Repetitive Strain Injuries & Workers’ Compensation in Illinois
Repetitive strain injuries — also known as repetitive trauma, cumulative trauma, repetitive motion injuries, or repetitive stress injuries — are some of the most misunderstood claims in Illinois workers’ compensation. These injuries develop gradually, not from one accident.
Workers who type all day… grip tools… use vibrating equipment… rotate through repetitive assembly tasks… or clean, lift, slice, sort, or pack thousands of items per shift can sustain real, medically-documented damage.
This article focuses on upper extremity repetitive injuries, how Illinois workers’ comp treats them, and why these cases often come down to a treating doctor vs. IME doctor battle.
What Are Repetitive Strain Injuries?
A repetitive strain injury (RSI) or cumulative trauma injury occurs when repeated job movements overload the same joints, tendons, muscles, or nerves over time.
Common work factors:
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Repetitive gripping or pinching
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Forceful hand use
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Vibrating tools
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High-frequency production tasks
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Typing or scanning thousands of items
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Repetitive overhead reaching
External resource:
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OSHA: Ergonomics & Musculoskeletal Disorders
https://www.osha.gov/ergonomics/
Common Upper Extremity Repetitive Trauma Injuries
These are some of the most frequent Illinois workers’ comp claims:
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Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
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Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
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Trigger Finger / Trigger Thumb
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Rotator Cuff Tears
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Biceps Tendonitis
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TFCC Wrist Tears
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Ulnar Nerve Compression
You do not need heavy lifting. Even light but high-volume repetitive tasks can cause these injuries.
Are Repetitive Strain Injuries Covered by Illinois Workers’ Comp?
Yes — they often are. The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act covers injuries that arise out of work, including cumulative trauma.
External links:
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Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act: https://iwcc.illinois.gov/about/workers.html
For a deeper breakdown of compensation categories:
Internal link → Types of Workers’ Comp Benefits in Illinois
https://mcharguelaw.com/workers-compensation/types-of-workers-comp-benefits-in-illinois/
Why Repetitive Injury Cases Often Turn Into “Doctor Fights”
These claims almost always involve a clash between:
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Your treating doctor, who has seen you repeatedly
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The insurance company’s IME doctor, who sees you once
IME doctors frequently claim:
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“Your symptoms are degenerative.”
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“This is normal aging.”
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“Your job didn’t cause this.”
Your case often turns on medical causation, which is why your preexisting-injury article is a perfect cross-link:
Internal link → Pre-Existing Conditions & Illinois Workers’ Comp
https://mcharguelaw.com/workers-compensation/navigating-a-workers-compensation-claim-with-a-pre-existing-condition/
When to Consider an Attorney
Repetitive trauma cases are fact-specific and depend heavily on medical opinions. These are exactly the cases where having counsel helps.
Internal links:
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Do I Need an Illinois Workers’ Comp Attorney?
https://mcharguelaw.com/workers-compensation/do-i-need-an-illinois-workers-compensation-attorney/ -
Benefits of Working With a Workers’ Comp Attorney
https://mcharguelaw.com/workers-compensation/the-benefits-of-working-with-a-workers-comp-attorney/
FAQ: Repetitive Strain Injuries in Illinois Workers’ Compensation
Q1: Do I need a specific accident date for a repetitive injury?
No. Illinois uses the date you knew or reasonably should have known work caused your condition.
Q2: What if my doctor says my MRI looks “degenerative”?
You may still qualify. Illinois law covers work-related aggravations of preexisting conditions.
Q3: What evidence helps prove repetitive trauma?
Job-duty descriptions, medical records, coworker statements, ergonomic reports, and treating-doctor opinions.
Q4: Can light-duty or office workers get repetitive trauma injuries?
Absolutely — carpal tunnel, tendinitis, and rotator cuff injuries are common.
Q5: How long do I have to report a repetitive trauma injury?
Report it within 45 days of realizing it is work-related.
