Repetitive Trauma in California Workers' Compensation Claims

Unlike a specific incident of workplace injury, a repetitive trauma injury is an injury to a body part that develops gradually over time. These injuries, also called repetitive stress disorders, develop due to repeated stress on a physical area. When one performs work duties or activities which create this kind of continual stress, the situation may justify making a workers' compensation claim. Repetitive motions such as bending, lifting, typing, and climbing are all examples of this. Constantly using or operating one type of heavy equipment can create this type of injury. Examples of the types of repetitive workplace activities which can create these injuries include typing and working at computers, assembly line work, meatpacking, and driving forklifts.

Carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis, and tendonitis of the wrists, elbows, and knees are common types of repetitive trauma injuries. Common areas of the body that are injured from repetitive motions are the hands, wrists, shoulders, back, hips, knees, and feet. Often no visible signs of the injury exist, but those affected may experience pain, numbness, tingling, swelling, redness, stiffness, and the loss of muscle strength. Over time, those injured in this way may develop temporary or permanent soft tissue damage.

Repetitive Trauma Claims may be Denied

Workers' compensation insurance carriers often deny claims involving repetitive motion disorders. They may put forth various defenses, such as assertions that the injury is unrelated to work activities or that it is not serious enough to warrant benefits. Getting sufficient and convincing evidence from a medical professional is often critical in this type of case.

At the Law Offices of Haleh Shekarchian, we understand the difficulties you may face in making a workers' compensation claim for such injuries. We can assist you in getting a medical opinion from a neutral physician that will reflect the true nature of your injuries and aggressively fight on your behalf to help you collect the maximum workers' compensation benefits to which you are entitled. Our firm works on a no-recovery no-fee basis. Call us to discuss the details of your case today.