In New Jersey, thousands of workers suffer injuries every year from small, repeated stresses that build up over time rather than singular accidents. These are called wear and tear injuries and are one of the most misunderstood types of workers’ compensation claims.
Many employees ignore the early signs, hoping the pain will go away. Unfortunately, failing to report or treat these symptoms can make it harder to prove that your condition is work-related. If you are starting to notice discomfort after performing your daily job tasks, you may be dealing with signs of wear and tear injuries that may qualify for workers’ comp benefits.
What Are Wear and Tear Injuries?
Also known as cumulative trauma or repetitive stress injuries, wear and tear injuries develop gradually. Instead of a single incident, they result from repeated physical motions, including bending, twisting, reaching, or vibrating, that place long-term strain on muscles, joints, and connective tissues.
In New Jersey, these injuries are covered under the state’s workers’ compensation laws, even if there is no specific date of injury. You do not need to prove someone else was negligent; you only need to show that your condition arose out of and in the course of your employment.
Common occupations where workers face repetitive physical strain include:
- Warehouse labor and package handling.
- Construction and skilled trades.
- Nursing, home health, and patient transport.
- Cleaning, housekeeping, and custodial services; and
- Office and computer-based jobs require long hours of typing or sitting.
No matter what your occupation is, if you suspect a wear-and-tear injury, it is essential to address it right away to avoid further injury and preserve your rights. Across Southern New Jersey — from Atlantic City to Camden and Cape May — workers in these roles face daily repetitive stress that can lead to serious wear and tear injuries.
Common Early Signs of Wear and Tear Injuries
Early wear and tear injury symptoms often feel minor. Workers may brush them off as soreness or fatigue, but over time, they tend to worsen. Knowing what to look for and when to seek help can prevent long-term damage and strengthen your legal claim.
Some of the most common early signs include:
- Joint stiffness or swelling, especially in knees, wrists, shoulders, or ankles.
- Tingling or numbness in fingers, toes, or other extremities.
- Reduced grip strength or difficulty lifting objects you used to handle easily.
- Chronic back pain that gets worse after standing, bending, or lifting.
- Pain improves with rest but flares up again at work or after physical activity.
These symptoms may be early indicators of more serious conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, herniated discs, or rotator cuff tears.
Common Underlying Conditions Behind Wear and Tear Symptoms
While symptoms may vary between workers, many repetitive stress injuries fall into two major medical categories:
Tendinitis
Inflammation of the tendons—often affect the shoulder, elbow, wrist, or biceps. Pain typically increases when the affected area is used for work tasks.
Bursitis
Inflammation of the bursa sacs that cushion joints, commonly occurring in the knee, elbow, or hip. Workers may experience swelling, warmth, limited range of motion, or “crepitus,” a grinding sensation when the joint moves.
These conditions often overlap and frequently appear in workers exposed to constant lifting, typing, kneeling, or reaching.
Why Delayed Reporting Can Harm Your Claim
New Jersey law requires injured workers to notify their employer within 90 days of discovering a job-related injury. However, with cumulative trauma injuries, the “discovery date” can be less obvious. Waiting until the pain becomes unbearable can weaken your ability to prove a work connection.
Delays in seeking treatment or legal guidance may lead to:
- Medical records that lack a clear job link give insurers room to deny the claim.
- Employer skepticism about when and how the condition developed.
- Longer recovery times, which may reduce your ability to return to work.
- Denied benefits due to missed deadlines or insufficient documentation.
Filing a no-fault workers’ comp claim does not require proof of employer wrongdoing, but it does require timely reporting and strong medical evidence. If you have questions about whether your symptoms qualify as a compensable job-related condition, our experienced New Jersey workers’ compensation lawyers can review your situation and help you understand your rights.
How to Document Repetitive Stress Symptoms for Workers’ Comp
If you believe your condition may be work-related, start documenting everything. This not only helps you get the care you need but also supports your legal claim.
You should:
- Keep a written log of your daily tasks and when symptoms occur.
- Tell your supervisor about your symptoms as soon as you suspect they are work-related.
- Request to see an authorized workers’ comp doctor, not just your personal physician.
- Follow up on all diagnostic tests, therapy, and specialist appointments.
- Save all medical records and insurance communications.
These steps help tie your repetitive stress symptoms workers’ comp claim to your work duties and avoid gaps in treatment.
When to Seek Medical Care Immediately
Certain symptoms suggest more serious complications requiring prompt medical attention, such as:
- Redness or heat over a joint or tendon
- Inability to sleep due to pain
- Difficulty performing everyday tasks like typing, walking, or lifting
- Pain accompanied by fever, chills, or nausea
These issues can signal infection or advanced inflammation and should not be ignored.
FAQ About Wear and Tear Injuries in Workers’ Comp
What are the early signs of wear and tear injuries at work?
Early signs often include joint stiffness or swelling, tingling or numbness in the hands or feet, reduced grip strength, chronic back or shoulder pain, or discomfort that worsens during repetitive job tasks. Some workers may also notice warmth, redness, or limited movement in the affected joint — common early indicators of tendinitis or bursitis.
Do wear and tear injury symptoms qualify for workers’ compensation in New Jersey?
Yes. New Jersey workers’ compensation covers cumulative trauma injuries, including tendinitis, bursitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other repetitive stress conditions. If medical evidence links your symptoms to your job duties, you may qualify for benefits even without a single accident.
How do I know if repetitive stress symptoms are work-related?
Repetitive stress symptoms are more likely work-related if they appear during or shortly after performing your regular job tasks and improve with rest. Keeping a symptom log, reporting discomfort early, and seeing an authorized workers’ comp doctor can help connect your condition to your work.
What should I do if I start experiencing signs of wear and tear at work?
Report symptoms to your employer immediately and request medical evaluation through an authorized provider. Track your symptoms, tasks, and treatment. Seek prompt medical attention if you experience severe pain, swelling, redness, or difficulty performing daily activities, as these may signal a more serious repetitive stress injury.
Can my workers’ comp claim be denied if I waited to report wear and tear symptoms?
Yes, because cumulative injuries develop gradually, delays in reporting make it easier for insurance carriers to argue your condition came from non-work activities. Prompt reporting, consistent medical documentation, and early treatment significantly strengthen your claim.
Should I contact a workers’ comp attorney for wear and tear injuries?
Yes. Wear and tear claims are often more challenging because they require clear medical proof and detailed documentation. An experienced New Jersey workers’ compensation attorney can help gather medical evidence, explain your rights, and protect your claim — especially if you work in New Jersey industries with high repetitive stress risk.
How Petro Cohen, P.C. Can Help
Wear and tear cases often require more effort to prove than other types of personal injury claims. Insurance companies may argue that your condition developed from aging or activities outside of work. At Petro Cohen, P.C., our firm has helped injured workers across Southern New Jersey navigate complex wear and tear workers’ comp claims with proven success.
We work with medical professionals to clearly document:
- Your physical limitations and how they affect your job duties.
- The specific tasks that caused or contributed to your condition.
- Expert opinions, if needed, to rule out other causes.
- The timeline of your symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment history.
We understand that repetitive trauma injuries leave many workers feeling unsure about what to do next. With decades of experience handling wear and tear injury symptoms, our dedicated wear and tear injury lawyers are here to help you navigate the claims process, protect your rights, and take the next step with confidence.
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