What is a Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)?
A repetitive strain injury (RSI) describes pain in the muscles, nerves, and tendons caused by repetitive movement and overuse. Unlike sudden trauma, an RSI injury typically develops gradually over months or years.
It most frequently affects the upper body - specifically the wrists, hands, forearms, elbows, neck, and shoulders. As these areas are essential for both manual and office-based roles, an untreated condition can quickly impact your long-term ability to work.
RSI is typically triggered by:
- Repetitive physical tasks performed for long periods without sufficient breaks.
- Poor posture or working at a cramped, unergonomic workstation.
- High-intensity activity that puts excessive strain on specific soft tissues.
- Using vibrating tools or equipment that hasn't been properly maintained.
Workplace Accidents:
Common Symptoms of RSI
Early signs of a condition that could lead to a repetitive strain injury claim often start as mild discomfort while performing a specific task. If left unaddressed, these symptoms can become chronic and interfere with your ability to work or perform daily activities. Symptoms include:
- Pain or tenderness in the affected joint or muscle.
- Stiffness or a restricted range of motion.
- Tingling or numbness (often associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome).
- Cramp or throbbing sensations.
- Weakness in your grip or loss of dexterity.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms and believe they are a direct result of your working conditions, you may be eligible to make a repetitive strain injury claim.
Employer Responsibilities and Your Rights
Under UK Health and Safety legislation, employers have a legal obligation to protect their staff from musculoskeletal disorders. Their responsibilities include:
- Risk Assessments: Regularly evaluating tasks to identify repetitive motions that could cause harm.
- Provision of Equipment: Ensuring workstations are ergonomically sound (e.g., adjustable chairs, wrist rests, or anti-vibration tools).
- Adequate Training: Instructing staff on how to perform tasks safely and the importance of taking breaks.
- Responding to Concerns: Taking action when an employee reports early symptoms of pain or discomfort.
There’s a three-year time limit that applies to all repetitive strain injury claims. This period typically begins from your date of knowledge - the point at which you first realised your symptoms, such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, were linked to your working conditions. As the evidence is easier to gather early on, we recommend seeking legal advice as soon as a medical link is established.
How Do I Prove a Repetitive Strain Injury Claim?
For a successful repetitive strain injury claim, you must demonstrate that your employer failed in their duty of care. As an RSI injury develops over time, your claim relies on proving three key legal elements:
- Breach of Duty: Evidence that your employer ignored safety guidelines, such as failing to conduct risk assessments, providing inadequate training, or denying necessary breaks and ergonomic equipment.
- Causation: Medical and workplace evidence linking your specific diagnosis - such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - directly to your repetitive work tasks.
- Foreseeability: Proof that the risk of injury was predictable. This is strongest if you previously reported pain or concerns, and no preventative action was taken.
Our repetitive strain injury solicitors specialise in gathering the necessary evidence to build a robust case on your behalf.
What is The Value of a Repetitive Strain Injury Compensation Claim?
The amount of compensation you may receive depends on the severity of the condition and its impact on your life. Every RSI claim is unique, and we work closely with medical experts to ensure every aspect of your suffering is accounted for. To ensure you receive a fair settlement, your claim is typically divided into two distinct parts:
General Damages and Special Damages.
- General Damages are calculated to compensate you for the physical pain, emotional suffering, and the overall impact the injury has had on your quality of life.
- Special Damages are designed to reimburse you for specific financial burdens, such as recovering lost wages and specialist physiotherapy.
Start Your RSI Claim with Cordell & Co
If you’re suffering from a workplace injury, you don’t have to manage the physical and financial strain alone. Our repetitive strain injury solicitors provide the expert legal support required to secure the compensation you deserve, allowing you to focus on your recovery. Contact our friendly team today.
How We Can Help
Our committed team of specialists will guide you through every step of the process providing you with honest advice and realistic outcomes to expect on your case. Our team are experts in personal injury and we have been helping people for 30 years. We have a proven track record in obtaining excellent results for our clients.
We also understand the mental, financial and physical difficulty you may be suffering with and will do our utmost to support you throughout the case.
What to do if you have had a repetitive strain injury?
Due to the nature of these injuries happening over a period of time it is important to ensure that you are aware of the following information. Please note you do not have to know all of these answers in order for us to assess the case.
- When did I first start doing the specific task I believe has caused my injury?
- What is the specific part of this specific task that I feel has caused my injury?
- What date did I first seek medical attention in regards to this injury?
- Am I aware of any pre-existing conditions I may have which may have been affected by this injury?
- When did I first raise any concerns in regards to this specific job with my employer? What was their response and do I have any proof of this?
- Get the details of any co-workers or other individuals that witnessed your accident or actions over the period of time.
- If appropriate obtain photographs of the accident location showing where the accident occurred.
In order for us to assess whether you have a case please contact us to discuss this further.