Not every workplace injury is the result of an on-the-job accident. Instead, some work-related injuries develop gradually over time as the individual performs regular, repetitive workplace duties. Thankfully, California workers’ comp protects workers injured on the job, no matter the circumstances. That includes repetitive stress injuries.
Unfortunately, proving a repetitive stress injury in a workers’ compensation case can be challenging. Hiring a California workers’ comp firm to help file your claim will maximize your coverage, regardless of the injury. You may be entitled to compensation if you’ve suffered a repetitive stress injury because of the nature of your work.
What is a Repetitive Stress Injury?
A repetitive stress injury, also known as a repetitive strain injury, refers to muscle, tendon, or nerve damage from constant use and repetitive motions. Repetitive stress injuries are common among workers and typically affect the following:
- Fingers
- Thumbs
- Wrists
- Arms
- Elbows
- Knees
- Shoulders
As the name suggests, a repetitive stress injury occurs when the individual performs the same activity or motions repeatedly, ultimately causing damage to the body. From stocking shelves or using a computer to driving a truck or a construction vehicle, any repetitive movement or motion can cause repetitive stress injuries.
Workers who have jobs that are physically demanding and workers who are seated either at a desk all day or must use a computer are most at risk for developing a repetitive stress injury. Repetitive stress injuries can also result from poor posture while standing or sitting, repeatedly working with tools that vibrate, and working in the cold.
The truth is that any activity or motion that is repeated frequently can cause repetitive strain injuries as the body experiences strain and stress over time.
What Are Common Repetitive Stress Injuries?
Some of the most common conditions resulting from workplace repetitive stress injuries include the following:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tendinitis
- Tennis elbow
- Osgood-Schlatter disease
- Trigger finger
- Trigger thumb
- Shin splints
- Back strains
- Back sprains
The most common side effect of repetitive stress injuries is pain and discomfort. Since repetitive stress injuries often develop with time, the slow and repeated damage that the body experiences will often lead to more severe conditions, such as:
- Bursitis
- Stress fractures
- Nerve compression syndrome
- Ganglion cysts
- Herniated disks
- Dupuytren’s contracture
Diagnosing Repetitive Stress Injuries
A healthcare provider can diagnose repetitive stress injury through a physical examination. First, you’ll be asked when you first noticed the symptoms and what activities make them worse. Then, depending on the root cause of the symptoms and the area where the pain is experienced, they may order tests to make a complete diagnosis. These tests may include the following:
- X-rays
- MRIs (Magnetic resonance imaging)
- CT Scans (Computed Tomography Scans)
- Ultrasounds
Proving a Repetitive Stress Injury in a California Workers’ Comp Case
You may suffer from a repetitive stress injury if you experience tingling, numbness, or burning sensations, chronic pain, or have lost function or mobility in an extremity or limb. Because repetitive stress injuries affect nerves, muscles, ligaments, and tendons, proving that the damage results from a job-related activity can be challenging.
Be sure to consult a healthcare professional once symptoms are present, and tell your physician if you believe the symptoms may be related to your work activities. Once you have been diagnosed or even suspect that you are suffering from repetitive stress injury, you should tell your employer and begin the workers’ comp process.
An experienced California workers’ comp attorney will help you file a claim and fight for your rights if your coverage is denied or limited.
Hire a Workers’ Comp Attorney to Manage Your Claim
The experienced workers’ comp attorneys from Aoudi Law have the experience necessary to ensure that workers who suffer repetitive stress injuries on the job get the compensation that they deserve, even when the insurance company works to deny their claims.
The workers’ compensation attorneys at Aoudi Law have helped countless California employees whose workers’ compensation claims were denied by insurance companies and claims managers. The professional staff at Aoudi Law are experts in California workers’ compensation law.
Call or text 714-769-8706 today for a free consultation.
