That persistent, nagging ache in your wrist, elbow, shoulder, or knee—it might start as a minor annoyance you try to ignore. You may think it’s just a sign of getting older or something you strained at the gym. But when your job involves performing the same motions hour after hour, day after day, that ache can intensify into a debilitating condition known as tendonitis. For thousands of Pennsylvania workers in offices, warehouses, construction sites, and manufacturing plants, the pain isn't just a personal health issue; it's a work injury.

Tendonitis is one of the most common types of repetitive strain injuries (RSIs). Because it develops gradually rather than from a single, dramatic accident, many employees mistakenly believe they aren't eligible for financial support. They assume workers’ compensation is only for falls, machinery accidents, or other sudden events.

This is a dangerous and costly misconception.

Under Pennsylvania law, injuries that develop over time due to the nature of your job duties are absolutely recognized as compensable work injuries. Securing the benefits you are entitled to, however, presents unique challenges. Insurance companies are often quick to dispute the connection between your tendonitis and your job. This is where understanding your rights becomes essential. We are dedicated to helping injured workers navigate this complex process and fight for the full compensation they deserve. This article provides valuable information to assist you at this time.

Tendonitis as a Repetitive Strain Work Injury

Before exploring the legal aspects, it’s important to understand the medical nature of tendonitis and why it is so frequently linked to employment.

A tendon is a tough, flexible cord of fibrous tissue that connects your muscles to your bones. When you overuse or place repetitive stress on a particular muscle group, the attached tendon can suffer microscopic tears. The body's natural response is inflammation, which causes the hallmark symptoms of tendonitis:

• Pain, which can range from a dull ache to a sharp, burning sensation
• Tenderness to the touch over the affected area
• Mild swelling
• A grating or crackling feeling (crepitus) when moving the joint

Unlike a "specific event" injury, like breaking a bone in a fall, tendonitis is a "cumulative trauma" injury. It’s the result of countless small strains adding up over weeks, months, or even years.

Many professions in Pennsylvania put workers at a high risk for developing tendonitis:

• Office and Data Entry Workers: Constant typing and mouse use can lead to wrist tendonitis (often related to carpal tunnel syndrome) and elbow tendonitis ("tennis elbow").
• Construction and Manual Laborers: Using power tools, hammering, lifting heavy materials, and performing overhead work can cause tendonitis in the shoulders (rotator cuff), elbows, and wrists.
• Assembly Line and Manufacturing Workers: Performing the same task repeatedly, such as sorting, packing, or operating machinery, places immense strain on specific joints.
• Healthcare Professionals: Nurses and aides who frequently lift and reposition patients are susceptible to back, shoulder, and wrist tendonitis.
• Musicians and Chefs: The fine, repetitive motor skills required in these professions can also lead to debilitating tendonitis.

The gradual onset is the defining characteristic of this work injury, and it is also the primary reason these claims are so frequently challenged by employers and their insurance carriers.

Is Tendonitis Covered Under Pennsylvania Workers’ Comp Law?

Yes, unequivocally. The Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act was designed to protect employees who are injured on the job. The Act does not require the injury to be the result of a sudden accident. For a condition to be covered by workers’ compensation, an employee must prove two things:

1. The injury "arose in the course of employment."
2. The injury was "related to" that employment.

For a repetitive strain injury like tendonitis, "arising in the course of employment" means that the condition developed while you were performing your job duties. The key is proving the second part—that your work activities were a substantial contributing factor to the development of your tendonitis.

Insurance adjusters will often try to argue that your condition is due to other factors, such as

• A pre-existing condition, like arthritis.
• Your age.
• A hobby or recreational activity (e.g., playing a sport, gardening, or playing a musical instrument).

While these factors may exist, they do not automatically disqualify your claim. Under Pennsylvania law, your work does not need to be the sole cause of your injury. It only needs to be a significant contributing cause. An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer can help gather the necessary evidence to establish this critical link and counter the insurance company's arguments.

The Challenge of Proving Your Tendonitis for Workers' Compensation Benefits in Pennsylvania

Because there isn’t a single accident to point to, building a successful tendonitis claim requires a strategic and well-documented approach. The burden of proof is on you, the injured worker, to connect your medical condition to your job duties.

The Importance of Medical Evidence

The cornerstone of any repetitive strain injury claim is strong medical evidence. It is not enough to simply tell a judge that your wrist started hurting after you began a new data entry job. You need a medical professional to make that connection for you.

When you see a doctor for your pain, you must be extremely clear and detailed about your job responsibilities. Don't just say, "I work in a warehouse." Explain exactly what you do: "I lift boxes weighing between 30 and 50 pounds from a pallet to a conveyor belt for eight hours a day, five days a week." This level of detail allows your physician to draw a clear line between your activities and your injury.

Ultimately, your claim will likely depend on a medical report where your doctor states, with a reasonable degree of medical certainty, that your work duties were a substantial factor in causing your tendonitis. Without this expert opinion, your workers' compensation claim is unlikely to succeed.

Notifying Your Employer About Your Work Injury

In Pennsylvania, you have a strict deadline for reporting your injury. You must notify your employer within 120 days from the date you knew, or should have known, that your injury was work-related and was serious enough to potentially require medical treatment or time off.

This "knew or should have known" standard is where things get tricky for tendonitis claims. The date of injury isn't the first day you felt a twinge of pain. It is usually the date a doctor diagnoses you with tendonitis and informs you that it is likely caused by your job. From that moment, the 120-day clock starts ticking.

Always provide notice in writing. A verbal conversation with your supervisor is not enough. A written report creates a paper trail and proves you met the deadline. Failure to report your injury within this 120-day window can result in a complete denial of your claim.

What Types of Workers’ Comp Benefits Can You Receive in Pennsylvania for Tendonitis?

If your tendonitis claim is accepted, you may be entitled to several types of workers' comp benefits designed to cover your financial losses and medical needs.

• Medical Benefits: Your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance must pay for all reasonable, necessary, and related medical treatment for your tendonitis. This includes doctor’s appointments, prescription medications, physical therapy, cortisone injections, ergonomic equipment (like a specialized keyboard or chair), and, if necessary, surgery. These benefits are available from day one and have no deductible or co-pay.
• Wage Loss Benefits: If your tendonitis is severe enough that your doctor places you on work restrictions—or takes you out of work completely—you are eligible for wage loss benefits. These are also known as indemnity benefits. In Pennsylvania, these benefits typically equal two-thirds (66.7%) of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum amount set by the state each year. You become eligible for these payments after being unable to work for seven calendar days.
• Specific Loss Benefits: In rare and severe cases where tendonitis leads to a permanent loss of use of a body part (like a hand or arm), you may be eligible for a one-time payment known as a specific loss award. This is separate from wage loss benefits.
• Lump-Sum Settlements: Many workers’ compensation cases are resolved through a Compromise and Release (C&R) agreement. This is a lump-sum settlement that closes out your claim in exchange for a single payment. An attorney is vital for negotiating a fair settlement that accurately reflects the future costs of your medical care and potential wage loss.

Securing these workers' compensation benefits provides the financial stability you need to focus on your recovery without the stress of mounting medical bills and lost income.

Why You Need a Pennsylvania Workers’ Comp Lawyer for a Tendonitis Claim

You are not required to hire an attorney to file a workers' comp claim. However, for a repetitive strain injury like tendonitis, going it alone is a significant risk. Insurance companies have teams of lawyers and adjusters whose job is to minimize payouts. An attorney specializing in workers' compensation can help ensure that you receive the fair treatment you deserve.

Fighting Back Against Claim Denials with a Workers’ Compensation Attorney

It is standard practice for insurers to initially deny or dispute tendonitis claims. They will look for any reason to attribute your injury to something other than your job. A skilled workers’ compensation attorney knows how to build a case that can withstand this scrutiny. We will work to:

• Collect all relevant medical records.
• Obtain a strong causation report from your doctor.
• Gather evidence about your specific job duties, including witness testimony from coworkers if needed.
• Represent you in all proceedings before a Workers' Compensation Judge.

Navigating the Complex Workers’ Comp System

The Pennsylvania workers' compensation system is a maze of forms, deadlines, and legal procedures. A single mistake—like missing the 120-day notice period or failing to properly file a claim petition—can jeopardize your entire case. A workers’ comp attorney handles all the paperwork and communications, ensuring every step is completed correctly and on time.

Maximizing Your Workers' Compensation Benefits

An experienced attorney ensures you receive every penny you are owed. We will verify that your wage loss benefits are calculated correctly and fight any attempts by the insurance company to prematurely stop your payments or deny necessary medical treatment. When it comes time to consider a settlement, a workers' compensation lawyer has the experience to negotiate a lump-sum payment that fairly compensates you for your injury.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your PA Tendonitis Claim

Navigating a tendonitis claim can be difficult. Here are some common missteps that can damage your case:

• Delaying Medical Treatment: If you are in pain, see a doctor. Waiting not only harms your health but also creates doubt about the severity of your injury.
• Failing to Report the Injury Promptly: Do not miss the 120-day reporting deadline. As soon as you suspect your pain is work-related, notify your employer in writing.
• Giving a Recorded Statement: The insurance adjuster may ask for a recorded statement. You are not obligated to provide one. Politely decline and consult with an attorney first. Adjusters are trained to ask questions designed to get you to say something that undermines your claim.
• Being Vague with Your Doctor: Be as specific as possible about how your job duties cause your pain. Your doctor’s records are primary evidence in your case.
• Posting on Social Media: Insurance companies will investigate your social media profiles. Posting photos or videos of you engaging in physical activities—even if they seem harmless—can be used to argue that you are not as injured as you claim.

Avoiding these common mistakes can be the difference between a successful claim and a frustrating denial. Each misstep provides an insurance company with an opportunity to argue that your injury isn't work-related or as severe as you say. The path to securing your benefits is filled with procedural requirements and potential traps. Protecting your rights often means having an experienced guide on your side to help you navigate the complexities of the system and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Need Legal Help? Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, is One Phone Call Away

If you are suffering from work-related tendonitis, you do not have to face the insurance company alone. The pain and limitations of a repetitive strain injury are real, and you have a right to compensation. The legal team at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, is committed to championing the rights of injured workers across Pennsylvania.

We understand the tactics insurers use to deny these claims, and we know how to build a powerful case to prove the connection between your job and your injury. Let us handle the legal complexities so you can concentrate on healing.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case. Let us help you get the justice and the benefits you deserve. We are available day or night to assist you.