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What Are Repetitive Strain Injuries
The nature of your work can cause strain on the system responsible for movement to malfunction. For example, your hand contains over 100 ligaments and tendons that enable you to move your fingers. Thousands of similar movements every day can lead to repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) that could limit your ability to work.
Attorneys from a law firm in Southern California explain that repetitive strain injuries can impact nerves, muscles, tendons, and ligaments in other overused body parts throughout the day. RSIs can exhibit the following symptoms as you perform the same task:
- Numbness or tingling in the affected area
- Loss of strength or coordination in the limbs
- Tenderness and pain ranging from a dull ache to excruciating pain
- Reduced motion range
- Loss of flexibility
Sometimes, you can resolve the problem by stretching regularly and adjusting your work environment. However, that may not resolve symptoms, requiring further medical attention. You may need to pursue workers’ compensation to meet your medical expenses for RSIs sustained at the workplace.
What Are Some Common Repetitive Strain Injuries at the Workplace?
Various jobs expose workers to the risk of getting repetitive strain injuries because of repeated use of a body part over time. The injuries are due to the body getting worn down after frequent or strenuous use. Teachers, factory workers, secretaries, and auto mechanics may develop these injuries due to the nature of their work.
Workers’ compensation lawyers in the Inland Empire highlight the following common types of repetitive injuries:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The injury results from pressure on the tendons and nerves responsible for flexing your fingers. The carpal tunnel is a thin area surrounded by ligaments and bones at the bottom of the palm. When working, pressure on the area can cause numbness, weakness, pain, or tingling in the hand or wrist.
Tendinitis
Tendinitis occurs if repetitive motion causes one of the tendons to become inflamed. Tendons are cords that bind muscles to bones, and if strained, they can become inflamed and tender, making movement painful and sometimes impossible.
Bursitis
Tendons and bones in large joints like elbows, hips, and knees are cushioned by bursae, which are fluid-filled sacs. Bursitis is an injury in the joint if these sacs become irritated and inflamed. It can occur when you repeatedly use a joint to operate heavy machinery.
You can recover compensation for repetitive strain injuries if you demonstrate that you sustained them due to explicit factors within your job. Consult the Inland Empire workers’ compensation attorneys for legal guidance on how to go about the process. There are standard procedures to adhere to for a successful outcome.
What is the Process of Claiming Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation lawyers in the Inland Empire say that the success of your compensation claim for repetitive strain injuries depends on how well you understand your rights under the law. For example, the law provides medical treatment coverage and wage replacement benefits for workers injured while on duty.
You’re also protected against employer retaliation for filing a compensation claim. With this legal backing, you should be able to file a claim by navigating the following steps:
Document the Incidents
Take note of the symptoms as soon as they appear and notify your employer right away. The Inland Empire workers’ compensation attorneys recommend keeping a journal of your progress. Ensure that you capture details such as how the injury affects your ability to work and any medical help you seek.
If the injury is severe and causes you to be hospitalized, your employer should report it to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) within 24 hours. Nonetheless, even minor injuries should be reported in case future medical needs arise. Failure to report the injuries within the stipulated time puts you at risk of losing your benefits.
Seek Medical Care
Ensure you have documented medical reports for your RSI, even if you think it’s minor or are unsure whether it is work-related. A proper diagnosis and treatment plan will make filing a solid compensation claim easier. Remember to tell the healthcare provider that the injury is work-related so that they can fill in the necessary documents to help your case.
Complete a Workers’ Compensation Claim Form
Filling out a workers’ compensation claim form initiates the compensation process by letting your employer and their insurance provider formally know about your injury. The form is accessible through your employer or downloaded from the California Department of Industrial Relations website.
Ensure you provide accurate and full information to avoid delays or denial of the claim. If you need clarification, seek the counsel of experienced workers’ compensation lawyers in Southern Carolina. You must do everything possible to protect your rights and enhance the likelihood of successfully securing the compensation you deserve.
Wait for the Decision
Once you submit your claim, your employer’s insurance provider will investigate the incident and give you feedback on whether your claim is approved, after which you will receive the benefits. If the insurance provider disapproves the claim, you will receive a letter stating why and whether you can appeal the decision. Seek legal counsel when filing an appeal.
An Experienced Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Helping You Navigate a Claim
Pursuing compensation for injuries sustained at the workplace during duty can be tasking. You must prove that the injuries are work-related and show cause why you deserve compensation. The process can be daunting, but skilled workers’ compensation lawyers in the Inland Empire can help you navigate the nuances.
They can help you collect the necessary evidence and provide representation as you demand your rights from your employer or the insurance company. The lawyers at Espinoza Law Group can handle your case and work hard to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Call us at 213-667-0701 for free case screening.
