An injured worker can recover damages through a workers’ compensation claim, but there’s a catch. If you suffer from a cumulative trauma injury (CTI), you need to prove that you developed the condition from doing the same tasks at work.
Proving your CTI is work-related could be a daunting process. It involves gathering evidence, submission of police and medical records, and other proofs. Because of the legal procedure’s complexity, working with a skilled Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will ease your worries and lift the burden off your shoulders.
What is a Cumulative Trauma Injury?
A cumulative trauma injury or CTI is any kind of injury that occurs due to a repetitive strain, either physically or mentally, that transpires in days, weeks, months, or years. Injuries result when muscles and tendons experience pulling and stretching. CTIs can be excruciating and incite mobility problems.
No worker would want to experience or suffer from a cumulative trauma injury. However, most workers can’t do anything about it, especially if their jobs require repetitive tedious tasks.
Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyer: Most Common Types of Work-Related Cumulative Trauma Injuries
Repetitive tasks or activities can result in various CTIs affecting different body parts. Some of the most common types of work-related cumulative trauma injuries include:
Lower Back Pain
The lower back could face several problems even with minor stresses. However, when these petty stresses accumulate for long periods, they can develop several serious back problems. Sitting positions with no sufficient support, improper lifting, carrying, or lowering objects can put unwanted stress on the lower back.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a nerve disorder. It affects sensation and mobility in the thumb and first three fingers of the hand. This condition is due to pressure on the nerve wrist. A sufferer may feel pain, trouble with holding objects, and insensitivity or prickling in the hands.
DeQuervain’s Disease
It’s an agonizing condition that affects the tendons on the wrist’s thumb side. You’ll know if you suffer from this condition when you feel pain upon turning your wrist, holding anything, or making a fist.
Tendonitis
Tendons are cartilaginous tissues that join bones and muscles together. Overuse of these tissues can lead to pain and inflammation.
Radial Tunnel Syndrome
Also known as tennis elbow, Radial Tunnel Syndrome is a condition similar to DeQuervain’s Disease. The nerve that activates the muscles surrounding the wrist and hand experiences compression. This causes the muscle to sap, leading to elbow pain.
Trigger Finger
Usually, two consecutive fingers – thumb and forefingers – are the most often affected by this disorder. One of the fingers will frequently get stuck in an arched position. Also, it may curve or straighten with a recognizable snap. It resembles a trigger that’s pulled and released.
Raynaud’s Syndrome
It’s another nerve disorder, also called “hand-arm vibration syndrome” or “vibration white finger.” This condition usually occurs in workers who always use vibrating tools in their work, such as construction workers and road maintenance. Sufferers may feel numbness in their fingers, which could eventually lead to loss of hand muscle control.
Major Risk Factors for Cumulative Trauma Injury
Over time, workers may develop the condition without being aware that they have it. Major risk factors that play a role in the development of CTI, include:
Repetition
Tasks or routines that necessitate recurrent utilization of the same muscles and tendons usually result in weariness and injury. It causes muscle enervation, preventing the worker to perform his duty without difficulty.
Lifting
Lifting heavy objects improperly or without assistance, can strain the back ligaments, which can cause vertebrae misalignment.
Force
Exerting more force while working, means putting more strain on your muscles. It also means putting yourself at risk of incurring CTI.
Body Posture
An awkward or abnormal body posture can also lead to cumulative trauma injury. Working with your body in an unsuitable position can develop the condition and even accelerate it because of the strain and pressure that a particular body part receives.
Vibration
Vibration can greatly affect not just the arms and hands, but the whole body as well. It can have adverse effects on the nerves, and muscles, including the internal organs.
Need Help in Proving Your Work-Related Cumulative Traumatic Injury? Contact the Oktanyan Der-Grigorian Law Group
Oktanyan Der-Grigorian Law Group has been helping victims and their families to get justice and the compensation they deserve for more than ten years. Our competent and hardworking cumulative trauma injury lawyers are always ready to help.
We’ll be your ally who will fight for your rights and defend you against those who caused your misery, injuries, and losses. Having us on your side will give you peace of mind because you know there’s someone who truly cares for you and your well-being.
Call (818) 975-3080 and book a free evaluation of your case. You can also email us. Contact us today and let’s talk about the best strategy to win your case. We work on a contingency fee basis.
