Repetitive motion injuries develop when workers perform the same movements dozens, hundreds, or thousands of times each month. These cumulative trauma injuries can result in significant pain, lost wages, and medical expenses. Common types include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and lower back injuries. If you’ve developed a repetitive motion injury at work, you may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits. Robert Wilson & Associates helps injured workers throughout Minneapolis and across Minnesota pursue compensation available under the law.
What Are Repetitive Motion Injuries?
Repetitive motion injuries, also called cumulative trauma injuries or repetitive strain injuries (RSI), develop gradually as workers repeat the same motions over time. Unlike acute injuries that happen suddenly, repetitive motion injuries build up through thousands of small movements that stress muscles, tendons, nerves, and joints.
Under Minnesota law, these injuries are sometimes called “Gillette injuries,” named after a legal case that established how courts evaluate cumulative trauma claims. For a repetitive motion injury to qualify for workers’ compensation, it must arise from the work environment and the repetitive nature of the job.
Common types of repetitive motion injuries include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (wrist and hand numbness)
- Tendonitis and tenosynovitis (tendon inflammation)
- Lower back and neck injuries from prolonged sitting or lifting
- Shoulder impingement and rotator cuff injuries
- Knee injuries and meniscus tears
- Epicondylitis (tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow)
Common Causes of Repetitive Motion Injuries at Work
Repetitive motion injuries occur in many different occupations. Office workers may develop carpal tunnel from typing and mouse use. Manufacturing employees may experience injuries from assembly line work. Healthcare workers may experience back injuries from lifting patients. Retail workers may develop shoulder and arm injuries from stocking shelves and scanning items.
Several workplace factors contribute to repetitive motion injuries:
- Repetitive hand, wrist, and arm motions performed hundreds of times daily
- Prolonged static postures without movement or stretching
- Forceful gripping, pinching, or squeezing motions
- Vibration exposure from power tools or machinery
- Inadequate rest periods between repetitive tasks
- Poor ergonomics and workplace setup
- Lack of job rotation or task variety
If your job involves any of these risk factors, you may be at higher risk for developing a repetitive motion injury. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides guidelines on preventing repetitive strain injuries in the workplace.
Why Choose Robert Wilson & Associates
Robert Wilson & Associates has represented injured workers for over 30 years. The firm includes four attorneys who focus on workers’ compensation and personal injury cases. The team is familiar with the challenges workers face when repetitive motion injuries prevent them from doing their jobs.
The firm’s founder, Robert E. Wilson, has been recognized as a Super Lawyer and is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. The firm is also listed by the National Trial Lawyers as a Top 100 firm. These recognitions are based on third-party organizations and reflect professional acknowledgments.
The firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no fees unless compensation is recovered for you. Free consultations are available so you can discuss your case without financial pressure. The firm uses a team-based approach so each case receives careful attention.
How Robert Wilson & Associates Can Help You
When you contact Robert Wilson & Associates, the process begins with understanding your situation. The firm reviews how your job duties may have contributed to your repetitive motion injury and gathers evidence to support your claim. This may include medical records, employment records, witness statements, and opinions regarding your work conditions.
The firm handles communication with your employer’s insurance company. Insurers sometimes deny repetitive motion injury claims, arguing that the injury is not work-related or that it resulted from activities outside of work. The firm works to address these arguments and present supporting evidence.
If the insurance company does not offer a fair resolution, the firm may represent you at a hearing before a workers’ compensation judge. The goal is to protect your rights throughout the process.
Compensation for Repetitive Motion Injuries
Workers’ compensation benefits for repetitive motion injuries may include:
- Medical expenses: Coverage for reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your injury, including doctor visits, physical therapy, imaging, and surgery.
- Weekly wage replacement: If your injury prevents you from working, you may receive a portion of your average weekly wage while you recover or retrain.
- Permanent partial disability (PPD): If your injury causes lasting effects, you may qualify for a lump sum award based on the extent of your disability.
- Vocational rehabilitation: If you cannot return to your previous job, the workers’ compensation system may cover retraining or education for a new career.
Insurance companies sometimes deny these benefits, claiming the injury is not work-related or that the worker is not disabled. Robert Wilson & Associates challenges these denials and advocates for benefits supported by the claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I develop a repetitive motion injury at work?
Report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. Seek medical treatment from a doctor who can document your injury. Keep records of when the pain started, what tasks aggravate it, and how it affects your work. Contact Robert Wilson & Associates for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.
Do I need to report my repetitive motion injury to my employer?
Yes. Minnesota law requires workers to report work-related injuries to their employer. Report your injury in writing if possible, and keep a copy for your records. Delayed reporting can complicate your claim, so notify your employer promptly.
Can I file a workers’ compensation claim for a repetitive motion injury?
Yes, if your injury arose from your work and the repetitive nature of your job contributed to it. Minnesota courts apply the “Gillette injury” standard to evaluate cumulative trauma claims. Robert Wilson & Associates can review your situation and explain whether your injury may qualify for benefits.
What if my employer or insurer denies my claim?
You have the right to appeal a denial. Robert Wilson & Associates handles the appeal process and may represent you at a hearing before a workers’ compensation judge. Some claims that are initially denied are later approved after further review.
How long does a repetitive motion injury claim take?
The timeline varies depending on whether your case settles or goes to a hearing. Some cases resolve within months, while others take longer. Robert Wilson & Associates works to move cases forward efficiently while pursuing a fair outcome.
Contact Robert Wilson & Associates for Your Free Consultation
If you’ve developed a repetitive motion injury at work, you do not have to handle the workers’ compensation process alone. Robert Wilson & Associates offers free consultations to discuss your case and explain your legal options. The firm works on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless compensation is recovered for you.
Call (612) 334-3444 today to schedule your free consultation. The team is available to discuss your situation and potential next steps.