Repetitive stress injuries happen quietly. You don’t fall, slip, or get crushed by machinery — instead, your body breaks down from lifting, bending, typing, kneeling, scanning, pulling, twisting, or standing for years.

Many Illinois workers aren’t sure whether these injuries qualify as workers’ comp claims. The answer is: often, yes — but the insurance company may not make it easy.

This article explains your coverage, rights, and next steps if you believe work caused or aggravated your repetitive stress injury.

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What Is a Repetitive Stress Injury?

RSIs develop over time from:

• Repetitive lifting and carrying

• Frequent bending or twisting

• Working on hard surfaces

• High-volume scanning or sorting

• Kneeling, squatting, or climbing

• Prolonged awkward postures

• Exposure to vibration

External resource:

• OSHA Ergonomics & MSDs: https://www.osha.gov/ergonomics/

• CDC / NIOSH MSD Guide: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ergonomics/about/

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Are You Covered Under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act?

Yes — if your job caused, contributed to, or aggravated your condition. You don’t need a dramatic accident.

External links:

• IWCC: https://iwcc.illinois.gov/

• Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act: https://iwcc.illinois.gov/about/workers.html

To review the benefit categories:
Internal link → Types of Workers’ Comp Benefits
https://mcharguelaw.com/workers-compensation/types-of-workers-comp-benefits-in-illinois/

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What If I Had a Preexisting Issue?

Work-related aggravation is compensable under Illinois law.

Internal link:

• Pre-Existing Conditions in Illinois WC
  https://mcharguelaw.com/workers-compensation/navigating-a-workers-compensation-claim-with-a-pre-existing-condition/

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Real-World Coverage Examples

Warehouse Workers

• Repetitive lifting → back, shoulder, knee injuries

• Fast-paced scanning → wrist, elbow, hand injuries

Internal link:
https://mcharguelaw.com/workers-we-represent/warehouse-workers/

Plumbers / Mechanics

• Kneeling, squatting → knee degeneration, meniscus tears

• Twisting in tight spaces → low back injuries

Internal link:
https://www.mcharguelaw.com/chicago-workers-compensation-lawyer/workers-we-represent/plumbers/index.html

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Why These Claims Are Frequently Denied

RSI claims get denied more often because:

• Insurance IME doctors blame aging (“degenerative changes”)

• No single accident date

• Gradual onset makes causation harder to “see”

• Employer doesn’t understand the injury mechanism

This is where legal guidance matters.

Internal links:

• Do I Need an Illinois Workers’ Comp Attorney?

• Benefits of Working With a WC Attorney

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FAQ: Repetitive Stress Injuries in Illinois

Q1: Can I file a claim if my pain developed slowly?

Yes. Illinois law recognizes cumulative trauma.

Q2: What benefits can I receive for a repetitive stress injury?

Medical treatment, wage loss, permanent disability, and more.

Q3: What if my boss says it’s “not work-related”?

Your doctor’s opinion — not your employer’s — controls causation.

Q4: Do I need a lawyer for repetitive stress claims?

Often yes, because these cases frequently involve IME disputes.

Q5: Do repetitive stress injuries always require surgery?

No. Many are treated with therapy, braces, injections, or modified work.