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Repetitive Stress Injury Attorneys in Freehold, New Jersey

Some work-related injuries aren’t caused by one sudden accident; they build up over months or even years. Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs), including carpal tunnel syndrome, develop slowly but can become just as debilitating as broken bones or serious trauma. If your job requires you to perform the same movements over and over (typing, lifting, scanning items, or using tools), you may be at risk for one of these conditions.

At Mallon and Tranger, we represent workers throughout Freehold, Point Pleasant, and surrounding areas in Monmouth and Ocean Counties who have suffered repetitive stress injuries while on the job. If your injury is interfering with your ability to work or enjoy life, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits under New Jersey law, even if there was no single incident that caused the harm.

Carpal Tunnel and Other Repetitive Stress Injuries

Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs), also known as repetitive strain injuries or cumulative trauma disorders, are soft tissue injuries that develop slowly due to repetitive movements, overuse of certain muscle groups, or sustained poor posture. These injuries often affect the muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and nerves, causing inflammation, pain, and functional limitations.

Unlike injuries caused by sudden accidents, RSIs build over time and may start with subtle symptoms like stiffness, discomfort, or fatigue. If left untreated, these symptoms can worsen, leading to chronic pain, numbness, tingling, burning sensations, or even permanent loss of mobility in affected areas. Workers in Freehold, Point Pleasant, and throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties frequently experience these injuries in both labor-intensive and desk-bound roles.

Common Types of Repetitive Stress Injuries Include:

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Perhaps the most well-known repetitive stress injury, carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed as it travels through the wrist’s carpal tunnel. This compression causes symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hands and fingers. Carpal tunnel is common among office workers who type regularly, mechanics, cashiers, and assembly line workers.
  • Tendinitis: Tendinitis is the inflammation of a tendon, which can occur in various parts of the body, especially the wrists, shoulders, elbows, and knees. It’s often caused by repetitive tasks that involve reaching, lifting, or gripping. Symptoms include sharp pain, swelling, and restricted motion.
  • Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): This condition results from repetitive arm and wrist movements, especially involving gripping or lifting. It affects the outer part of the elbow and forearm, causing pain and weakness when performing basic tasks such as turning a doorknob or lifting small objects.
  • Trigger Finger: Trigger finger is caused by repetitive gripping or pinching motions that lead to inflammation in the tendons of the finger or thumb. This condition may cause a finger to lock or catch when bent, often requiring rest or surgical release if severe.
  • Neck and Shoulder Strain: Poor posture, prolonged screen time, and non-ergonomic workstations can lead to chronic neck and shoulder tension. Desk-bound workers, especially those without adequate head or lumbar support, may experience stiffness, muscle spasms, and tension headaches.
  • Lower Back Pain: Repetitive lifting or twisting, especially without proper technique or assistance, is a common cause of lower back injuries. Workers in warehouse jobs, healthcare, and construction are particularly vulnerable. Chronic lower back pain may also result from prolonged sitting in poorly designed chairs.
  • Shin Splints and Stress Fractures: Workers who are constantly on their feet, such as waitstaff, retail clerks, and nurses, may develop overuse injuries in their legs and lower body. These conditions arise from prolonged walking, standing, or walking on hard surfaces without proper footwear or rest breaks.

Left untreated, these injuries can worsen to the point where workers are forced to stop working or switch careers altogether. Early diagnosis and treatment are key, which is why it’s so important to consult a medical professional as soon as symptoms arise.

Common causes of repetitive stress injuries

Common Causes of Repetitive Stress Injuries

The root cause of RSIs is repetition—repeated motions, positions, or pressures that put strain on the same body parts over and over again without enough time for the tissues to rest and recover. These injuries are especially prevalent in modern workplaces where efficiency and speed often take priority over ergonomics and employee wellness.

Below are some of the most common work-related activities that lead to repetitive stress injuries:

  • Typing or Computer Work Without Ergonomic Setup: Hours of typing on a keyboard or using a mouse without proper wrist support or monitor alignment can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome, neck pain, and shoulder stiffness. Many office workers in Freehold and Point Pleasant experience chronic pain due to poor workstation design.
  • Repetitive Lifting, Bending, or Twisting: Employees in construction, warehouse work, and healthcare often perform tasks that require constant lifting or bending. Repeatedly loading inventory, assisting patients, or reaching overhead places stress on the back, shoulders, and joints.
  • Use of Vibrating Tools or Machinery: Workers in trades or construction who operate power tools like jackhammers, drills, or grinders may suffer from nerve damage or circulatory issues in the hands and arms over time due to continuous vibration.
  • Assembly Line or Warehouse Tasks: Repetitive packaging, scanning, or sorting of items can strain the wrists, shoulders, and back. Even seemingly minor tasks, when performed all day without variation, can lead to painful RSIs.
  • Retail Checkout and Scanning Stations: Cashiers and retail clerks who scan products and handle transactions repeatedly throughout the day often experience wrist and elbow injuries, especially if ergonomics are not addressed.
  • Use of Hand Tools:Workers in maintenance, auto repair, and construction often grip and twist hand tools repeatedly, which can lead to tendinitis, tennis elbow, or trigger finger.
  • Driving for Extended Periods: Truck drivers, delivery workers, and others who spend hours behind the wheel may develop back, neck, or leg strain, especially if they sit with poor posture or take few breaks.
  • Cold Work Environments: Working in refrigerated or poorly heated environments can increase the risk of RSIs, as cold muscles and joints are more prone to stiffness and injury during repetitive tasks.

These injuries are often invisible at first, meaning no broken bone or visible bruise, but over time, the physical toll becomes undeniable. Unfortunately, many workers ignore the early signs until the pain becomes unbearable or begins to interfere with their job performance.


Related: The main types of shoulder injuries in a car crash in New Jersey


Whether you’re working in an office in Freehold, stocking shelves in Point Pleasant, or managing a register in Toms River, it’s critical to recognize the warning signs and take action. If your job duties have led to pain, swelling, tingling, or reduced mobility, you may be entitled to compensation and support through New Jersey’s workers’ compensation system.

How Can Workers' Compensation Help With Repetitive Stress Injuries?

New Jersey’s workers’ compensation laws allow employees to seek medical care and wage replacement for injuries that occur in the course of their employment, even if those injuries develop over time instead of from a specific accident.

Unfortunately, insurance carriers often question the legitimacy of repetitive stress injuries. These claims can be more difficult to prove because there is no obvious or sudden cause. Still, with proper documentation and legal support, you can secure the benefits you deserve.

Workers’ compensation may cover:

  • Medical Expenses: Including diagnostics (X-rays, MRIs, nerve conduction tests), doctor’s appointments, medications, physical therapy, splinting, surgery, and rehabilitation.
  • Wage Replacement Benefits: If your injury prevents you from working temporarily, you may be entitled to temporary disability benefits equal to a portion of your lost wages.
  • Permanent Partial or Total Disability: If your RSI leads to long-term or permanent limitations, you may qualify for ongoing benefits that reflect your reduced earning capacity.
  • Vocational Rehabilitation: If your injury prevents you from returning to your previous job, you may be eligible for job retraining or placement in a different position.
  • Travel Reimbursement: Mileage for trips to approved medical appointments may also be reimbursed.

The key to winning a repetitive stress claim is proving that your injury is directly related to your work duties. This often requires detailed medical evaluations, job descriptions, and sometimes expert testimony. At Mallon and Tranger, we help workers compile the necessary evidence to validate their claims and navigate the entire process.

How Can Mallon and Tranger Help With Your Work Injuries?

At Mallon and Tranger, we understand how difficult it is to suffer from an injury that didn’t happen in a single moment but developed gradually over time. Repetitive stress injuries, like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, or chronic neck and shoulder pain, can be just as debilitating as more obvious injuries, yet they’re often dismissed or misunderstood by employers and insurance companies. You may have already heard that your pain is “part of the job” or that your condition isn’t serious enough to warrant benefits. We know better, and we’re here to help.

Our firm has more than 40 years of experience standing up for injured workers across Freehold, Point Pleasant, and throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties. We know how New Jersey’s workers’ compensation system works, and we’re prepared to fight back when valid claims are ignored, delayed, or unfairly denied.

When you choose Mallon and Tranger, we will:

  • Help you get a proper medical diagnosis: We work with reputable physicians and specialists to ensure your condition is accurately diagnosed, treated, and documented. A clear diagnosis is critical to the success of your claim.
  • Demonstrate the link between your injury and your job duties: We’ll carefully examine your daily work tasks, schedules, equipment use, and job requirements to establish how repetitive motions led to your condition.
  • Collect and organize compelling evidence: This includes medical records, evaluations, expert opinions, work logs, and employer documents that support your claim.
  • Prepare and file your workers’ compensation claim: We’ll handle all necessary paperwork, deadlines, and communications with your employer and their insurance provider so you can focus on healing.
  • Appeal a denied or underpaid claim: If your initial claim is rejected, we are ready to represent you at all stages of the appeal process, including formal hearings.
  • Seek full and fair compensation: We pursue every available benefit, including coverage for medical treatment, lost wages, vocational rehab, and long-term disability.

You should contact us if:

  • You’ve been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome or another repetitive stress injury
  • You’re experiencing numbness, tingling, weakness, or chronic pain linked to your work
  • Your employer or insurer has denied or delayed your claim
  • You’re being pressured to return to work before you’ve fully recovered
  • You’re unsure whether your condition qualifies as work-related
  • Your symptoms developed gradually and you need help proving their cause

Under New Jersey law, you have only two years to file a formal workers’ compensation claim from the date of injury or the last date benefits were paid. Don’t wait. The earlier you involve our team, the stronger your case will be.

Contact Mallon and Tranger for Help After a Repetitive Stress Injury

If your job has taken a toll on your body over time, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Whether you’ve developed carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic back pain, tendinitis, or another repetitive motion injury, you deserve proper medical care and fair compensation. Our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys are here to make that happen.

In addition to representing workers suffering from job-related injuries, Mallon and Tranger offers experienced legal representation for a wide range of personal injury cases throughout Freehold, Point Pleasant, and surrounding New Jersey communities. Their firm assists clients in pursuing compensation for medical costs, lost income, and long-term care related to serious accidents and injuries. These services include:

Whether you were injured on the road, at a job site, in a public place, or by a negligent property owner or pet owner, Mallon and Tranger is here to help. For families who have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, the firm offers compassionate and experienced guidance through wrongful death claims to secure justice and financial recovery.

At Mallon and Tranger, we proudly serve workers in Freehold, Point Pleasant, and throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties. We understand how these claims work and, more importantly, how to win them. We offer free consultations, and you won’t owe us anything unless we recover benefits for you. Call (732) 780-0230 orcontact us online today to schedule your free claim evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it important to seek legal help quickly if you suspect Carpal Tunnel from your job in New Jersey?

Carpal Tunnel and other repetitive stress injuries often worsen if left untreated, and delays can make it harder to get benefits under New Jersey workers’ compensation. Waiting too long may cause insurers to argue that the injury is unrelated to your work. By contacting an attorney early, you can protect your rights, gather strong evidence, and ensure that your claim is filed within the required deadlines. Acting quickly also increases the likelihood of getting medical care covered right away.

How can a repetitive stress injury affect your long-term ability to work in Freehold and Point Pleasant?

A repetitive stress injury like Carpal Tunnel can significantly impact your ability to perform daily work duties, especially if your job involves heavy typing, lifting, or tool use. Many injured workers in Freehold and Point Pleasant face reduced productivity, chronic pain, or even the need to switch careers if symptoms become severe. Workers’ compensation benefits exist to help cover lost wages and medical care, but navigating the process can be complicated. Having an attorney ensures you are not left without the support you need for long-term recovery.

What medical documentation best proves that my carpal tunnel syndrome is work-related?

Clinicians look for consistent symptoms, physical exam findings, and where needed, nerve conduction studies that match occupational exposures. NIOSH and OSHA materials emphasize linking job tasks, force, repetition, posture, and vibration to upper limb disorders. A clear job history that maps tasks to symptom timing is important. Your provider may reference recognized guidance when deciding on testing and work limits. Keeping a daily log of tasks and symptoms can strengthen the causal link. Bring that log and job descriptions to your medical visit.

How soon must I report and file a repetitive stress injury claim in New Jersey?

Report the condition to your employer promptly because state law ties benefits to employer notice. If your employer lacks actual knowledge, the statute explains how notice affects when compensation is due. To preserve a formal claim, New Jersey law generally requires filing a verified petition within two years of the accident or last payment of compensation, and similar timing applies once an occupational condition is discovered. Exact timelines can vary based on when you knew or should have known the condition was work related. Filing sooner keeps medical care and wage benefits on track. Review the statutes before deadlines run.

Can I receive wage replacement while treating for carpal tunnel, and can workplace changes help me stay on the job?

New Jersey workers’ compensation provides medical treatment and wage replacement benefits when authorized care keeps you out of work. The Division of Workers’ Compensation explains these benefit categories and how they are administered. Ergonomic adjustments like task variation, neutral wrist positions, and tool or workstation changes can reduce strain. OSHA and NIOSH publish practical ergonomics guidance for employers and workers. Combining proper medical care with job modifications often speeds recovery and prevents recurrence. Ask your provider to document restrictions that your employer can accommodate.

What should you do if you think you were injured at work by repetitive stress, such as Carpal Tunnel?

If you suspect that you were injured at work due to repetitive stress, the first step is to see a doctor who can properly diagnose your condition. From there, it is important to begin the claims process quickly, since New Jersey law has strict rules about reporting workplace injuries. At Mallon & Tranger, we help workers in Freehold and Point Pleasant navigate every step of filing and fighting for benefits, from medical treatment to lost wage recovery. If you are experiencing symptoms and need legal guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for immediate support.

Additional Information in New Jersey

  • AAOS – Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Guide: Provides a comprehensive overview of Carpal Tunnel syndrome, including its causes, common symptoms, diagnostic methods, and treatment options ranging from lifestyle changes and splints to surgery. This trusted resource from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons helps workers in Freehold, Point Pleasant, and across New Jersey understand how repetitive stress injury can impact hand and wrist function, and what steps can be taken for recovery.
  • NIOSH Toolbox Talk – Preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A workplace safety guide from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) that explains the causes, symptoms, and prevention of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome as a repetitive stress injury. Designed for Toolbox Talks, it includes practical tips such as using ergonomically designed tools, maintaining neutral wrist positions, wearing anti-vibration gloves, and scheduling rest breaks.
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – MedlinePlus: Provides authoritative information from the U.S. National Library of Medicine on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, including causes such as repetitive stress injury, common symptoms like numbness and tingling, diagnostic methods, treatment options ranging from splints to surgery, and prevention tips.


Contact Our Office

While this website provides general information, it does not constitute legal advice. The best way to get guidance on your specific legal issue is to contact a lawyer. To schedule a meeting with an attorney, please call or complete the intake form below.
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