Repetitive Strain Injury
Repetitive strain injury (RSI) can be caused by frequently repeated movements such as typing on a computer keyboard or working on a supermarket checkout counter. These continuous, repetitive movements puts excessive strain on the muscles and joints, causing inflammation and pain. Repetitive Strain Injury usually affects the muscles and joints in the upper body. These injuries are therefore often referred to as Work-Related Upper Limb Disorders.
Repetitive Strain Injury or Work-Related Upper Limb Disorders give rise to a variety of symptoms including pain, tightness, soreness, pins and needles and loss of strength. The effects can be so severe as to leave the individual unable to work and may impact on various other aspects of daily life, sometimes leading to more serious medical conditions.
The following conditions are frequently encountered with this type of injury:-
Tenosynovitis
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
Stenosing Tenosynovitis
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Epicondylitis (sometimes known as tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow)
If you suffer from Repetitive Strain Injury or Work Related Upper Limb Disorder then you may be able to make a claim against your employer for compensation for your injuries. For your claim to succeed you will need to be able to show that the injuries sustained are directly attributable to the nature of your work. It is usual for the lawyers to obtain your medical records to prove this.
Compensation levels will depend upon the severity of the condition and level of symptoms. If complete recovery is made within a short period then the compensation is likely to be around £1,300 to £2,000. However if the condition is severe and involves surgery and loss of employment then compensation rises to around £14,000.
It should be remembered that these figures represent compensation awarded for the injury itself or what solicitors call ‘pain, suffering and loss of amenity’. In addition to this compensation can be claimed for financial losses arising from the accident such as loss of earnings, care, medical costs and travelling expenses. In fact any expense that is incurred as a result of the accident that wouldn’t otherwise have arisen.







