Proving that your injury is work-related when filing a workers’ compensation claim is a daunting process. It requires a lot of patience, determination, and knowledge of the law. Hire the best trial Los Angeles cumulative trauma disorder lawyer to protect your right to compensation.
As an injured worker, you have the right to compensation to cover your medical overheads and other out-of-pocket expenditures. Seek medical attention immediately because you can use your medical records and your attending physician’s testimony as proof that your cumulative trauma disorder (CTD )was work-related.
What is Cumulative Trauma Disorder?
A cumulative trauma disorder (CTD) is any type of injury generally caused by repetitive strain. It usually results from too much repetitive stretching or pulling of muscles and tendons. This injury can be very excruciating and can cause mobility problems.
What are the Most Common Types of Cumulative Trauma Disorder?
Cumulative trauma disorder usually occurs over time. Most workers or employees aren’t aware they have the injury until told by a doctor. It’s also likely that they don’t realize that their injuries are work-related until years after they resigned. The most common types of cumulative trauma disorder include:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a hand and wrist condition. The nerve becomes crushed and throbbing, causing pain, prickling, and lack of sensation. It’s considered a cumulative trauma disorder or repetitive motion injury because it typically develops after months or years of recurring strain.
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Cubital tunnel syndrome occurs when the ulnar nerve suffers damage and becomes painful, sore, and throbbing. The ulnar nerve passes through the cubital tunnel (muscle, bone, and ligament tunnel) on the inside of the elbow.
Herniated Cervical Disk
One of the most prevalent causes of neck pain is herniated cervical disc. If it compresses on a nerve root, the affected worker will feel numbness or tingling in the arm or shoulder. This sensation may go down the fingers and could also weaken the hand or arm.
When it presses on the spinal cord, it shows more symptoms, such as toppling or awkward walking. You could also experience tingling going down the body and into your legs. It’s also possible that you’ll have difficulty using your hands and arms, as well as loss of coordination and balance.
Lung and Breathing Issues
Workers whose jobs are in the chemical industry are prone to lung and breathing issues due to continuous exposure to harmful chemicals. Several types of gases can release suddenly during industrial accidents and might seriously aggravate the lungs. Gases like chlorine and ammonia can easily dissolve and make the nose, throat, and mouth itchy.
Occupational Hearing Loss
Construction workers, carpenters, and those who participate in the military are some people who experience occupational hearing loss. They are continuously exposed to loud noises that could result in hearing loss.
Shoulder Injuries
Shoulder injuries are another disorder of cumulative trauma injury. This body part’s flexibility can make it susceptible to injury. It usually occurs when the tissues experience stress. Most common shoulder injuries include tears, sprains, and strains.
Heart Disease from Stress
A worker who is always stressed at work due to repetitive tasks can develop heart disease over time. Stress could result in high blood pressure, posing risks of stroke and heart attack. Additionally, it may instigate risks of cardiovascular conditions, such as smoking, lack of physical activity, and overeating.
Knee Injuries
Several factors contribute to knee injuries. It includes accidents and cumulative trauma injury in the workplace. The knees can suffer fracture, inflammation, or tear.
What are the Risk Factors Imparting Cumulative Trauma Disorder?
There are several risk factors that contribute to cumulative trauma disorders. These are:
- Force/Forceful exertions
- Vibration (usually in constructions sites or road maintenance)
- Mental stress
- Work Position (warehouse or office)
- Repetition/Repetitive motions
- Lifting methods
- Awkward postures/Static postures
- Lack of sufficient recovery time
California’s Statute of Limitation for Cumulative Trauma Disorder Workers’ Compensation
Based on California Labor Code 5412, filing a cumulative trauma disorder should be done within a year. The “date of the injury” is either the worker started suffering the condition. Or when he knew or should have known the injury is work-related.
Suffering from Cumulative Trauma Disorder? Oktanyan Der-Grigorian Law Group is Here to Help
Since 2011, the Oktanyan Der-Grigorian Law Group has been helping clients to fight for their rights and make successful cases. Our compassionate and skilled cumulative trauma disorder lawyers are always ready to help those in need. We ensure that those liable parties pay for their negligence and maximize your compensation.
We also work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t have to pay us upfront. We’ll get our payment after we secure you a payment. Call us today at (818) 975-3080, and let’s talk about your case. You can also send your queries by emailing us.