Repetitive Motions
We often associate workplace injuries in California with dramatic accidents – a slip and fall, a piece of machinery malfunctioning. But a quieter threat lurks in workplaces across many industries: repetitive motion injuries. These injuries develop gradually over time, making them easy to overlook until it’s too late.
If you work in La Habra or elsewhere in California and find yourself suffering from pain, numbness, or limited mobility due to your job duties – you may be able to obtain workers’ compensation for your work injuries. At Dixon Law, APC, we have a dedicated workers’ compensation attorney in La Habra, helping injured workers navigate the complexities of California’s workers’ compensation system.
Common Repetitive Motion Injuries
Repetitive motion injuries occur when the same motions are performed over and over again. This constant repetition strains muscles, tendons, and joints, leading to inflammation, pain, and sometimes even permanent damage.
Some of the most common types of repetitive stress injuries include:
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the median nerve in your wrist, causing pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and fingers.
- Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons, often in the wrists, elbows, and shoulders.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion joints.
- Trigger Finger: A condition where a finger gets stuck in a bent position.
- Back Pain: Caused by repeated lifting, bending, and twisting.
The sooner you get treatment, the greater your chances of a full recovery and the better your chances of supporting a workers’ compensation claim if your injury is work-related.
Jobs with High Risk of Repetitive Motion Injuries
While repetitive motion injuries can occur in almost any job, some occupations are particularly high-risk:
- Manufacturing and Warehouse Work: Tasks like assembly line work or loading boxes often involve repetitive lifting, gripping, and reaching.
- Retail and Grocery: Cashiers and stockers repeatedly scan items, lift products, and move boxes.
- Office Work: Prolonged typing, clicking, and using a mouse can cause hand, wrist, and shoulder pain.
- Construction: Operating power tools, hammering, and working in awkward positions strain the entire body.
- Healthcare: Nurses and other healthcare workers are susceptible to back injuries from lifting patients and repetitive motions involved in patient care.
Employers have a responsibility to provide a safe work environment and to take steps to reduce the risk of these injuries. If you work in one of these high-risk jobs, talk to your doctor immediately as signs of an injury due to the repetitive nature of your work arise.
California Workers’ Comp Benefits for Repetitive Motion Injuries
If you’ve suffered a repetitive motion injury at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits in California. These benefits can cover:
- Medical Expenses: All reasonable and necessary medical treatment for your injury.
- Temporary Disability Benefits: Wage replacement if you’re unable to work while recovering.
- Permanent Disability Benefits: Compensation if your injury results in a permanent impairment.
- Vocational Rehabilitation: Assistance with job retraining if you cannot return to your previous position.
Proving work-related injuries due to repetitive motions can be challenging. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help you.
A Repetitive Motion Injury Claim Can Get Complicated
It can be difficult to obtain workers’ compensation benefits for a repetitive motion injury in California. Employers and insurers may argue that your injury isn’t work-related or that the condition is pre-existing. That’s where we come in.
At Dixon Law, APC, our experienced La Habra, CA workers’ compensation lawyer can help with your case. We’ll help you gather medical records, consult with experts, and represent at all hearings. Our goal is to maximize the benefits you receive so you can focus on healing.
Don’t ignore the pain! The earlier you address the issue, the better your chances of recovery and obtaining fair compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation.
