The effects of repetitive work injuries, also known as RSI, repetitive strain injuries, repetitive stress injuries, repetitive motion injuries, tennis elbow or occupational overuse syndrome (OOS) are severe.

These injuries sustained in the workplace involving the fingers, wrist and elbows are some of the most common causes of work-related injuries in Australia. RSI is an excruciating and often debilitating condition, which, when left untreated, can result in permanent damage.

Workers Comp and Repetitive Stress Injuries

Repetitive strain injuries, often caused by repetitive movements or poor ergonomics, can significantly impact workers’ ability to work and live comfortably. The stress and strain of repetitive motions and constant use of gripping tools, typing and a host of other tasks damages muscles, tendons or nerves.

You may be entitled to workers’ compensation claims if you’re suffering from an RSI due to your job. Our experienced lawyers at PK Simpson have a proven track record of securing fair compensation for clients with RSI claims under the workers’ compensation scheme.

PK Simpson Fights for Your Rights in RSI Claims

At PK Simpson Lawyers, we understand the complexities of a repetitive strain injury workers’ compensation claim and the challenges you face after a work-related injury. We can help in the following areas:

Experienced RSI lawyers:

Our team of personal injury lawyers has extensive experience handling compensation claims for repetitive stress injuries and understands the specific requirements for workers’ compensation.

Gathering evidence:

We meticulously gather evidence to support your repetitive strain injury claim, including medical reports, workplace assessments, an assessment of your job duties, and witness statements.

Expert Medical Opinions:

Over 40 years of experience in workers compensation in NSW means we have built up a network of medical specialists. We’ll direct you to the best specialists to achieve the ultimate goals.

Negotiating with insurers:

We will handle all communication with workers’ compensation insurers on your behalf, ensuring you receive fair and just compensation for your repetitive motion injuries.

Going to court (if necessary):

If your claim is denied or a fair settlement cannot be reached, we will represent you in court to fight for your rights for fair compensation for your repetitive strain injury.

Client-focused approach:

Throughout the entire process, we provide clear communication, keep you informed at every step, and address any questions you may have about your repetitive stress injury claim.

Our Commitment to Maximising Your Compensation

Our lawyers are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for your repetitive stress injury claim. This includes securing compensation for your repetitive motion injury’s past, present, and future medical costs. We also help you gain compensation for the income you lost and will lose due to your injury that was caused by repetitive tasks and inability to work. The other areas of compensation we will seek are the following:

  • Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional pain caused by your RSI.
  • Loss of superannuation: Compensation for any contributions you miss out on due to your injury.

Taking Action on Your Repetitive Strain Injury Claim

If you believe your RSI is work-related, don’t hesitate to seek legal advice. Early intervention is crucial for maximising your chances of a successful claim. Seek medical attention and a diagnosis from your doctor, and ensure your medical records document the connection between your RSI and your work.

Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible in writing, preferably, but you can also do so verbally. Document everything, and seek legal advice by contacting PK Simpson Lawyers for a free consultation to discuss your specific situation, understand your legal options, and claim workers’ compensation.

Understanding Repetitive Strain Injuries or RSI

As mentioned above, RSI is a general term for injuries affecting muscles, tendons, and nerves caused by repetitive movements, forceful exertions, or awkward postures. Common patient symptoms of RSI include:

  • Pain, aching or tenderness.
  • Altered neural sensations such as numbness and tingling.
  • Weakness.
  • Difficulty gripping or pinching.
  • Swelling.
  • Stiffness and joint restriction.

These symptoms can develop gradually over time and can worsen if left untreated. Common types of RSI affecting office workers and others include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and bursitis.

Carrying out repetitive tasks for long periods without suitable rest breaks can cause repetitive stress injuries. Still, poor posture or work that requires you to work in an awkward position and a poor working environment can contribute to the injuries. RSI can present differently in different workers, but there are two main types.

  • Type one is pain due to a medical condition such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, or cellulitis.
  • Type two is where there is often a non-specific pain, but no specific diagnosis can be made.

Both types of repetitive strain injuries can benefit from care and early intervention, which may increase successful treatment outcomes.

Typical Job Duties and Professions Causing RSI

Any job in which workers must perform repetitive tasks that require the same repeated actions over a long time can add to the risk of developing a repetitive motion injury. Some jobs, such as those on an assembly line or office work, are known to be at particular risk. However, some of the following professions where workers are performing repetitive tasks for long periods are also at risk of developing RSI:

  • Assembly line workers
  • Builders and manual labourers
  • Construction workers
  • Cold food processing workers
  • Data entry administrators and programmers
  • Decorators and painters
  • Factory machinists
  • Food Pickers
  • Labourers working with heavy-lifting
  • Manual labourers using vibrating tools
  • Office workers using computers, mouse and typing
  • Supermarket checkout assistants
  • Sewing machinists
  • Truck drivers
  • Warehouse workers

Case Studies of Repetitive Strain Compensation Claims

Our lawyers at PK Simpson handled a compensation claim for Sarah B., who suffered a severe case of repetitive motion damage to her wrists from working for many years as a machinist in a clothing factory.  Thanks to our persistent efforts, Sarah received the compensation she had expected and deserved for her injuries. She thanked us for our ‘invaluable’ guidance and support throughout the process.

Another success story is that of David B., who worked as a truck driver for 30 years and was unsure if his severe and constant wrist pain was work-related. He contacted us, and we arranged for a medical assessment, which revealed severe damage to his wrists, especially the right one, due to nerve and tendon damage. David also suffered damage to his ulnar nerve, causing elbow soreness and pain. He also suffered severe inflammation and muscle soreness, but our lawyers helped David navigate the workers’ compensation system to secure the treatment and support he needed.

Reach out to PK Simpson Lawyers Today

Many workers who would otherwise have had many years left to contribute to the workforce have no choice but to give up their jobs due to ‘tennis elbow’ or RSI. The pain in their hands, wrists, forearm muscles and elbows became too debilitating for them to continue in their careers.

Our personal injury lawyers at PK Simpson have helped countless workers in this category. If you have had to stop work due to a repetitive stress or strain injury, contact us here today so we can help you begin a no-win-no-fee claim and get your life back.