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What Missouri Workers Should Know About Repetitive Hand Injuries

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Suffering from carpal tunnel or a repetitive hand injury at work? Learn how Missouri workersโ€™ comp laws protect your rights and what steps to take if your claim is denied.

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missouri worker with wrist pain

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 unnoticedโ€”until they seriously interfere with your ability to work.

At the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann, weโ€™ve helped countless Missouri workers get compensated for repetitive use injuries. Here’s what you need to know about your rights.

Repetitive hand injuriesโ€”also known as repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) or cumulative trauma injuriesโ€”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 arenโ€™t caused by a one-time accident, which can make them more difficult to prove under workersโ€™ compensation laws. Thatโ€™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. Donโ€™t assume your injury isnโ€™t serious just because it didnโ€™t happen all at once.

Symptoms You Shouldnโ€™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 Workersโ€™ Compensation?

Yesโ€”but theyโ€™re often challenged or denied by insurance companies. Repetitive use injuries are harder to โ€œseeโ€ than broken bones or visible trauma, which means youโ€™ll need clear documentation and legal support.

To qualify for workersโ€™ 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. Thatโ€™s where we come in.

Contact us today for a free case review

What Should You Do If You Suspect a Repetitive Hand Injury?

  1. Notify your employer immediately. Missouri law requires that work injuries be reported quickly.
  2. Request medical treatment from a doctor authorized by your employer.
  3. Track your symptoms. Keep notes on pain levels, what tasks aggravate the injury, and how it affects your work.
  4. Call a workersโ€™ compensation lawyer. Especially if your employer delays treatment or your claim is denied.

๐Ÿ“ Tip: Donโ€™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 itโ€™s not job-related
  • You kept working through the pain

You do not need to prove that a single incident caused your injuryโ€”just that it developed due to your job over time.

๐Ÿ“Œ Related: Denied Workersโ€™ Comp Claim? Hereโ€™s What to Do

How the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann Can Help

For over 30 years, weโ€™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.

โœ… Over $100,000,000 in compensation recovered
โœ… Aggressive representation for injured workers
โœ… We donโ€™t get paid unless you win

Donโ€™t ignore the signs of repetitive hand injuries. If your job is causing pain, discomfort, or permanent damage to your hands, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more.

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Updated: June 3, 2025
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