Repetitive Strain Injury Workers’ Comp Claims in California

Not all workplace injuries happen in a single accident. Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) — also called cumulative trauma injuries — develop gradually over weeks, months, or years of performing the same motions at work. In California, these injuries are fully covered by workers’ compensation, but they can be harder to prove without the right legal help.

What Is a Repetitive Strain Injury?

An RSI occurs when repetitive motions, sustained awkward postures, or constant vibration cause damage to muscles, tendons, nerves, or joints over time. Common RSIs that qualify for workers’ comp include:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome — numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hands from typing, assembly work, or using vibrating tools
• Tendinitis — inflammation of tendons in the wrists, elbows, or shoulders
• Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) — from repetitive gripping and twisting
• Rotator cuff tears — from repeated overhead reaching
• De Quervain’s tenosynovitis — thumb and wrist pain from repetitive gripping
• Chronic back pain — from years of bending, lifting, or sitting in poor posture

Industries with the Highest RSI Rates

While RSIs can happen in any job, certain industries have significantly higher rates:

• Manufacturing and assembly lines
• Warehouse and distribution (Amazon, FedEx, UPS)
• Office work and data entry
• Healthcare (nurses, dental hygienists)
• Construction (vibrating tools, overhead work)
• Food processing and meatpacking
• Janitorial and housekeeping

Filing a Cumulative Trauma Claim in California

California treats cumulative trauma differently from sudden injuries. Key things to know:

• The date of injury for a cumulative trauma claim is either the date you knew (or should have known) your condition was work-related, or your last date of exposure
• You have one year from the date of injury to file your claim
• The claim may involve all employers you’ve worked for during the exposure period
• The insurance company will almost certainly argue your RSI is age-related or from non-work activities

Why RSI Claims Get Denied — And How to Fight Back

Insurance companies love to deny cumulative trauma claims because there’s no single accident to point to. They’ll argue:

• “It’s just normal aging” — even when your job clearly caused the problem
• “You do the same activities at home” — comparing hobbies to 8+ hours of daily work
• “There’s no objective evidence” — ignoring your symptoms and functional limitations

A Certified Workers’ Comp Specialist knows how to build the medical evidence needed to overcome these denials. Attorney Eman Yazdchi has spent 20+ years winning RSI claims for California workers — including cases initially denied by insurance companies.

Benefits You Can Receive for an RSI

California workers’ comp benefits for repetitive strain injuries include:

• All medical treatment — including surgery, therapy, and ergonomic equipment
• Temporary disability payments while you recover or undergo treatment
• Permanent disability if you have lasting limitations
• Job retraining if you can no longer perform your previous job duties

Free Consultation — No Fee Unless We Win

Don’t ignore the pain. If your job is causing or worsening a repetitive strain injury, you have the right to workers’ comp benefits. Contact Yazdchi Law today for a free case review.