RSI Claims

If you are suffering from RSI as a result of employer negligence, talk to Jefferies about repetitive strain injury claims.

What is RSI?

Repetitive Strain Injury (or RSI) is a condition acquired following the repetitive use of certain parts of the body. Some jobs require the extensive use of certain types of equipment or tools which can create or worsen RSI symptoms. If your employer has not ensured that all safety measures have been met then you could be entitled to make a compensation claim for RSI.

There are many different strains of repetitive strain injuries (RSI), but all have some effect on the nerves, tendons and muscles within the body. Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is the aches and pain in your body caused by repetitive movements or poor posture while doing certain activities. It’s also called occupational overuse injury and overuse syndrome. RSI mainly affects your wrists and hands.

The symptoms of RSI include aches, pain, swelling, numbness, tingling, weakness and cramps.

What causes RSI?

Repetitive Strain Injury can be caused by a number of different workplace environments. It is usually the result of the repetitive overuse of particular parts of the body for a prolonged period.

RSI is related to the overuse of muscles and tendons in the upper body.

Common causes leading to repetitive strain injury claim compensation include:

• Machine or keyboard operators who develop bad posture through stooping or leaning over too much
• Hand-held vibrating equipment
• Working in areas of continued low temperature
• Continuously carrying large or heavy loads for a prolonged period
• Stress can also exacerbate the condition
• Doing repetitive activities
• Carrying out an activity for a long time without taking enough breaks
• Poor posture from working at a poorly designed workstation
• Activities that involve working in an awkward or tiring position

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Forms of RSI (Repetitive Strain Injuries)

There are a number of forms of RSI including:

• Vibration white finger
• Hand-held vibration syndrome
• Work-related Upper Limb Disorder
• Bursitis
• Dystonia
• Tennis Elbow
• Diffuse repetitive Strain Injury
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

There are two types of RSI:-

Specific Named Conditions – these include tenosynovitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis, tennis elbow, De Quervain’s Syndrome, etc.

Diffuse RSI – this is where there is no clear-cut diagnosis but a range of symptoms exist. Sometimes it is known as non-specific pain syndrome.

Also called:

Type 1 RSI is a musculoskeletal disorder. Symptoms usually include swelling and inflammation of specific muscles or tendons.

Type 2 RSI has a range of causes. It is often related to nerve damage resulting from work activities.

RSI Awareness is an organisation that offers support and advice to people with RSI.

How RSI can affect you

Because there are so many different strains of RSI, it is impossible to set down specific symptoms but they often include:

• pain, aching or tenderness
• stiffness
• throbbing
• tingling or numbness
• weakness
• cramp

Other symptoms depend on which part of the body is affected. Repetitive strain injury affects everyone differently. Sometimes, the condition can be serious and debilitating enough to prevent you from being able to work. If you have been prevented from working for a long period of time, your compensation is likely to be higher as it will include your loss of earnings.

Avoiding RSI

According to the NHS, there are also things you can do to help reduce your risk of getting RSI, such as:

• maintaining good posture at work – see how to sit at a desk correctly
• taking regular breaks from long or repetitive tasks – it’s better to take smaller, more frequent breaks than one long lunch break
• trying breathing exercises if you’re stressed

If you work at a computer all day, make sure your seat, keyboard, mouse and screen are positioned so they cause the least amount of strain.

See tips on preventing RSI for more detailed advice about using a mouse and keyboard at work.

If you have been affected by repetitive strain injury as a result of your working environment, you may be entitled to claim compensation.

Call us on 0333 358 3034 or get in touch online for more information. 

AMOUNT OF COMPENSATION IN RSI CLAIMS

All personal injury cases are unique and so the amount of compensation that is awarded in each case is also unique. The amount of compensation that is awarded is determined by looking at two distinct factors – general damages and special damages.

GENERAL DAMAGES IN RSI CLAIMS

The pain and suffering that your injuries have caused is the main factor that is used to determine how much compensation you are owed.

SPECIAL DAMAGES IN RSI CLAIMS

However, compensation also takes into account any financial losses that you might have suffered as a result of your injuries, such as a loss of earnings due to being unable to return to work.

repetitive strain injury claims

To learn more and to discuss your potential claim in confidence, contact our team on 0333 358 3034. Alternatively, complete our online contact form to arrange an initial no-obligation telephone consultation with a member of our expert team.