When your work is too demanding, your body is at risk of suffering from repetitive stress injuries in LA (RSI). Many workers and employees suffer this type of injury because they perform the same tasks over and over again on a daily basis.
For instance, a typist may develop a sprained finger or finger joint injury because of typing for long periods. Warehouse or factory workers may also suffer from RSI because of recurrent packing and lifting of packages.
If you or a loved one developed RSI because of work, you are eligible to file for workers’ compensation. Contacting ODG Law is a big help because you’re not only protecting your rights but also preventing any issues that will arise from filing workers’ compensation.
What is a Repetitive Stress Injury?
Repetitive stress injury goes by many terms, including cumulative trauma, repetitive strain injury, or overuse injury. It’s an imperceptible development of damage to nerves, muscles, and tendons from repeated movements. This type of injury generally affects the neck and shoulders, forearms and elbows, as well as the wrists and hands.
A person with RSI can suffer from conditions such as:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tendonitis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Knee injuries
- Rotator cuff syndrome
- Bursitis
- Hearing loss
- Epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
- Tenosynovitis
Repetitive Stress Injuries in LA: What are the Main Causes of RSI?
RSI occurs due to tendons and muscle overuse. Factors that cause such conditions include:
Awkward or Static Posture
An awkward, static, or inconvenient posture occurs when the body stays in a position that’s neutral to its nonaligned position. A neutral position supports the spine’s natural curve and keeps the body in good positioning. Additionally, it provides the body with biomechanical advantages to perform work and activities with ease and comfort.
Some of the awkward or static postures include:
- Stooping
- Twisting
- Outstretching behind the body
- Bending backward and wrist’s side to side movement
- Bending
- Reaching above the level of shoulders
Working repeatedly in a static posture can lead to inadequate blood supply to muscles and repetitive stress injury. However, when you’re working in a neutral position, your body can work with optimum efficiency using the least amount of energy.
Overexertion
In every work, you need to exert effort, meaning you require strength or energy so you can perform your tasks easily and correctly. However, doing the same thing repeatedly for long periods can exhaust the joints, tendons, muscles, and ligaments. Redundant and extensive force won’t enable the muscles to completely cover between movements. Some reasons for overexertion are:
- Handling or carrying heavy objects
- Reaching more than an arm’s reach
- Tight gripping or excessive force applied over a small area leading to pressure points
Recurring Movements
This can be a health hazard because the muscles, ligaments, joints, soft tissues, and cartilages are at risk of damage because of recurrent use and movement. It can also result in muscle fatigue when muscles don’t rest between two movements.
Vibration
Arm or hand vibrations and whole-body vibrations are the two major causes of repetitive stress injury. People who work on construction sites, road maintenance, and tree cutting are most susceptible. They usually use power tools such as jackhammers, drills, chain saws, and other tools that cause vibrations. Vibrations can also cause low back pain for heavy equipment drivers.
Will Workers’ Compensation Cover Repetitive Stress Injury?
California law allows employees and workers to reap the benefits of workers’ compensation if they suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. It includes repetitive stress injuries in LA and post-traumatic disorders to name a few. You can file and get workers’ compensation as long as you can prove that you developed the injury because of your work. Hiring an expert Los Angeles repetitive stress injury lawyer can help you prove them.
How to Prove Your RSI is Work-Related?
A majority of repetitive stress injuries in LA are musculoskeletal disorders, affecting the nerves, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Proving a work-related injury can be difficult. If you think you have developed RSI, seek immediate medical attention and inform your employer about your current condition.
You might need to present medical records to prove your injury is indeed work-related. You’ll need all the help and proof that you can get. Speak with a knowledgeable repetitive stress injury lawyer to help you file workers’ compensation.
ODG Law Can Help Prove Your Repetitive Stress Injury
We understand how it feels to suffer from RSI and its consequences. ODG Law is here to help you prove your injury is work-related. Our compassionate and efficient repetitive stress injury lawyers ensure to help you secure the benefits and compensation you deserve for your fast recovery.
We’ll guide you throughout the process to make informed decisions and resolute actions. Contact ODG Law and book a free evaluation of your case. Dial (818) 975-3080 or you may send your queries to our email. We work on a contingency fee and help you coordinate your medical treatment.
