Cumulative trauma injuries happen for a variety of reasons, most often in the workplace. Unlike other injuries that occur make themselves known almost immediately, such as a fall, this kind of injury builds over time, but is still something you can file a workers’ compensation claim for if you suffer from one. However, it’s always a good idea to understand the injury and the process before you file. That way, you know what to expect and are prepared to make your case. Here’s what you should know about cumulative trauma at work.
What is Cumulative Trauma?
Rather than being a single event, cumulative trauma injuries appear as the result of repetitive movements and motions while on the job. These kinds of injuries aren’t due to a single event and tend to build over time as the same task is performed over and over again. These tasks, when done once or twice, are not an issue, but when repeated daily for an extended amount of time, can lead to an injury.
How to Know When the Injury Occurred
Unlike a single injury event at work, it’s harder to determine when cumulative trauma occurs. For most claims, the date of injury is when you become disabled or when you become aware that the injury was caused by your work. The time period of the injury is, essentially, your dates of employment, since your job is what caused you to incur the injury. This is different than the date of injury. In most cases, you have a year to file your workers’ compensation claim once you become aware of it.
Types of Cumulative Trauma
There are several injuries that are usually caused by cumulative trauma at work. Usually they are injuries that affect the muscles, tendons, and bones in your body. They may also affect your nerves, blood vessels and ligaments. Symptoms often include pain, tingling, numbness or an interference with your performance. Examples of this kind of injury include tendinitis, rotator cuff injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, pain in your back, neck or shoulders, bursitis, and tennis elbow. Sometimes, the problem can be corrected with surgery, so it is important to understand all your treatment options.
How to Deal with Your Injury
One of the most important things you can do if you find out you have a cumulative trauma injury is to seek medical care and follow the treatment plan provided for you by your physician. Keep track of all of your medical bills and lost wages so that you can get the proper compensation from your claim. In-home help is also covered if you need assistance in your house while you recover.
How to File a Claim
Filing a workers compensation claim for cumulative trauma injuries is important because it ensures that you get the financial help you need as you recover. Hiring an attorney is the best way to go about this. If you have a cumulative trauma injury and need some help, get in touch with the experts at Oktanyan Der-Grigorian and get your claim started right away.
