Typing, lifting, scanning, and repetitive motions might seem harmless — until they lead to chronic pain, numbness, or reduced function. If your job caused a Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI) like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation in California.
These injuries often develop slowly, but their effects can be long-lasting and life-altering — especially if untreated or denied by your employer’s insurance. At Employees First Labor Law, we help California workers prove, file, and win RSI claims — and secure the medical treatment and wage replacement they deserve.
🔹 What Is a Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI)?
RSIs (also called Cumulative Trauma Injuries) are caused by repeated motions or overuse of specific muscles, nerves, or tendons. Unlike a single traumatic event, RSIs develop over time — and are often misdiagnosed or ignored until they become disabling.
Common work-related RSIs include:
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Tendonitis
- Tennis or Golfer’s Elbow
- Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
- Trigger Finger
- Rotator Cuff Syndrome
- Chronic Back or Neck Strain
🔹 Is Carpal Tunnel Covered by Workers’ Comp in California?
Yes. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common accepted RSI claims in California workers’ comp. It’s typically caused by:
- Repetitive typing or computer use
- Assembly line work
- Lifting or gripping heavy objects
- Prolonged use of vibrating tools
- Poor ergonomic setups
If your job caused or aggravated your CTS, you’re likely eligible for full workers’ comp benefits — regardless of whether your employer provided proper training or ergonomic equipment.
🔹 What Benefits Can You Receive for RSI or Carpal Tunnel?
If your claim is approved, you may be entitled to:
🩺 Medical Treatment
- Physical therapy
- Cortisone injections
- Wrist or elbow braces
- Surgery (e.g., carpal tunnel release)
- Occupational therapy
💸 Temporary Disability Payments
If your doctor places you on restrictions or takes you off work, you may receive wage replacement benefits while you recover.
📉 Permanent Disability Benefits
If the injury results in lasting impairment or reduced function, you may qualify for long-term compensation based on your Permanent Disability Rating.
🎓 Job Displacement Benefits
If you can’t return to your prior job, you may receive a $6,000 voucher for retraining or education through California’s Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit program.
🔹 What If Your RSI Claim Is Denied?
Many RSI claims are initially denied. Insurers often argue that:
- Your condition is age-related or pre-existing
- Your job duties didn’t cause the injury
- You didn’t report it quickly enough
- You had non-work activities that contributed (e.g., gaming, hobbies)
At EFLL, we routinely fight these denials by:
- Establishing a timeline of symptoms and work exposure
- Using medical experts to link the injury to your job
- Documenting prior complaints or workplace conditions
- Challenging bad-faith denials and improper delay tactics
🔹 How to Strengthen Your RSI or Carpal Tunnel Claim
If you’re experiencing symptoms — even mild — take these steps now:
- Report your injury to your employer immediately
- Document your job duties that require repetitive motion
- Request medical treatment through your employer’s comp carrier
- Keep records of symptoms, diagnosis, and all doctor visits
- Contact an attorney if your claim is denied, delayed, or disputed
🔹 Why Choose Employees First Labor Law?
We’ve helped hundreds of California workers secure benefits for Carpal Tunnel and other RSI injuries — from data entry clerks and warehouse workers to nurses, mechanics, and machinists.
We know how to:
- Prove job-related causation for RSI claims
- Fight back against low disability ratings and denied treatment
- Maximize settlements and ensure future care is covered
- Pursue retaliation claims if you’re penalized for filing
RSIs might start small, but if ignored or mishandled, they can destroy your ability to work — and your financial stability. We’ll fight to make sure that doesn’t happen.
✅ Free Case Review for RSI and Carpal Tunnel Injuries
If you’re suffering from Carpal Tunnel, tendonitis, or any repetitive stress injury caused by your job, don’t wait. Contact Employees First Labor Law for a free consultation today.
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