If you’ve been working the same job for years and now find yourself dealing with chronic pain in your hands, shoulders, or back, you’re not alone. Repetitive stress injuries are among the most common workers’ compensation claims filed in Georgia and yes, they are covered under Georgia workers’ compensation law. Here’s what you need to know about filing a repetitive use injury claim in Georgia.

What Are Repetitive Stress Injuries Under Georgia Law?

Repetitive stress injuries, also called repetitive motion injuries or cumulative trauma disorders, occur when the same physical motion or stress is placed on your body day after day through your job duties. Unlike a sudden workplace accident, these injuries develop slowly as muscles, tendons, joints, and nerves wear down from constant use.

Georgia workers’ compensation law recognizes that not all workplace injuries happen in a single traumatic event and covers injuries that arise out of and in the course of employment, including those that develop over weeks, months, or even years of performing your job.

Common Repetitive Motion Injuries in Georgia Workplaces

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most frequently claimed repetitive stress injuries in Georgia. This condition occurs when the median nerve running through your wrist becomes compressed from repeated hand and wrist movements.

Workers at high risk include:

• Office workers and data entry professionals
• Assembly line workers in Georgia’s manufacturing plants
• Cashiers and retail workers
• Meat processors and food service workers
• Construction workers using vibrating tools

Symptoms include numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness in the hands and fingers. If left untreated, carpal tunnel can require surgery and result in permanent limitations.

Rotator Cuff Injuries

Rotator cuff tears from repetitive overhead motions are common among Georgia workers in construction, warehousing, painting, and electrical work. Your rotator cuff consists of muscles and tendons that stabilize your shoulder joint. Years of reaching, lifting, or working overhead can cause these tissues to gradually tear. Many Georgia workers don’t realize their shoulder pain is work-related until the damage becomes severe. 

Degenerative Back Conditions

Back injuries are the leading cause of workers’ compensation claims nationwide, and Georgia is no exception. Construction workers, warehouse employees, nurses, delivery drivers, and manufacturing workers are particularly susceptible to degenerative disc disease and chronic back pain from repetitive lifting, bending, and twisting.

Even if you’ve never had a specific back injury, the cumulative physical demands of your job can accelerate spinal degeneration and qualify you for Georgia workers’ comp benefits.

Work-Related Arthritis and Aggravated Pre-Existing Conditions

Here’s critical information many Georgia workers don’t know: you can receive workers’ compensation benefits even if you had a pre-existing condition like arthritis, as long as your job duties aggravated, accelerated, or contributed to your current symptoms.

Georgia follows the “aggravation rule,” which means employers must take workers as they find them. If your work made an existing condition worse or caused it to become symptomatic and require treatment, you’re entitled to benefits.

What You Need to Prove a Repetitive Injury Claim in Georgia

To successfully file a workers’ compensation claim for a repetitive stress injury in Georgia, you’ll need medical evidence linking your injury to your job. You must have a physician examine you and confirm that your injury was caused by your job duties over time. If the physician supports causation, that your job contributed to your condition – not just aging or daily life – it is a lot easier to get worker’s compensation coverage. 

Don’t Wait to Get Help with Your Repetitive Injury Claim

If you’re experiencing chronic pain, numbness, weakness, or limited mobility that you believe is connected to your job, take action now:

1. See a doctor immediately and explain your work duties in detail
2. Report your condition to your employer within 30 days of suspecting it’s work-related
3. Document everything, including symptom onset and how they impact your work
4. Contact a Georgia workers’ compensation attorney before filing your claim

The earlier you involve an attorney, the better we can protect your rights and build a strong case. At Poirier Law Firm we understand the medical evidence needed to prove causation, how to counter insurance company defenses, and how to maximize your benefits under Georgia law.

If your job has taken a physical toll through repetitive motions and constant stress on your body, you deserve full workers’ compensation benefits for your injury. Schedule your free case evaluation today so we can fight for the benefits you’ve earned while you focus on your recovery.