New York repetitive strain injury lawyers play a crucial role in helping injured workers obtain the benefits they deserve when repetitive tasks at work lead to long-term pain or disability.
These injuries, often grouped under musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), represent a significant portion of workplace harm—accounting for nearly 30% of all workplace injuries that result in time off work in the United States.
Among the most affected are Latino workers, who are 50% more likely to suffer a work-related injury than their non-Latino counterparts. This disparity is even more pronounced in physically demanding jobs, where repetitive motions and strenuous tasks are common.
If you’ve started experiencing symptoms like numbness, tingling, swelling, or persistent discomfort related to your daily work activities, it’s important not to ignore them. These may be early warning signs of a repetitive strain injury (RSI).
Under New York workers’ compensation law, you may be entitled to receive medical care, wage replacement, and other essential benefits. However, securing these benefits can be challenging without legal support. RSI claims are often complex, requiring both a clear medical diagnosis and a strategic legal approach.
That’s why counting with Manhattan repetitive strain injury attorneys on your side makes all the difference. At Gorayeb & Associates, we’ve spent over 35 years helping thousands of workers—especially in the Latino community—successfully file claims for workplace injuries.
Our team understands the medical complexities and legal challenges these cases involve, and we fight tirelessly to make sure you receive the care, compensation, and justice you deserve.
Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs)—also known as Repetitive Motion Injuries or Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs)—are a group of musculoskeletal disorders that develop over time due to repeated motions, awkward or static postures, prolonged mechanical pressure, or the overuse of specific muscle groups.
These injuries most commonly affect the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves in areas such as the hands, wrists, shoulders, elbows, neck, and back.
Unlike acute injuries that result from a single incident, RSIs progress gradually. This slow onset makes early diagnosis difficult and often delays proper treatment.
From a legal standpoint, the lack of a clear accident date or identifiable triggering event complicates workers’ compensation claims, making RSIs one of the more challenging conditions to prove and address in both medical and legal contexts.
As the nature of work evolves—especially in physically demanding jobs or those requiring repetitive tasks—RSIs have become an increasingly common and costly issue in the modern workplace.
According to the U.S. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 900,380 Days Away From Work (DAFW) cases in the U.S. private sector in 2018, with 272,780 (or 30%) attributed to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), including RSIs.
Certain occupations are particularly susceptible to MSDs. In 2018, laborers and freight, stock, and material movers reported 25,110 MSD cases. Nursing assistants and heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers followed with 15,360 and 14,810 cases, respectively.
These statistics underscore the significant impact of RSIs and related MSDs on the workforce, highlighting the importance of early recognition, appropriate medical intervention, and informed legal support to address these challenges effectively.
Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) cover a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal conditions that develop over time due to repetitive motion, overuse, or sustained awkward postures. RSI compensation lawyers frequently encounter the following injuries in workplace claims:
When left untreated, these injuries can become chronic, affecting a worker’s ability to perform their job and reducing overall quality of life.
For many, seeking help from repetitive strain injury attorneys in New York is essential to secure the medical treatment, wage replacement, and long-term benefits they deserve.
Anyone who performs repetitive tasks or holds static postures for long periods can develop an RSI. Based on cases handled by NYC RSI injury lawyers, the most affected occupations include:
According to the National Health Statistics Reports, 49% of Hispanic or Latino workers in the U.S. sought medical attention for repetitive strain injuries that limited their activities for at least 24 hours in 2021—a clear indicator of how common and disabling these injuries can be, especially in vulnerable worker populations.
Preventing RSIs starts with a proactive approach: ergonomic workstations, regular movement breaks, proper tools, and training in posture hygiene.
Early detection and access to medical care can reduce the risk of long-term complications.
RSI compensation lawyers often advocate for their clients' claims while also working towards broader systemic changes to improve workplace safety and prevent repetitive strain injuries.
Employers and policymakers must prioritize workplace safety—particularly in industries with high immigrant labor—to reduce the burden of RSIs and protect the health and livelihoods of all workers.
Yes, workers suffering from Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs) are protected under New York Workers’ Compensation Law.
This system ensures that employees who suffer injuries or illnesses related to their job — including cumulative trauma injuries like RSIs — are entitled to receive compensation regardless of fault.
New York law recognizes RSIs as occupational diseases, meaning they result from the nature of a person’s work rather than from a single accident or external event.
According to Section 2 (15) of the New York Workers’ Compensation Law, an occupational disease is one that arises from the distinctive conditions of a particular trade or occupation — and RSIs fall squarely into this category when repetitive tasks or prolonged exertion are involved.
However, RSIs present unique legal challenges because:
This is why having legal representation is essential. A knowledgeable NYC RSI injury lawyer can help build a robust case by gathering critical evidence such as:
These benefits are designed to help injured employees recover physically and maintain financial stability while they’re unable to work.
Key benefits include:
Importantly, under the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board (NYS WCB), you do not have to prove employer negligence or fault.
You only need to show that your injury arose out of and during the course of your employment.
Understanding your rights can make a significant difference after an injury. If you're struggling to access these benefits, a New York workplace repetitive motion lawyer can help you navigate the process and ensure you receive the full support you're entitled to.
Important time limits
Because of the complexity in RSI timelines, workers are strongly encouraged to seek legal advice as soon as symptoms appear. Failing to file on time can permanently forfeit your right to compensation.
When it comes to repetitive stress injuries, legal experience matters. A seasoned New York RSI injury lawyer brings legal expertise, and a strategic understanding of how to build a strong, evidence-based claim that holds up under scrutiny.
Their role is essential in overcoming the challenges these complex cases often present.
With the right legal guidance, you don’t have to face the workers’ compensation system alone. Trust an experienced Brooklyn repetitive strain injury attorney to fight for your health, your rights, and the benefits you need to move forward.
Repetitive strain injuries can silently rob you of your livelihood and well-being. Acting quickly with the guidance of an experienced RSI attorney can help you avoid delays, denials, and unnecessary suffering.
From collecting crucial medical records to presenting strong arguments before the Workers’ Compensation Board, the right legal team can be the key to restoring your health and financial stability.
At Gorayeb & Associates, we bring decades of experience representing injured workers across New York.
Our attorneys understand the physical and financial toll RSIs can cause—and we know how to fight for the benefits you are entitled to.
Contact our New York Repetitive Strain Injury lawyers today for a free, confidential consultation. Let us help you secure the medical treatment, wage replacement, and long-term support you deserve.
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