The Complicated Nature of Cumulative Trauma Injury and How to Prove It’s Work-Related

A job that’s too demanding can cause injury that may develop from recurrent movements or other issues. Over time, a worker or employee may suffer bones, organs, or muscle strain. These injuries are logical as any injury caused by an accident. The victim can recover compensation for his or her injury as long as they can prove that it’s related to work.

Generally, cumulative trauma injuries can’t be tracked to a single event, making it difficult to demonstrate it’s work.-related. Employers and insurance companies may use this situation to invalidate the employee or worker’s claim. 

You can prove that your injury is related to work by speaking with ODG Law’s skilled workers’ compensation attorney to help you prove that your injury is indeed work-related. Moreover, the lawyer can identify if there’s a third-party involved and improve your odds of getting higher compensation. Contact ODG Law at  (818) 975-3080 for help.

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Skilled Workers’ Compensation Attorney: What is Cumulative Trauma Injury?

A cumulative trauma injury (CTI) is also known as cumulative trauma disorder (CTD). It is the deterioration or damage of muscles, tendons, and sensitive nerve tissues due to extreme and continuous usage for extended periods.  

Basically, this type of injury does not need to arise from recurrent physical exertion. It can also stem from environmental exposure to toxic substances, potent chemicals, and exhaust fumes among others. Most of the common toxins found in the workplace include dust, fiber mist, fume, gas, liquid,  and vapor. 

What are the Most Common Types of Cumulative Trauma Injury?

Cumulative trauma injuries afflict almost 3% of adult Americans when it comes to professions.  Some of the most common types of CTI include:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. This is a nerve condition that impacts the thumb’s feeling and movement, including the hand’s first three fingers. When the nerve’s wrist suffers pressure, you will feel pain, trouble with holding objects, and tingling or numbness in the hands.

DeQuervain’s Disease. Sometimes also called tennis elbow, This type of cumulative trauma injury indicates inflammation in the tendons. It usually affects the tendons surrounding the thumb, which also goes up to the forearm.  

Tendonitis. Overexertion of the tendons for long periods can cause inflammation to these fibrous tissues that join the bones and muscles together. 

Raynaud’s Syndrome. This is a nerve disorder also known as “hand-arm vibration syndrome,” or “vibration white finger.” Workers that frequently use tools that vibrate such as a jackhammer, can feel insensitivity in the fingers. It can result in the hands’ loss of muscle control.   

Lower back pain. A lot of factors can cause lower back pain even minor stresses that burgeon. Over the long term, it can result in various problems in the lower back. Causes of lower back pain include awkward sitting position and improper lifting, carrying, and lowering down of objects.

Trigger Finger. The forefinger and the thumb are the ones most affected by the trigger finger. One of the fingers will typically get immobile in a bent position. The affected finger may also arch or uncurl with an apparent snap, resembling a pulled and released trigger.

Radial Tunnel Syndrome. This condition is comparable to DeQuervain’s Disease in which the nerve operating the muscles surrounding the wrist and hands ensure compression. This causes the muscles to wear out, leading to elbow pain.

How to Prove Your Cumulative Trauma Injury Is Work-Related?

Proving a work-related cumulative trauma injury is a challenging process. Your employer or the insurance company will find loopholes to use as grounds to decline your claim. Seeking the help of ODG Law’s experienced compensation lawyer can help you find and present evidence such as:

  • Medical reports demonstrating that you didn’t acquire the injury before working for a considerable amount of time 
  • Attending doctor’s statements
  • Inadequate safety guidelines or insufficient workplace training
  • Frequency of similar cumulative injuries in other employees with the exact job duties
  • How probable was the injury, predisposed to the worker’s or employee’s job responsibilities
  • Proof that the worker used offered personal protective equipment (PPE)

What is the Statute of Limitation for Filing Compensation for Cumulative Trauma Injury?

In California, filing for workers’ compensation for cumulative trauma injury is within a year from the date of the injury which both applies to cumulative injuries and occupational diseases. The date of the injury begins when you suffer disability and you knew that it was due to your work or must have known that it’s because of your work.

Skilled Compensation Attorney: ODG Law Can Help with Your Compensation Issues

If you’re having issues with your workers’ compensation, reach out to ODG Law, and our well-versed and skilled compensation attorney will be here to help you. We’ll protect your rights and ensure that you’ll get the compensation you deserve. We don’t just say it, we do it.

We’re here to hear and acknowledge your problem. Together we’ll fight the challenges with your employer, company, or insurance company that doesn’t want to give your benefits. We work on a contingency fee basis. 

You can reach us at (818) 975-3080 and schedule a free consultation. You can also email us for any queries related to your case.

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