Repetitive Stress Injuries: How to Pursue a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Repetitive stress injuries, often overlooked in the workplace, can cause lasting pain and limit a person's ability to earn a living. In Anchorage, Alaska and across the state, these injuries frequently develop slowly over time—from routine tasks like typing, lifting, scanning, or even standing in one position for hours.
At the Law Office of Justin S. Eppler, LLC, our workers’ compensation attorney knows how discouraging it can be to suffer a workplace injury and be met with skepticism or denial. Repetitive stress injuries deserve the same recognition and support as any other occupational harm.
With proper documentation and strong legal support, you can pursue compensation for treatment, time away from work, and long-term disability. Let’s explore the key aspects of building a successful claim and explain how a workers' compensation attorney can support you every step of the way.
What Counts as a Repetitive Stress Injury?
Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) are caused by continuous motion or sustained pressure on certain muscles, joints, or tendons. Unlike injuries caused by a fall or machinery accident, RSIs build up over time—making them harder to detect, report, and link directly to work conditions.
That’s why many claims involving these injuries require detailed medical and employment histories.
Carpal tunnel syndrome: Caused by repetitive hand or wrist movement, often linked to typing, assembly line work, or use of vibrating tools.
Tendinitis: Inflammation of tendons due to repetitive lifting or overhead reaching, common in warehouse and construction jobs.
Rotator cuff injuries: Damage to shoulder muscles from frequent lifting or awkward upper-body movement.
Lower back strain: Caused by standing, twisting, or bending throughout the workday without proper ergonomic support.
Trigger finger: A condition that causes fingers to lock or catch, typically from repeated gripping or pinching tools or equipment.
We’ve worked with clients in all types of industries—from office clerks to commercial fishermen—who’ve suffered from these injuries. With support from an experienced workers' compensation attorney, it’s possible to demonstrate how your day-to-day work caused your symptoms.
Early Signs and Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore
Because RSIs develop slowly, they’re often mistaken for normal aches and pains. Workers may try to “tough it out,” only to find themselves facing permanent limitations later on. Recognizing the warning signs and acting quickly is key to preserving your health and your claim.
Persistent soreness or aching: Especially after work, or that improves slightly with rest but never fully disappears.
Numbness or tingling: Most common in the hands and arms, which may indicate nerve involvement.
Decreased range of motion: Stiffness or reduced ability to rotate, bend, or grip can signal joint or tendon strain.
Muscle weakness: Trouble lifting everyday objects or performing tasks that were once routine.
Swelling or inflammation: Particularly in wrists, elbows, knees, or shoulders, where repetitive motion tends to accumulate stress.
When these symptoms appear, it’s important to document them, seek medical evaluation, and report your concerns to your employer. Early action makes it easier to prove the connection between your work and your injury later on.
Steps to Take After Recognizing a Repetitive Injury
Many workers delay reporting their injuries because there’s no clear incident to point to. However, under Alaska’s workers’ compensation system, you’re still eligible for benefits as long as the injury arose from your job duties. Here's how to take control of your case early on.
Inform your employer: Don’t wait until the condition worsens. Even if the injury seems minor, notify your supervisor in writing.
Seek medical care: A qualified healthcare provider can help determine whether your condition is work-related and begin treatment.
Maintain a symptom journal: Track when your pain increases, what tasks seem to cause flare-ups, and how the injury affects your daily routine.
Request accommodations: You may need temporary work restrictions or ergonomic changes to reduce strain while healing.
Speak with a lawyer: A workers' compensation attorney can explain your rights and help you start the claim process on solid footing.
The steps you take in these early stages will influence your claim’s outcome. Even a short delay or incomplete report can lead to disputes or denials—something our firm works hard to prevent.
Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Alaska
Filing a claim for a repetitive stress injury in Alaska follows the same general process as other workplace injuries, but the burden of proof can be greater. That’s why working with a workers’ compensation attorney is so important. They help you meet deadlines and support your claim with strong evidence.
First report of injury (FROI): You or your employer must file this form with the Alaska Workers’ Compensation Division to begin the process.
Doctor’s opinion: Your physician should provide a written opinion confirming the condition is work-related and recommending treatment or restrictions.
Employer’s insurance review: The insurance carrier will evaluate the claim and decide whether to accept or deny it.
Possible dispute or hearing: If the insurer disagrees, you may be required to attend a hearing to present evidence of your injury’s cause and severity.
This process can be overwhelming, especially when you're in pain and trying to manage daily tasks. That’s why many workers turn to a workers’ compensation attorney to handle the paperwork, communication, and legal advocacy on their behalf.
Challenges That Can Arise in RSI Claims
Employers and insurance carriers often question whether repetitive injuries are truly caused by work, especially when the symptoms develop gradually. That’s one of the most common reasons these claims are denied or delayed. Fortunately, many of these issues can be addressed with proper documentation and legal support.
Disputing causation: Insurers may argue your injury is the result of aging, hobbies, or pre-existing conditions instead of your job duties.
Lack of incident report: Without a specific accident date, they might claim there's no work-related injury at all.
Delayed reporting: Waiting too long to notify your employer can weaken your claim, even if your injury is real.
Return-to-work pressure: Employers may push for an early return before you're ready, risking further injury.
Low settlement offers: Insurers might undervalue your claim, especially when the injury results in long-term disability.
These challenges are why it's so important to have a knowledgeable workers' compensation attorney reviewing your case and guiding your decisions. They understand how to address these issues before they become barriers to recovery.
What Benefits You May Be Entitled To
If your claim is approved, Alaska’s workers’ compensation system offers several categories of benefits. These are designed to help you recover physically, financially, and professionally—especially if your injury prevents you from returning to the same line of work.
Medical treatment: Full coverage of appointments, surgeries, therapy, medications, and any equipment needed for recovery.
Wage replacement: Temporary total disability (TTD) or temporary partial disability (TPD) payments while you’re off work or on restricted duty.
Permanent impairment benefits: If your RSI results in long-term limitations, you may receive a lump-sum payment based on impairment rating.
Vocational rehabilitation: Training, education, and placement support if you can’t return to your previous job.
Travel reimbursement: Compensation for mileage and other travel costs to and from medical appointments.
These benefits are your legal right—but they’re not always offered without question. A workers' compensation attorney helps make sure that all possible compensation is calculated and pursued aggressively.
How a Lawyer Strengthens Your Claim
The process of filing a workers’ compensation claim for a repetitive stress injury isn’t easy. From meeting deadlines to gathering evidence, every detail matters. An experienced attorney takes on these burdens so you can focus on healing and getting your life back on track.
Evidence gathering: We collect medical records, work histories, ergonomic assessments, and testimony when needed.
Claim preparation: We handle form submissions, employer communications, and claim filings in a timely, accurate manner.
Negotiating with insurers: We push back when lowball offers are made and advocate for fair settlements that reflect your injury’s real impact.
Representing at hearings: If your claim goes to dispute, we prepare arguments, witness lists, and medical documentation for a compelling presentation.
Continued support: Whether you need follow-up care or face retaliation at work, we stay involved to protect your rights long-term.
At the Law Office of Justin S. Eppler, LLC, our focus is always on the worker—not the system. We make sure your voice is heard and your needs are met, with dignity and determination.
Contact Us Today
Repetitive stress injuries can sideline careers and cause long-term suffering. At our firm, we’ve guided workers in Anchorage, Alaska, and across Fairbanks, Juneau, Wasilla, and Palmer through every step of the claims process. Call the Law Office of Justin S. Eppler, LLC today to learn how our experienced workers' compensation attorney can protect your rights.
