Repetitive Trauma Injuries

Last Updated: August 2026

Some injuries received at the workplace are sudden and violent—a fall from a ladder, a finger crushed in a piece of equipment, a car accident while conducting business for your employer. Other injuries accumulate over time through repetitive actions done as part of your job. Even though repetitive trauma injuries accrue gradually, they can still cause an equally serious disability for the victim, and can be compensated by a claim made on your employer’s Workers’ Compensation insurance.

Repetitive trauma injuries affect many fields

Repetitive trauma injuries are increasingly common, with as many as one in eight U.S. workers being diagnosed with this sort of injury, and nearly two thirds of all Workers’ Compensation claims resulting from repetitive trauma.

Common sources of repetitive trauma injury include:

• Hammer, screwdriver, wrench, or drill use
• Extensive typing and computer mouse use
• Writing by hand
• Handheld sawing and cutting
• Container packing
• Massage or physical therapy
• Bending and shelving

Getting repetitive injury trauma Workers’ Compensation claims paid can be a challenge

Despite the fact that such injuries are painful and can prevent you from doing your job, South Carolina employers are often loath to compensate their employees for Workers’ Compensation claims made for repetitive trauma injuries. These employers know that, without one major observable accident to which workers can point to as the cause of their injury, it can be difficult to prove that the injury came from workplace activities, rather than simply accruing from household activities or hobbies.

An experienced South Carolina Worker’s Compensation attorney can guide you toward success in getting paid what you’re owed

A skilled workplace injury attorney will be familiar with the difficulty in obtaining compensation for these sorts of injuries, and will understand your frustration. Our Workers’ Compensation attorneys at Peake & Fowler are well-versed in how to prove a repetitive injury trauma claim, using technical research and expert witness testimony to prove the sort of damage that occurs to the body when performing these repetitive tasks, and the ways in which your own medical records may show the evidence of this very type of trauma.

If you’ve been the victim of a repetitive trauma injury, contact Columbia’s experienced and dedicated Workers’ Compensation lawyers at Peake & Fowler for a consultation on your case, at 803-788-4370.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Repetitive Trauma Injury Claims

What is classified as a repetitive trauma injury under South Carolina law?

A repetitive trauma injury results from gradual physical wear and tear caused by routine job duties over an extended period. Common examples include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and chronic back strains. Unlike sudden workplace accidents, these conditions develop slowly through continuous micro-motions, making them fully eligible for workers’ compensation benefits across the state.

How soon must I report a repetitive trauma injury to my employer?

South Carolina law requires workers to notify their employer within ninety days pursuant to SC Code § 42-15-20 of discovering the condition or realizing it is work-related. Waiting too long to provide formal notice can jeopardize your right to recover vital financial compensation. Promptly informing a supervisor helps protect your legal standing and initiates the official workplace injury process.

What is the statute of limitations for filing a formal claim?

You generally have two years to file a formal claim with the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission under SC Code § 42-15-40. For repetitive trauma, this two-year clock starts ticking on the date you discover or reasonably should have discovered that your medical condition is work-related. Strict adherence to this filing deadline is required to secure your benefits. 

Are there outer time limits for reporting repetitive trauma?

Yes, state regulations impose an absolute cutoff known as the seven-year rule governed by SC Code § 42-15-40. A claim for repetitive trauma must be filed within seven years from the very last date you were exposed to the repetitive motions at work. If you miss this final cutoff window, your ability to pursue compensation is permanently barred. 

What types of medical treatment are covered by my claim?

Approved workers’ compensation claims cover all reasonable and necessary medical treatments related to your repetitive strain condition. This includes doctor visits, diagnostic tests, physical therapy, prescription medications, and necessary surgical procedures. You must generally see authorized medical providers chosen or approved by your employer or their insurance carrier under applicable state framework provisions.

Can I choose my own doctor for a repetitive trauma evaluation?

In South Carolina, the employer or their insurance company typically has the right to select the treating physician for workers’ compensation cases. Seeking unauthorized medical care outside of this network without prior approval could mean you are left paying out of pocket for those bills. Always consult an attorney regarding authorized medical options.

What kinds of financial benefits can I receive?

Successful claimants can recover several forms of financial relief, including temporary disability payments if time away from work is required. Permanent partial disability benefits may also be awarded if the repetitive strain leaves you with a lasting physical impairment. These financial safety nets are designed to offset lost wages during recovery.

Do I need to prove that my employer was negligent?

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, meaning you do not need to prove negligence or wrongdoing by your employer. You only need to establish clear medical evidence demonstrating that your repetitive condition directly arose out of and in the course of your daily employment responsibilities inside South Carolina.

What should I do if my initial claim gets denied?

Insurance companies frequently deny repetitive trauma claims by arguing the condition is age-related or stems from personal hobbies. A denial is not the final word on your case. You have the right to request a formal hearing before the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission to present medical evidence and fight back.

How can a local Columbia attorney help with my case?

Navigating complex medical documentation, insurance adjusters, and strict filing deadlines requires deep legal experience. A dedicated local attorney handles all communications, gathers crucial expert testimony, and advocates fiercely on your behalf. Having professional legal representation significantly increases your chances of securing the full financial recovery you deserve.

What does it cost to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer?

Most South Carolina injury lawyers handle these claims on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront hourly charges or out-of-pocket fees. Attorneys only collect a percentage of your recovery if they successfully secure a financial settlement or award for your case, making legal help accessible when needed.

Are office workers eligible for repetitive trauma compensation?

Office workers who develop severe carpal tunnel syndrome, shoulder tendonitis, or neck strains from constant typing and computer use are fully covered. Repetitive trauma is not limited to manual labor; any job involving repetitive physical or ergonomic stressors qualifies an employee for valuable state workers’ compensation protections.