Do I Qualify for Workers’ Compensation With a Repetitive Strain Injury in Ohio?

Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) or repetitive stress injuries are often overlooked, but they are common injuries in the workplace. Unlike a traumatic injury that requires immediate medical attention, an RSI is caused by repetitive movements that are often done in work-related tasks. For instance, frequent lifting or repetitive lifting may result in back or knee issues, and frequent typing might lead to conditions like carpal tunnel.

In Ohio, workers with these types of injuries may be covered under workers' comp, and they can file a workers' comp claim to get coverage for medical benefits, lost wages, and more.

Going through the workers' compensation process is difficult, and in many cases, legal representation is necessary. Larrimer & Larrimer, one of Ohio’s most experienced workers’ compensation law firms, has represented injured workers for over 90 years. The firm commonly helps those who develop RSIs from daily work duties — and helps ensure their claims are documented, filed, and handled correctly. They can advise on questions like Do I qualify for workers’ compensation after a workplace accident?

Understanding the basics of repetitive strain injuries and what the most common workplace injuries are can help workers with these conditions get the coverage they deserve.

What Is a Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)?

Repetitive strain injuries, also known as cumulative trauma disorders, overuse injuries, or repetitive motion injuries, occurs when the same part of the body is used repeatedly in a way that causes wear and tear over time. RSIs can affect muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves.

Common examples of RSIs include:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Tendinitis

• Trigger finger

• Bursitis

• Rotator cuff injuries

• Epicondylitis (tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow)

• Lower back strain from repeated lifting

These injuries often occur in occupations that involve typing, lifting, bending, reaching, vibrating tools, or assembly line work. Work related injuries like these often happen to healthcare workers, stock clerks, warehouse workers, and factory workers. Even office workers can develop RSIs from improper posture or prolonged computer use.

Does Ohio Workers’ Compensation Cover Common Repetitive Stress Injuries?

Yes. Ohio workers are eligible for workers comp benefits if they have repetitive stress injuries. However, trying to get the workers compensation benefits is a different story. In order to make a benefits claim, the worker needs to show the following:

• The injury was caused or aggravated by job duties, and

• Was not the result of a non-work-related activity

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) and the Ohio Industrial Commission will carefully evaluate claims to determine whether the condition is job-related and qualifies for benefits.

Understanding workers compensation isn't easy for many people, and they may not even realize that they can seek compensation since most RSIs develop gradually. Though seeking medical attention is important, they might not understand that their pain is eligible for these benefits. An experienced workers comp lawyer in Columbus may help these people file for benefits to cover medical expenses.

Eligibility Requirements for RSI Workers’ Compensation Claims in Ohio

Workers suffering from repetitive strain injuries must meet several legal criteria to qualify for workers' compensation:

1. Employment Status

The injured individual must be an employee covered by Ohio’s workers’ compensation system. Keep in mind that not everyone is. Independent contractors, volunteers, and self-employed individuals may not be eligible unless they opt into coverage on their own.

2. Medical Diagnosis

The worker must have a documented medical condition — not just symptoms — that is diagnosed by a licensed physician. Subjective complaints (such as pain, muscle strain, or numbness) must be supported by objective medical findings. The treating physician must diagnose the individual with a condition before the injured worker can get benefits.

3. Causal Connection to the Workplace

The injury must be directly related to job duties. A medical expert must explain how repeated motions or awkward postures at work caused or significantly contributed to the condition.

This is commonly the most contested part of any claim. If the injury could be linked to other types of motion like sports, hobbies, or pre-existing conditions, the BWC may challenge or deny the claim unless workplace causation is clearly demonstrated. For instance, if an office worker complains of carpal tunnel, but they also do crafts as a hobby, it could be difficult to prove. This is where an experienced attorney is invaluable.

Evidence Needed to Support an RSI Claim

Since RSIs are gradual rather than a sudden, single accident. Because of this, proving their connection to work involves thorough documentation.

Important types of evidence include:

• Medical records and diagnostic tests

• A physician’s opinion linking the injury to job tasks

• Detailed job descriptions and testimony about daily duties, i.e. does the job require the use of power tools? Is the employee doing the same motion with their body for extended periods?

• Workplace ergonomic evaluations

• Witness statements from supervisors or co-workers confirming repetitive tasks

An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help gather this evidence and work with medical experts to build a case for their clients.

Common Jobs That Lead to RSI Claims

Repetitive motion injuries can occur in many industries. The most common occupations include:

• Factory workers using tools or working on assembly lines

• Warehouse employees repeatedly lifting or moving items

• Healthcare professionals (especially nurses) who assist patients

• Construction workers handling vibrating tools or heavy materials

• Office workers typing for long hours without ergonomic support

• Retail employees stocking shelves or scanning items

Workers in these fields are at a higher risk and should be aware of early symptoms like tingling, swelling, stiffness, or reduced grip strength. Those who have these symptoms should see a doctor for medical care and a diagnosis.

What Benefits Are Available Through Workers’ Compensation?

If an RSI claim is approved, the injured worker may be entitled to:

• Medical treatment (doctor visits, surgery, physical therapy)

• Wage replacement (temporary total disability or wage loss benefits)

• Permanent partial disability if the injury causes lasting impairment

• Vocational rehabilitation for workers unable to return to their previous job

These benefits can help support the worker during recovery and ensure they are not financially burdened by a condition caused by their job.

Why Repetitive Motion Injuries Claims Are Often Denied

Even legitimate RSI claims are frequently denied at first, often due to:

• Lack of a clear, documented injury

• Delay in seeking medical treatment

• Disputes over whether the job caused the condition

• Inconsistent or incomplete medical records

• Employer arguments that the condition is personal or pre-existing

A denial is not the end of the road, though. In Ohio, claimants have the right to appeal to the Industrial Commission, where additional evidence and expert testimony can be submitted. Legal guidance is often critical at this stage.

How Larrimer & Larrimer Helps Injured Workers

Larrimer & Larrimer has spent decades representing Ohio workers who suffer from repetitive motion injuries. The firm provides:

• Free consultations to evaluate whether a claim has merit

• Assistance with filing the First Report of Injury (FROI)

• Coordination with medical providers to document injuries

• Representation at hearings before the BWC or Industrial Commission

• Appeals support when claims are denied or underpaid

The firm understands the legal and medical complexity of RSI cases and builds strong claims based on sound evidence and strategic advocacy. These injuries warrant compensation for medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and other types of claims.

Work With an Experienced Workers Compensation Attorney - Get a Free Consultation

Repetitive strain injuries can take a serious toll on a worker’s health, productivity, and quality of life. In Ohio, the workers’ compensation system is designed to support employees harmed by the very tasks required of them — but qualifying for benefits requires proof, persistence, and often legal support. Larrimer & Larrimer can also answer questions such as Do I qualify for workers’ compensation after a slip and fall at work?

Those suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, or other workplace-related repetitive motion injuries may be eligible for compensation. However, they must demonstrate that the condition is job-related and backed by medical evidence.

Larrimer & Larrimer is committed to helping injured Ohio workers recover the benefits they deserve — even when the injury builds up slowly, one shift at a time. Call today for a free consultation.