Not all injuries occur because of accidents out of negligence. Some of them transpire in a matter of time, which makes them difficult to prove they are work-related. California workers’ compensation is intended to protect injured workers in any way while doing their jobs. It will cover any injuries or illnesses caught or acquired because of recurrent work. If you believe that you’re hurt or suffer injury because of your work, speak with a top-rated LA workers’ compensation attorneys for help. Contact ODG Law at (818) 975-3080 for a free case evaluation. We’ll help you withstand the challenges that employers, insurance companies, and doctors may impose on you.
LA Workers’ Compensation Attorneys: What is Cumulative Trauma Injury?
A cumulative trauma injury (CTI) is a form of injury that develops over time instead of occurring instantly. It’s a conclusion of thousands of undetectable movements, which wouldn’t cause injuries, but methodically can cause injury to a specific body part. It’s severe wear and tears on muscles, tendons, and sensitive nerve tissues.
It involves a range of different conditions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis to name a few. These injuries take time to occur due to regular stressful activities. It usually occurs due to improper work positioning, recurrence, or impact for extended periods.
If you’re a worker that uses the same muscles for long periods, you are likely to develop a cumulative trauma injury. Repetitive activities including typing on the keyboard, improper lifting of heavy boxes, or working on an assembly can put you at risk of developing this type of injury.
Risk factors that contribute to cumulative trauma injuries include:
- Lifting methods
- Wrong work position
- Forceful exertions
- Vibration
- Lack of sufficient recovery time
- Awkward postures or stationary postures
- Repetitive motions
- Psychological pressure
How to Determine the Date of Your Cumulative Trauma Injury?
The date of injury is determined when there’s a disability and the worker knew the injury was due to his work. Likewise, he or she should have known that the injury was caused by their work.
How to Prove Your Cumulative Trauma Injury is Work-Related?
Getting coverage for CTI can be more challenging than a standard impact injury. You’ll need all the help you can get from a top-rated LA workers’ compensation lawyer. As an injured worker, you need to prove that the injury you incurred is work-related and not because of other non-work factors, such as playing sports or doing household chores.
A majority of these types of injuries are musculoskeletal disorders. It mainly affects the nerves, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. You could already be suffering from CTI if you experience tingling, burning sensations, or numbness. You may also experience chronic pain in your specific body part or lose mobility in your limb or extremity.
As soon as you suspect you have developed CTI, seek medical attention right away. When symptoms appear, inform your doctor that they are job-related. Once you get the doctor’s diagnosis, inform your employer to initiate the process of filing workers’ compensation.
Our top-rated LA workers’ compensation lawyers work harder to ensure we’ll establish a successful case. We’ll help you challenge any denial or limitations stipulated in your coverage.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Filing Workers’ Compensation in California?
As an injured worker or employee, it’s important to understand the laws and procedures that oversee both worker’s compensation and the statute of limitations. As long as you have ODG Law’s top-rated LA workers’ compensation attorney by your side, you have an edge because you have someone to fight for your rights and against the insurance company’s discrimination.
When you suffer an injury or illness because of your work, you are eligible for workers’ compensation. It’s worth noting that there’s a deadline for filing a claim, which is one year. If you fail to file within the specified period, you will lose your right to compensation.
However, you should know that informing your employer of your injury and a scheme to seek compensation isn’t the same as filing an exact workers’ compensation claim. Under California Labor Code, a worker who sustained a work-related injury or illness must inform his or her employer about the injury’s occurrence within 30 days. He needs to submit a written report stating the damage he suffers and his intention to seek workers’ compensation benefits.
Get the Help You Need from ODG Law
When you confirmed that you developed cumulative trauma injury because of your work, contact ODG Law as soon as possible. You will work directly with our top-rated LA workers’ compensation attorney. At the same time, we will help arrange your medical care so you’ll have an unbiased diagnosis.
We’ll ensure to protect your rights and defend you from people who don’t want to give you the compensation you deserve. Call (818) 975-3080 now and schedule a free case evaluation. We work on a contingency fee basis.
