What distinguishes a *specific injury* from a *cumulative injury*?

The distinguishing characteristic of a specific injury is that it results from a single incident or exposure. This means that the injury can be traced back to a particular event, such as a fall, collision, or any other form of acute trauma that happens at a specific point in time. This clarity in causation helps in determining liability and the nature of compensation, as there is a clear event that caused the injury.

In contrast, cumulative injuries, often referred to as repetitive trauma injuries, develop over time due to repeated exposure to a risk factor or repetitive movements. These types of injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis, accumulate gradually, making it more challenging to pinpoint a single event that triggered the condition.

This clear differentiation underlines the importance of understanding the context of the injury in the QME process, as specific injuries typically involve a more straightforward causation narrative compared to cumulative injuries that require comprehensive evaluation of long-term exposure and activity patterns.