Office work doesn't seem dangerous. There's no heavy machinery, no ladders, no power tools. But here's what most people miss: sitting at a desk for eight hours every day can seriously damage your body. Office workers are dealing with repetitive stress injuries at alarming rates, and most don't realize they're entitled to workers' compensation.
What Are Repetitive Stress Injuries?
These injuries sneak up on you. They develop when you're doing the same motion again and again, day after day. There's no dramatic accident. No specific moment where everything goes wrong. The damage just builds quietly over weeks or months until one day you can't ignore the pain anymore.
Office workers typically deal with:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome from constant typing and mouse clicking
- Tendonitis in wrists, hands, or shoulders
- Chronic lower back pain from sitting all day
- Neck strain because your monitor's positioned wrong
- Tennis elbow, even though you've never picked up a racket
- Eye strain and vision issues from staring at screens
We're not talking about minor aches here. Severe repetitive stress injuries can make it impossible to type an email, sign your name, or hold your phone. Some people can't even grip a pen without shooting pain.
Documenting Your Condition
See a doctor the moment you notice persistent pain. Don't wait. When you're explaining what's wrong, be specific about your job duties. Tell them you type for seven hours straight. Mention that your keyboard sits at an awkward angle. Describe how you crane your neck to see your second monitor. Medical records that directly connect your condition to your work activities make your claim much stronger. Keep your own records too. Write down when the pain started, how it's affecting your ability to work, and whether symptoms change throughout the week. Does your wrist feel better on Saturday and Sunday? Does the pain come roaring back every Monday morning? That pattern matters. It shows the direct link between your job and your injury.
Filing Your Workers' Compensation Claim
New York gives you 30 days to report workplace injuries to your employer. Yes, that includes repetitive stress injuries. We know it's hard to pinpoint an exact date for these conditions. Report it as soon as you realize your job's causing the problem.
Your employer should give you claim forms. Fill them out completely. Don't minimize what you're experiencing or try to tough it out. Insurance companies actively look for reasons to deny claims, and vague information hands them an easy excuse. At Polsky, Shouldice & Rosen, P.C., we've watched insurance carriers blame everything except work for repetitive stress injuries. They'll say it's your hobby. Your age. Some pre-existing condition you didn't even know about. Having someone in your corner who knows how to fight these arguments makes a real difference.
Benefits You Can Receive
When your claim gets approved, workers' compensation covers quite a bit. Medical treatment comes first. That includes doctor visits, physical therapy sessions, prescription medications, and any equipment you need, like wrist braces or ergonomic keyboards. You might qualify for wage replacement, too. Some injuries require time off while you heal. Others mean you can't work your regular hours anymore. Many office workers return to modified duty with ergonomic accommodations. But some need extended leave for proper treatment and recovery. Severe cases that cause permanent limitations can qualify for permanent disability benefits. A Queens Workers' Compensation Lawyer can assess whether your condition meets that threshold.
Repetitive stress injuries are legitimate workplace injuries. Period. You shouldn't be paying medical bills out of pocket because your job slowly destroyed your wrists or back. You shouldn't lose income because typing all day gives you carpal tunnel. Don't wait until you can barely function. Document everything. Report the injury. Then reach out to our team so we can make sure you're getting the benefits you deserve while you recover.
