Can I Get Workers’ Compensation Benefits for a Repetitive Stress Injury in Massachusetts?

Yes—you can receive workers’ compensation benefits for a repetitive stress injury in Massachusetts. Many injured workers assume they must suffer a single accident to qualify, but the law also covers injuries that develop over time due to repetitive motion or ongoing strain at work.

If your job duties caused or significantly contributed to your condition, you may qualify for benefits under Massachusetts workers’ compensation law.

What Is a Repetitive Stress Injury?

A repetitive stress injury develops gradually from performing the same motions over and over again. Unlike a single traumatic injury, these conditions build over time and often worsen if you continue working without treatment.

Common examples include:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Tendonitis
• Rotator cuff injuries
• Back and neck strain
• Trigger finger
• Epicondylitis (tennis or golfer’s elbow)

These injuries frequently affect workers in jobs that require repetitive lifting, typing, scanning, assembly line work, or overhead activity.

Do Repetitive Stress Injuries Qualify for Workers’ Compensation?

Yes. In Massachusetts, workers’ compensation law covers repetitive stress injuries for injured workers with pre-existing conditions as long as your work activities remain “a major, but not necessarily predominant, cause” of the disabling condition.

That legal standard becomes critical. The insurance company often argues that:

• Your condition is degenerative
• Your injury relates to aging or prior medical issues
• Your work did not cause your symptoms

You must present strong medical evidence linking your condition to your job duties to overcome these arguments.

What Benefits Can I Receive?

If your repetitive stress injury prevents you from working, you may qualify for the same benefits as any other work injury claim, including:

• Temporary Total Disability (Section 34): 60% of your average weekly wage
• Temporary Partial Disability (Section 35): Partial wage replacement if you can work with restrictions
• Permanent and Total Disability (Section 34A): Ongoing benefits if you cannot return to any work
• Medical Benefits (Section 13 & 30): Coverage for treatment, therapy, and medications

You can learn more about how long benefits last here:
👉 https://www.chisholmllc.com/blog/how-long-do-section-34-benefits-last/

Why These Cases Are Often Denied

Repetitive stress claims face more scrutiny than traumatic injuries. The insurance company frequently denies these claims because there is no single accident date.

They may rely on an Independent Medical Examination (IME) to argue that your condition is not work-related. They may also claim that your job duties did not rise to the level required to meet the legal standard.

For that reason, documentation becomes critical. You should:

• Report your symptoms as soon as possible
• Seek consistent medical treatment
• Make sure your doctor documents how your job duties caused your condition

What Should I Do If My Claim Is Denied?

If the insurance company denies your claim, you still have options. You can file a claim with the Department of Industrial Accidents and challenge the denial.

The process includes:

• Conciliation
• Conference before an administrative judge
• Potential hearing

Strong medical evidence and a clear description of your job duties often determine the outcome.

Speak With a Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Repetitive stress injury cases require a strategic approach from the start. The insurance company will look for any reason to deny your claim, especially when the injury developed over time.

At Chisholm Law LLC, we represent injured workers across Massachusetts and take immediate action to protect their rights. As an experienced Massachusetts workers’ compensation lawyer, we build strong medical evidence, challenge insurer denials, and fight to secure the benefits you deserve. Learn more about your rights here: https://www.chisholmllc.com/practice-areas/workers-compensation/

📞 Call 978-703-0700 today for a free consultation.