Repetitive motion injuries are different from most workers’ comp cases because there’s no single accident to point to. The injury builds quietly over weeks, months, or even years of doing the same movements at work. By the time the pain becomes unbearable, many workers aren’t sure they still have a valid claim. They do.
At Bangel, Cohen & Falconetti, we handle workers’ compensation cases for Queens workers dealing with repetitive stress injuries caused by their jobs. If your hands, wrists, shoulders, or neck are giving out from doing the same tasks day after day, this is exactly the kind of case we handle.
What Repetitive Motion Injuries Actually Are
These injuries occur when the same muscles, tendons, or joints are subjected to repeated stress without adequate rest or recovery. Over time, the tissue breaks down and becomes inflamed or damaged. Common diagnoses include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome from prolonged gripping or keyboard use
- Tendinitis in the shoulder, elbow, or wrist
- Bursitis from constant kneeling or overhead work
- Trigger finger from repetitive gripping motions
- De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, affecting the wrist and thumb
Jobs in Queens Where These Injuries Develop
Queens is home to a wide range of industries where repetitive motion injuries are common. Workers in these fields are especially at risk:
- Warehouse and distribution workers near JFK and in Long Island City
- Cashiers and grocery workers in Flushing and Jamaica
- Healthcare aides and home health workers throughout the borough
- Assembly line workers in manufacturing facilities
- Office workers who spend long hours typing without ergonomic support
Signs and Symptoms Workers Often Miss
Many workers push through early warning signs, thinking the discomfort will go away. Signs that something more serious is developing include:
- Tingling or numbness in the hands or fingers
- Aching or stiffness in the wrists, elbows, or shoulders after a shift
- Weakness in your grip or difficulty holding objects
- Swelling or tenderness around a joint that doesn’t go away
- Pain that worsens as the workday goes on
If you recognize any of these, see a doctor now. Delays in treatment can worsen the injury and complicate your claim.
Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim for Repetitive Motion Injuries
Repetitive motion injuries are covered under New York Workers’ Compensation Law § 10, just like injuries from sudden accidents. The key is connecting your injury to your job duties. Your medical records and job history both matter here.
Under NY WCL § 28, the two-year filing window for repetitive stress injuries generally starts from when you knew or should have known your condition was work-related. That date can be tricky to establish, which is another reason to speak with our Queens workers’ comp attorneys early.
Why These Claims Are Frequently Challenged
Insurers often argue that repetitive motion injuries are personal health issues rather than work injuries. They may point to your age, prior conditions, or outside activities as the real cause. Our firm has helped Queens workers document the work connection and push back against those arguments effectively.
Call 718-446-4400 or contact us online to discuss your situation during a free consultation.
