Repetitive Strain Injury Claims — RSI Compensation
Last reviewed: June 2026 · EA Personal Injury Solicitors
Repetitive strain injuries caused by workplace activities are compensatable occupational conditions. If your employer failed to manage the risks of repetitive work and you have developed an RSI-related condition, EA Personal Injury Solicitors can help you claim on a no win, no fee basis.
TL;DR — Quick Summary
Key Points
- RSI includes carpal tunnel syndrome, tenosynovitis, tendinitis, epicondylitis and other recognised conditions
- Employers must assess and reduce ergonomic risks under health and safety legislation
- Three-year limitation period from date of knowledge
- Future loss of earnings claimable where the condition is permanent or career-limiting
- No win, no fee — if the claim succeeds, a success fee may be deducted from your compensation
Work-Related Upper Limb Disorders
Work-related upper limb disorders (WRULDs), colloquially known as repetitive strain injury, are musculoskeletal conditions affecting the muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves of the hands, wrists, forearms, elbows, shoulders and neck. They are caused or significantly contributed to by occupational risk factors: repetitive movements, high force exertions, awkward or static postures, contact stress (pressure from tool handles or surfaces), vibration, and cold working environments.
The HSE estimates that hundreds of thousands of workers in Great Britain suffer from musculoskeletal disorders believed to be caused or made worse by their work. The conditions are highly prevalent in manufacturing, food processing, retail and office environments.
Specific RSI Conditions
- Carpal tunnel syndrome — compression of the median nerve at the wrist, causing tingling, numbness and weakness in the thumb, index, middle and ring fingers. Associated with highly repetitive hand and wrist activity and vibration exposure.
- Tenosynovitis — inflammation of the tendon and its surrounding sheath, commonly affecting the wrist and hand. Can cause pain, swelling and crepitus (a grating sensation) on movement.
- Tendinitis — inflammation of a tendon from overuse, causing pain and tenderness at the affected site.
- De Quervain's tenosynovitis — affecting the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist.
- Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) — inflammation of the tendons attaching to the lateral epicondyle of the elbow, associated with repetitive forearm rotation and grip.
- Medial epicondylitis (golfer's elbow) — similar condition affecting the medial epicondyle.
- Trigger finger — a catching or locking of a finger during flexion caused by a nodule in the tendon sheath.
- Rotator cuff injuries — repetitive overhead work and awkward shoulder postures can cause tendinopathy and rotator cuff tears.
Employer Duties and RSI Prevention
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, and general COSHH and display screen equipment legislation all impose relevant duties. Employers must assess ergonomic risks, design work tasks to minimise repetition, force and awkward postures, implement job rotation, provide appropriate tools and equipment, train workers, and monitor health. Failure in these duties that results in an employee developing an RSI condition gives rise to a compensation claim.
No Win, No Fee RSI Claims
We act under a Conditional Fee Agreement. If the claim fails, you pay nothing. If the claim succeeds, a success fee may be deducted from your compensation.