or discomfort that may be linked to repetitive work tasks, inform your supervisor or HR department in writing. Even if the symptoms seem minor, documenting your concerns early is essential.
California law requires workers to report a potential work-related injury within 30 days of discovering it. Delaying this step can result in a denied claim.
After reporting your injury, your employer should direct you to a medical provider within their approved workers’ compensation medical provider network (MPN). This doctor will evaluate your condition, determine if it’s work-related, and create a treatment plan.
If your employer has not set up a network or if you have predesignated a doctor in writing, you may be able to choose your own physician.
To officially file a workers’ compensation claim in California, you must complete and submit a DWC-1 form. Your employer is legally required to provide this form after you report a work injury.
Be sure to:
This starts the formal claims process and triggers your right to benefits.
Because repetitive stress injuries are cumulative, your documentation is key to a successful claim. Keep records of:
These records can make a big difference if your claim is disputed or delayed.
Workers’ compensation covers all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your injury, including:
You won’t have to pay co-pays or deductibles, but care must generally be obtained through your employer’s medical provider network (MPN) unless you’ve predesignated a physician.
If your RSI keeps you from working while you recover, you may qualify for temporary disability (TD) benefits, which provide partial wage replacement—typically two-thirds of your average weekly earnings, up to a state-set maximum.
If your condition causes long-term limitations or impairs your ability to work permanently, you may be entitled to permanent disability (PD) benefits. The amount is determined by the severity of your disability and how it affects your earning capacity.
If your RSI prevents you from returning to your previous job, you may qualify for a Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit (SJDB). This includes a voucher for education, retraining, or skill enhancement to help you transition into a new line of work.
Tim Wright Law can also assist in coordinating with vocational experts to build a strong case for retraining or work accommodations.
In addition to temporary disability payments, workers’ comp may also cover lost wages related to time off for medical appointments, reduced work hours, or modified duties that affect your income.
If you’re struggling with pain, numbness, or limited mobility from repetitive tasks at work—don’t wait. Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) can worsen over time, and delaying your claim may jeopardize your benefits. California workers’ compensation law is designed to protect people just like you—but navigating the system can be tough, especially when insurance companies push back or try to minimize your injury.
At Tim Wright Law, we understand the frustration and fear that comes with not being able to work or do everyday activities without pain. We’ve helped countless workers across Van Nuys, Burbank, and greater Southern California successfully pursue RSI claims and get their lives back on track. Whether you’ve already reported your injury or aren’t sure where to start, we’re ready to help—at no upfront cost to you.
📍 Van Nuys Office – Workers’ Compensation Cases
16555 Sherman Way, Suite B2
Van Nuys, CA 91406
📞 (818) 428-1080
📧 Email: firm@timwrightlaw.com
🌐 Website: www.timwrightlaw.com
