Cumulative Injury

Millions of workers are injured each year on the job. One of the most common workplace injuries are caused by repeated exposure, events or repetitive motions. These types of injuries are called cumulative injuries and can refer to repetitive stress injuries (RSIs), cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs), and repeated motion injuries (RMIs).
Cumulative injuries can also be caused by conditions within the workplace, such as a lung disease, which is exacerbated by certain airborne chemicals or the effects of
psychological stress from difficult workplace conditions.

If you have a serious health condition from a cumulative injury you may be eligible for workers' compensation. Not only does workers' compensation cover injuries from a fall, sudden accident, or falling object, many injured workers have also successfully won workers' compensation claims for cumulative injuries.

When is my cumulative work injury covered by work comp?

Cumulative injuries are generally covered under workers' compensation as long as the injury occurred at work and happens while in the course of employment. Unfortunately, although the number of workers' compensation claims filed for cumulative injuries has been on the rise, cumulative injuries can be difficult to prove. If your insurance company denies your cumulative injury case you may need to talk to a work comp lawyer to challenge the denial.

Early intervention, detention, and medical care may be all that is needed to cure the repeated motion or cumulative injury. Workers' compensation should provide payment for medications, medical care, rehabilitative exercise, and a modified work schedule if needed. Unfortunately, if the cumulative injury persists and you do not get the treatment you need, a cumulative injury could eventually lead to a life-long physical disability.

Actions which cause cumulative injuries

Cumulative injuries most often affect the musculoskeletal system, which includes joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels. Cumulative injuries occur most often when a worker is engaged in activities which include repetitive motions, forceful exertions (pushing, lifting, gripping and pulling), or using certain tools with rigid edges or vibration. Injuries can also increase if there is limited recovery time.
Workers who are at the greatest risk for cumulative injuries include machine operators, assemblers, meat packers, brick layers, buffers/grinders, and housekeepers.