RSI

Repetitive strain injury is a term used to describe a number of different musculoskeletal and nervous system injuries often suffered due to repetitive tasks, abnormal body positions and forceful exertions.

There are a number of work and computer related RSI disorders including non-specific arm pains or upper limb disorders (neck, shoulders, wrists, hands). Some researchers have suggested that RSI causes can be traced to psychological factors such as stress.

The law recognises dangers posed by RSI injuries and if you have suffered RSI injury as a result of your employer’s negligence you may be able to bring RSI claim and receive substantial compensation for your pain and suffering. Although RSI injuries are usually suffered over longer period of time due to repetitive movements, RSI claims can be brought in the same way as other personal injury claims.

How to bring a successful RSI claim against negligent employer?

Over recent years, repetitive strain injury compensation claims have become more common due to repetitive nature of work-related tasks.

In order to bring a successful RSI claim you must demonstrate the following:

• that your employer was aware of the risks that you were exposed to;
• that despite the employer’s knowledge about risks, the employer has failed to implement measures to protect you against the injury.
• That the injury was caused due to the work that you perform at your workplace.

As common as RSI claims may be they are not the easiest to prove. Frequently, there are different medical opinions about official diagnosis, the symptoms and potential causes of RSI. Sometimes it is also difficult to prove the existence of RSI. For instance, it would be difficult to prove RSI caused by computer use at work, as a large proportion of people use computer both at home and at work and ultimate blame could be equally allocated to home and work computer use.

What compensation can I receive?

If you successfully claim RSI you will be awarded monetary compensation. The level of compensation is dependent on the actual effects of RSI and projected recovery times. For example, if the effects can be resolved through surgical intervention then the pain you suffer and how quickly you recover from it will be reflected in the level of compensation you get.

Severe injuries such as loss of limb function (permanent immobilisation of a joint) could result in compensation award in the region of £35,000. Similar damage leaving the limb partially functional could result in compensation between £15,000 – £23,000. Less serious RSI conditions which cause pain and some stiffness but generally do not involve permanent disability could be assessed anywhere between £4,000 and £15,000. Minor injuries that have few months projected full recovery time are likely to result in damages of between £2,000 and £3,000.

What are the most common symptoms of repetitive strain injuries?

Typical RSI symptoms include: pain, stiffness, throbbing, numbness, or tingling in the affected body areas. The symptoms tend to develop gradually over time. It is common for the experience some of the symptoms whilst performing repetitive tasks at first. With time the symptoms tend to become more permanent in nature and can occur even when at rest. The severity of symptoms ranges greatly from insignificant to severe conditions.

Can repetitive strain injuries be avoided and what is the treatment for already developed conditions?

Some of the best safeguards are relatively simple exercise such as warming up or cooling down your muscles and joints. If you perform office tasks such as work in front of a computer you should ensure that not only your monitor, chair, mouse and keyboard are correctly positioned but also try to make short breaks and stretch yourself regularly. A good idea could be to take a walk or yoga class during your lunch break.

There are many different forms of RSI treatment ranging from drugs (painkillers and anti-inflammatory tablets) to massages, physiotherapy or acupuncture.