Golfer’s Elbow at Work Claims

Compensation for Medial Epicondylitis in England & Wales

Updated July 2026

Golfer’s elbow at work claims happen due to employers failing in their duty to keep their workers safe according to strict health and safety regulations. For example, employers may have failed to provide ergonomic tools, offer adequate gripping and lifting training, rotating repetitive tasks or responding to early reports of pain or discomfort.

Also known as medial epicondylitis, golfer’s elbow is a repetitive strain injury (RSI) that affects the tendons on the inside of the elbow. Although associated with sport, it frequently develops in workplaces where employees carry out repetitive gripping, twisting, lifting, or forceful manual tasks.

If your symptoms developed because your employer failed to protect you from foreseeable strain, you may be entitled to make a personal injury claim for compensation.

What Exactly Is Golfer’s Elbow?

Golfer’s elbow is an overuse injury affecting the flexor/pronator tendons that attach to the medial epicondyle.

According to the NHS, when these tendons become irritated or damaged, you may experience:

• Pain on the inside of the elbow
• Weak grip strength
• Difficulty lifting objects
• Stiffness or reduced range of movement
• Pain when flexing the wrist or rotating the forearm

There is a difference between tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow according to North West Hand Surgeon: tennis elbow occurs on the outside and back of your elbow, whereas golfer’s elbow affects the inside elbow joint.

In workplace settings, golfer’s elbow usually develops gradually due to repetitive strain rather than a single incident.

Common Work Activities That Cause Golfer’s Elbow

Golfer’s elbow typically occurs in roles involving:

• Repetitive lifting or carrying
• Frequent gripping or twisting of tools
• Manual handling without rotation
• Prolonged use of vibrating tools
• Assembly‑line or production work
• Repetitive wrist flexion or forearm rotation

These tasks place repeated stress on the elbow tendons, making golfer’s elbow a recognised work‑related RSI.

Employer Negligence and Golfer’s Elbow at Work

To succeed in a personal injury claim, you must show that your employer breached their duty of care under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992.

Employer negligence may include:

• No risk assessment for repetitive or forceful tasks
• Lack of ergonomic tools or poorly designed workstations
• Insufficient training on safe lifting or tool use
• Failure to rotate tasks to prevent overuse
• Ignoring early reports of pain or discomfort
• Excessive workloads that force repetitive strain
• No rest breaks during repetitive manual tasks

When golfer’s elbow is not considered an RSI

Golfer’s elbow may fall outside RSI classification if:

• It was caused by a single traumatic incident (e.g., sudden heavy lift)
• It developed due to non‑work activities (e.g., sports, hobbies)
• There is no repetitive element in the job role

However, in most workplace contexts involving manual, repetitive, or tool‑based roles, golfer’s elbow is treated as a repetitive strain injury. The guidelines that your employer should follow to keep you safe are outlined by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The guidelines may be different depending on the industry that you are in and depending upon what your job role involves.

What Evidence Do You Need for a Golfer’s Elbow Claim?

Strong evidence helps establish how your injury developed and why your employer is responsible. Your personal injury solicitor will build a timeline as to how your injury occurred using the following essential evidence:

• Medical records confirming golfer’s elbow
• Accident book entry or written report of symptoms
• Photographs/videos of your workstation or tools
• Witness statements from colleagues
• Training records showing gaps or missing instruction
• Emails or reports where you raised concerns
• Occupational health assessments
• Timesheets or job logs showing repetitive tasks

Steps to Start a Golfer’s Elbow Claim

Starting a claim in England and Wales is straightforward when you follow the correct process.

1. Seek medical attention

Get a diagnosis from your GP or physiotherapist. Early treatment provides essential evidence.

2. Report your symptoms to your employer

Ensure your injury is logged in the accident book, even if it developed gradually.

3. Request workplace adjustments

Ask for changes to your duties or equipment. If your employer refuses, this may support your claim.

4. Gather evidence

Collect photos, witness statements, training records and any communication showing employer failings.

5. Contact a specialist solicitor

We partner with solicitors experienced in RSI and workplace tendon injuries. They can assess your case with a free, no-obligation consultation to get your started and guide you through the process.

6. Begin the claims process

Your solicitor will notify your employer or insurer and outline the basis of your claim.

7. Attend medical assessments

Independent medical experts may assess your injury to confirm severity and long‑term impact. Your solicitor will help to arrange this appointment.

8. Negotiate settlement

Most golfer’s elbow claims settle out of court. Compensation may cover pain, suffering, lost earnings, physiotherapy, and future care. Your solicitor will be able to calculate a fair settlement based on medical evidence and employer negligence.

How is Compensation Calculated for Golfer’s Elbow?

Compensation will vary and depends on:

• Severity of pain
• Impact on work and daily life
• Length of recovery
• Need for physiotherapy or surgery
• Loss of earnings
• Future risk of recurrence

Why Do Golfer’s Elbow Claims Matter?

Golfer’s elbow can have a considerable effect on your ability to work, carry out daily tasks, and even enjoy normal activities. A successful claim helps you to:

• Access physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• Recover lost income
• Protect your long‑term health
• Hold employers accountable for unsafe practices

FAQs: Golfer’s Elbow Claims in England & Wales

Is golfer’s elbow an RSI?

Yes, golfer’s elbow is medically recognised as a repetitive strain injury caused by repeated gripping, twisting, or lifting.

Can I claim if my symptoms developed gradually?

Yes, most golfer’s elbow injuries develop over time and gradual onset does not prevent you from claiming.

Do I need to prove employer negligence?

Yes, you must be able to show that your employer failed to protect you from foreseeable repetitive strain.

How long do I have to claim?

You usually have three years from the date your symptoms began or when you first realised your injury was work‑related.

What To Do Next

If you’re being affected by golfer’s elbow which you suspect was caused by employer negligence, give us a call to have a free consultation with our partner solicitors who will assess whether you have a valid claim. They also offer No Win, No Fee agreements which means you don’t have to worry about any upfront costs.

Contact our friendly team today on 0333 358 3034 or complete our online contact form.

About Our Legal Expert: This content is produced with oversight by Michael Jefferies, Managing Director who has over 30 years’ legal experience.

Written by Tanya Waterworth, Digital Content Writer