Social Security / Loss of Working Capacity Attorney
Work Injury and the Microtrauma Theory in Israel
Microtrauma is a type of work injury caused by repetitive actions that activate or aggravate a specific area of the body. These repeated minor injuries accumulate over time into significant damage. Employees who suffer from microtrauma may be entitled to compensation from the National Insurance Institute for a work-related injury.
By Igal Mor, Adv. & Notary
Accuracy in Legal Advice. Excellence in legal support.
What Is Microtrauma?
Employees have long been able to receive financial compensation for work accidents and occupational diseases—accidental events directly attributable to working conditions. However, there is another category of injury that does not fit these traditional definitions: microtrauma. Microtrauma refers to repetitive actions performed as part of an employee’s work duties that cause minimal damage to a specific organ or body area with each repetition. Over time, these small injuries accumulate into significant cumulative damage that impairs the employee’s ability to work. Recognition of microtrauma originated in the Labor Court and was subsequently adopted by the National Insurance Institute as a compensable injury. Today, employees suffering from microtrauma can file disability claims from work, similar to those injured in a conventional work accident or occupational disease.
Common Examples of Microtrauma
Microtrauma can occur across a wide range of occupations. For example, a cook in a restaurant or hotel who performs continuous peeling and cutting operations for hours may suffer wrist damage. This type of injury is also common among computer workers such as typists and transcribers. Heavy machinery operators, drivers, and transporters frequently develop back or knee damage from repetitive actions performed during their work. It is important to note that microtrauma can constitute either a new injury or the worsening of a pre-existing medical condition. However, an injury that qualifies as an occupational disease will not be recognized as microtrauma.
Work Disability Benefits for Microtrauma
Any employee suffering from microtrauma that has impaired their ability to work may be entitled to injury benefits and work disability benefits from the National Insurance Institute. Injury benefits are paid for a maximum of 90 days. If the employee retains a lasting disability after this period, they may file a claim for work disability benefits. A medical committee will examine the employee’s condition and determine whether a disability exists and, if so, its degree. Compensation is provided either as a one-time grant or a monthly allowance: a permanent disability of 9–20% entitles the employee to a one-time grant, while a disability above 20% entitles the employee to a monthly allowance.
Proving a Microtrauma Claim
Proving microtrauma requires establishing three elements: identical repetitive movements that affect the same organ or body area, cumulative and actual damage, and a causal link between the repetitive actions and the injury. It is not necessary to prove that each individual movement caused minor damage; rather, it must be shown that the accumulation of repetitive actions resulted in the overall injury. The claim must be supported by medical documentation, which will be reviewed by the medical committee when determining whether a disability exists and its extent.
Why Legal Representation Is Essential
An employee affected by microtrauma may be entitled to compensation from the National Insurance Institute through both injury benefits and work disability benefits. However, meeting the burden of proof for a microtrauma claim is not straightforward, and professional legal representation from an attorney specializing in this field is strongly recommended. An experienced lawyer will review the employee’s medical documentation, direct additional testing as needed, represent the employee before the medical committee, and work to ensure full realization of all rights as a work injury victim.
We invite you to schedule a legal consultation during which we will evaluate your eligibility for financial compensation from the National Insurance Institute.
With years of experience navigating the complexities of National Insurance proceedings, Mor & Co. understands the challenges involved. Our deep legal knowledge and extensive experience representing clients before the National Insurance Institute and the Labor Court equip us to deliver outstanding results. Unlike rights-extraction companies that lack the legal authority to represent clients before medical committees, our attorneys personally accompany you to hearings and ensure that due process and natural justice are upheld. From the initial claim filing through the preparation of your complete medical file, we protect your interests at every stage. Contact us today at 02-595-3322 or via WhatsApp at 050-441-1343.