Repetitive strain claims often stall when the defense argues the injury could have come from outside factors—prior conditions, general daily activities, or unrelated health issues. In practice, that argument hits harder for residents who:
- Work in roles that ramp up quickly during busy periods
- Return to the same tasks day after day with limited true microbreaks
- Must keep up with changing schedules (coverage, short staffing, overtime)
- Have activities outside work that involve gripping, lifting, or prolonged posture
The result is that early medical notes may not clearly connect the problem to the job duties—unless the timeline is organized and the right questions are asked.


