Suffering from carpal tunnel or a repetitive hand injury at work? Learn how Missouri workers’ comp laws protect your rights and what steps to take if your claim is denied.
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If you’re experiencing persistent hand pain, numbness, or loss of strength due to your job, you may be suffering from a repetitive hand injury. These conditions develop gradually and often go unnoticed—until they seriously interfere with your ability to work.
At the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann, we’ve helped countless Missouri workers get compensated for repetitive use injuries. Here’s what you need to know about your rights.
What Are Repetitive Hand Injuries?
Repetitive hand injuries—also known as repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) or cumulative trauma injuries—occur when the same motion is performed over and over again, damaging the muscles, tendons, or nerves over time.
Common repetitive hand injuries include:
These injuries aren’t caused by a one-time accident, which can make them more difficult to prove under workers’ compensation laws. That’s why legal guidance is often critical.
How Do These Injuries Happen on the Job?
Missouri workers across many industries are at risk. These injuries commonly develop in jobs that require:
- Repetitive typing or data entry
- Assembly line or packaging work
- Constant lifting, gripping, or twisting
- Use of vibrating tools or power equipment
- Prolonged pressure on the hands and wrists
Even desk jobs can cause serious damage over time. Don’t assume your injury isn’t serious just because it didn’t happen all at once.
Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
Early detection is key. If you notice any of the following, report it to your employer right away:
- Tingling or numbness in the fingers or hand
- Pain that worsens with motion or at night
- Swelling or inflammation
- Weak grip strength or dropping objects
- Burning or shooting pains in the wrist or forearm
These symptoms may seem mild at first but can quickly worsen if left untreated.
Are Repetitive Hand Injuries Covered by Missouri Workers’ Compensation?
Yes—but they’re often challenged or denied by insurance companies. Repetitive use injuries are harder to “see” than broken bones or visible trauma, which means you’ll need clear documentation and legal support.
To qualify for workers’ compensation, your injury must be:
- Directly related to your job duties
- Diagnosed by a medical professional
- Reported in a timely manner
Unfortunately, employers and insurers may argue that your condition is due to a pre-existing issue or a non-work activity. That’s where we come in.
Denied claim?
Contact us today for a free case reviewWe’ll fight to get you the benefits you deserve.
What Should You Do If You Suspect a Repetitive Hand Injury?
- Notify your employer immediately. Missouri law requires that work injuries be reported quickly.
- Request medical treatment from a doctor authorized by your employer.
- Track your symptoms. Keep notes on pain levels, what tasks aggravate the injury, and how it affects your work.
- Call a workers’ compensation lawyer. Especially if your employer delays treatment or your claim is denied.
📝 Tip: Don’t wait to report the injury. Delays can give the insurance company an excuse to deny your claim.
Challenges You May Face With These Claims
Repetitive hand injury cases are frequently disputed for reasons like:
- No specific accident date
- Lack of early medical care
- Employer says it’s not job-related
- You kept working through the pain
You do not need to prove that a single incident caused your injury—just that it developed due to your job over time.
How the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann Can Help
For over 30 years, we’ve helped injured Missouri workers win cases that others turned away. When you hire our firm, you work directly with Attorney James M. Hoffmann, not a junior associate. We know how to present medical evidence, build a strong claim, and fight insurance companies head-on.
✅ Over $100,000,000 in compensation recovered
✅ Aggressive representation for injured workers
✅ We don’t get paid unless you win