Each year, millions of workers and employees suffer from cumulative trauma injuries. Developing this kind of injury while working can result in huge financial issues. Having this kind of injury requires you to seek immediate treatment before it gets even worse. Most cumulative trauma injuries develop while working without noticing or being aware of them. You’ll never know that you have it already until you feel the pain. Filing a claim is a complicated process because you need to prove that your injury developed from repetitive activities or tasks. Consulting an expert LA cumulative trauma disorder attorney will take away your worries and efficiently help you with your case.
What is Cumulative Trauma Disorder (CTD)?
Cumulative trauma disorder pertains to a variety of conditions. It occurs due to recurring stress or pressure on joints, delicate nerve tissues, tendons, and muscles. CTD usually affects the elbows, hands, and wrists. Examples of this kind of injury include:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The carpal tunnel is a slender channel enclosed by bones and ligaments on the hand’s palm side. When the median nerve becomes compressed, carpal tunnel syndrome occurs. Symptoms include tingling, weakness, and numbness in the arm and hand.
Tendonitis
Tendonitis is the irritation or inflammation of a tendon, a packed fibrous cord that joins bones and muscles. It causes pain and soreness outside the joint. This condition can occur in any part of the body. However, the elbows, knees, shoulders, and wrists are the most common areas.
Bursitis
Bursitis is a painful affliction affecting the bursa, a small fluid sac. It cushions the muscles, tendons, and bones near the joints. Bursitis occurs when the bursa experiences inflammation due to repetitive movement. Body parts affected include shoulders, hips, knees, and elbows.
Trigger Finger
A trigger finger, also called stenosing tenosynoviti, is a condition wherein the fingers become immovable in a bent position. The affected finger may bend or unbend with a snap, similar to a pull and release trigger.
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Cubital tunnel syndrome is a condition of the ulnar nerve traversing the inside of the elbow. The pain is similar to the pain a person feels when hit in the elbow’s “funny bone.” When left untreated, it can result in lasting permanent hand damage. Symptoms associated include tingling, occasional numbness, pain to the ring and little finger, and inside of the hand.
DeQuervain’s Tenosynovitis
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is an excruciating condition that affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. You’ll know you have this disorder when you feel pain when twisting your wrist, gripping, or making a fist.
Overuse of the wrist is the main reason why De Quervain’s tenosynovitis occurs. Repetitive movements and daily activities can cause pain and irritation.
Radial Tunnel Syndrome
The nerve permeates the elbow via the radial tunnel, which is an accumulation of the muscles. When the nerve penetrates the radial tunnel, the condition occurs when the nerve experiences pinching or compression. It develops unnecessary pressure on your radial nerve, resulting in persistent pain.
Why Does Cumulative Trauma Disorder Occur?
Based on the injury’s location, there might be one or more underlying causes for CTDs. At first, the injury may appear insignificant, but the increasing effect can be impairing. Reasons why this disorder occurs include:
- Poor posture
- Inadequate workstation setup
- Improper work techniques
- Repetition of Small awkward movements
- Excessive or forceful grasping
What are the Tell-Tale Signs of Cumulative Trauma Disorders?
Some symptoms may appear right away, while others may take weeks or months. There are also instances that a person will feel the signs years after the initial injury. Also, the symptoms differ according to the diagnosis. Indication of cumulative trauma disorders include.
- Pain
- Tenderness
- Inflammation
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Edema
- Stiffness
- Debility
- Loss of joint mobility or coordination
What Should You Do If You Think You Have Cumulative Trauma Disorder?
Seek immediate attention if you suspect that you have CTD. A doctor can run tests and diagnose your condition. Additionally, he can identify the cause of your injury. Besides, you need a medical report to present once you file a workers’ compensation claim. Having an expert Los Angeles cumulative disorder attorney is advantageous if you have any troubles filing a claim.
What is the Statute of Limitation of Workers’ Compensation in California?
A worker or employee can file a claim within a year from the date of the disorder, especially when it’s work-related. It’s essential to emphasize that the date of the injury for CTD isn’t the date of susceptibility. It should be the date when the worker or employee becomes conscious of their injuries.
Need Help With Your Workers’ Compensation? Call the LA Cumulative Trauma Disorder Attorney Today
Suppose you suffer or develop CTD while at work, it’s better to speak with an expert LA cumulative trauma disorder attorney at Oktanyan Der-Grigorian Law Group. Insurance companies won’t pay the workers most often, believing that they’re just faking their disorder. This is why you need a legal representative to stand up for your rights and help you secure fair compensation.
We’ve been helping victims and their families for 11 years now. We will do the same thing for you. Call (818) 975-3080 for a free case evaluation or email us for any queries. Our expert Los Angeles cumulative trauma disorder attorneys will be waiting for your call.
