As attorneys representing injured workers throughout Illinois, we have seen how repetitive stress injuries can gradually affect employees who work hard every day without realizing the damage being done to their bodies. Unlike sudden accidents, repetitive trauma builds over time through repeated motions, awkward postures, vibration, or forceful exertion. Typists, assembly line workers, health care professionals, and even truck drivers often experience symptoms long before they understand the seriousness of their condition.
Unfortunately, employers and insurance companies sometimes question these claims, arguing that the injuries did not happen at work or are simply part of aging. Under Illinois law, however, workers who suffer repetitive stress injuries that develop out of and in the course of employment are entitled to compensation for medical care, lost wages, and permanent impairment. Our goal is to help you understand how Illinois workers’ compensation law protects you and how to assert your rights if you are struggling with one of these injuries.
Repetitive stress injuries, sometimes called repetitive strain or cumulative trauma injuries, occur when continuous motion or strain causes tissue damage to muscles, tendons, and nerves. Common examples include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, bursitis, tennis elbow, rotator cuff tears, and back strain. These conditions may develop over months or years, and symptoms often include pain, tingling, weakness, and reduced mobility.
Because these injuries occur gradually, they can be difficult to pinpoint to a single event or date. Under Section 1(d) of the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305/1(d)), the term “accident” includes a series of acts or exposures that cumulatively cause injury. This means repetitive stress injuries are treated as work-related accidents if they result from job duties.
Under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act employees are entitled to benefits for injuries “arising out of and in the course of employment.” This standard covers both acute injuries and cumulative trauma resulting from repetitive motion. Courts have long recognized that conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome or repetitive lifting injuries qualify as compensable accidents under the Act.
In Peoria County Belwood Nursing Home v. Industrial Comm’n, 115 Ill. 2d 524 (1987), the Illinois Supreme Court affirmed that a worker who developed carpal tunnel syndrome from repetitive hand movements could recover benefits, even without a specific traumatic event. The key legal question is whether the repetitive motion or strain was a contributing factor to the injury.
The “manifestation date” of a repetitive stress injury is another important legal concept. Under Section 6(c) of the Act (820 ILCS 305/6(c)), the statute of limitations begins when the employee becomes aware, or should reasonably become aware, that their injury is work-related. This protects employees who may not immediately recognize the connection between their work duties and their physical symptoms.
Workers suffering from repetitive stress injuries may be entitled to several categories of benefits, including:
These benefits are designed to provide financial stability while allowing injured employees to recover without fear of losing income or healthcare access.
While the law clearly provides protection, repetitive stress injury claims are often disputed. Employers and insurers may argue that non-work activities, prior injuries, or degenerative aging caused the condition. They may also claim that the worker waited too long to report the injury.
Under Section 6(c) of the Act, employees must notify their employer within 45 days of becoming aware that their injury is work-related. Because repetitive trauma develops gradually, the 45-day notice period usually begins when a medical professional confirms the condition and its connection to the job. We always advise clients to report symptoms and seek medical attention as soon as they suspect a work-related problem.
Insurance companies also frequently demand independent medical examinations (IMEs). These are often conducted by doctors chosen by the insurer and can lead to biased opinions. Our firm ensures that medical evidence from your treating physicians and independent specialists supports your claim with detailed documentation linking your condition to your work activities.
To succeed in a repetitive trauma claim, the injured worker must show:
We work with medical professionals who can provide opinions on causation, showing how the mechanics of your job—typing, lifting, twisting, or vibrating tools—produced the condition. Work records, witness statements, and ergonomic evaluations can also support your case.
Illinois courts recognize that an exact diagnosis date or single event is not required. What matters is demonstrating a clear connection between repetitive work activity and medical diagnosis.
To protect your right to compensation, follow these steps:
Delays or incomplete documentation can jeopardize your claim, so acting early is crucial.
If your symptoms worsen while performing job duties and improve when away from work, it’s likely related to your employment. A doctor’s diagnosis and medical history connecting your tasks to your condition are strong evidence. Under Illinois law, you do not need a single accident; a gradual injury over time still qualifies.
Employers often deny repetitive injury claims by arguing that they were not caused by work. You still have the right to file a claim with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. The Commission will review medical evidence and testimony to decide the issue. We often handle these disputes to ensure injured employees receive the benefits they are entitled to.
You should never continue activities that aggravate your condition without medical approval. If your doctor restricts your duties, your employer must provide modified work, or you may receive temporary total disability benefits under 820 ILCS 305/8(b) until you can safely return.
No. Retaliation for filing a claim is prohibited under 820 ILCS 305/4(h). Employers who discipline or terminate employees for asserting their legal rights can face penalties. We protect our clients from retaliation by ensuring their rights are upheld throughout the process.
If your condition deteriorates, you may qualify for review or modification of your award within 30 months under 820 ILCS 305/19(h). Our firm helps clients file petitions for increased compensation when medical evidence shows worsening disability.
Yes. Illinois law allows you to select two treating physicians at your employer’s expense under 820 ILCS 305/8(a). You may also see specialists to whom you are referred. Always tell your doctor that your condition is work-related so that the proper documentation supports your claim.
If you are suffering from a repetitive stress injury caused by your job, you do not have to face the insurance company alone. At The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, P.C., we fight for workers across Illinois to ensure they receive the benefits they deserve under the law. We will review your case, handle communications with insurers, and protect your rights every step of the way. Contact our Illinois workers’ comp attorneys at The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens by calling us at 847-395-2200 to receive your free consultation.
We proudly serve clients from our offices in Antioch (392 Lake St., Antioch, IL 60002), Waukegan (325 Washington St., Waukegan, IL 60085), and Woodstock (1212 North Seminary Unit 1, Woodstock, IL 60098), and represent injured workers throughout Antioch and the entire state of Illinois.
The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, Personal Injury and Workers' Compensation Law Office, have offices in Antioch, Waukegan, Grayslake, Woodstock and Barrington. We represent clients throughout the communities of Antioch, Waukegan, Grayslake, Barrington, Woodstock, Buffalo Grove, Deer Park, Gurnee, Lake Zurich, Round Lake, McHenry, Cary, Crystal Lake, Libertyville, Lincolnshire, Mundelein, Vernon Hills, Wheeling, North Chicago, Zion, Inverness, Palatine, Wauconda, Island Lake, Fox Lake, Barrington Hills, Spring Grove, Lake Bluff, Lakemoor, Long Grove, Lake Villa, Kildeer, Wadsworth, Indian Creek, Fox River Grove, Lindenhurst and other cities within Lake and McHenry Counties Illinois.
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