Not all work injuries happen in a single moment. Some develop slowly, over weeks, months, or even years. These are known as repetitive stress injuries (RSIs)—and they’re one of the most commonly overlooked types of workplace injuries in South Carolina.
If your job involves doing the same physical motion over and over—typing, lifting, scanning items, using tools—you could be at risk for an RSI. And just because it didn’t happen all at once doesn’t mean you’re not entitled to workers’ compensation.
Common types of repetitive stress injuries include:
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Tendonitis
Bursitis
Chronic back or shoulder pain
Rotator cuff injuries
Trigger finger
These injuries often affect factory workers, office employees, health care workers, drivers, and laborers, but they can happen in almost any job.
What to do if you think you have an RSI:
Don’t ignore the symptoms.
Numbness, tingling, pain, or reduced range of motion are all red flags. Waiting too long to report the problem may hurt your claim.Report it to your employer.
Even if the pain has been building gradually, once you suspect it’s work-related, you need to tell your employer as soon as possible—preferably in writing.Ask to see a doctor.
In South Carolina, your employer or their insurance company will typically send you to an approved doctor. Be honest and detailed about your symptoms and your job duties.Document everything.
Keep track of your pain, when it started, how it’s affecting your work and daily life, and what treatment you’re receiving.
Why RSIs can be harder to prove
Unlike a sudden fall or accident, repetitive stress injuries are easier for insurance companies to dispute. They may claim it’s not job-related, or that it’s due to age or a pre-existing condition. That’s why it’s crucial to have medical support, detailed records, and—if needed—legal representation.
At Martin & Martin, P.A., we’ve helped workers across South Carolina get benefits for injuries that didn’t happen all at once. If you’re dealing with a repetitive stress injury, call us for a free consultation. We’ll help you prove your case and get the care and compensation you need.