Many repetitive injury cases stall because the early record is incomplete. In practice, that often happens when:
- Symptoms flare after long shifts and commutes (so the first medical visit happens later than ideal).
- Workstations and workflows change—sometimes informally—after staffing shortages.
- Employers encourage “working through it” instead of documenting restrictions or ergonomic adjustments.
- Paperwork is inconsistent: handwritten notes, missed forms, or vague descriptions of what you were asked to do.
When the first clear documentation is months later, the defense may claim the condition is pre-existing, degenerative, or caused by something other than your job duties.


