In many cases, workplace accidents result in immediate, life-changing injuries. However, some injuries may develop over time as a result of repetitive movements on the job.
Repetitive motion injuries or overuse injuries can happen to workers in any occupation. However, these injuries are particularly prevalent among workers who perform repetitive tasks or hold high-intensity and physical jobs.
Being diagnosed with a repetitive motion injury can make continuing to work impossible, leaving you and your family without income. Fortunately, workers in California who develop repetitive motion injuries can be compensated for a range of expenses, including some medical bills, and other losses through a workers’ compensation claim.
Attorney James Koh understands how difficult it is to live and work with a repetitive motion injury and is committed to helping affected workers get the benefits they are entitled to. This article will explore the nature of repetitive motion injuries, including the necessary steps to securing workers’ comp benefits.
Have you been diagnosed with a repetitive motion injury as a result of your work? Speak with James Koh today for top-tier legal advice on securing workers’ compensation benefits.
What Are Repetitive Motion Injuries?
Repetitive motion injuries, also known as repetitive strain injuries (RSIs), are conditions resulting from repeated motions performed in the course of daily activities or work duties. In the workplace, RSIs can occur from seemingly mundane tasks that involve consistent repetition of the same movement, without adequate rest, which can strain muscles and tendons over time.
These injuries are most prevalent among office workers who frequently use computers, assembly line workers, and other manual laborers. With the modern workforce increasingly reliant on computers, RSIs like carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis have become more common than ever, particularly affecting wrists, elbows, knees, and shoulders.
However, if two individuals perform the same type of computer work it does not necessarily mean that both of them will develop a repetitive motion injury. Certain risk factors make individuals more likely to suffer repetitive stress injuries including:
- Ergonomics. Poor workplace ergonomics is a significant risk factor for RSIs. Workstations that do not support proper posture, as well as chairs, keyboards, and tools that require awkward body positioning, can contribute to the development of RSIs.
- Intensity and duration. The intensity and duration of tasks also play a role in repetitive strain injuries. Engaging in forceful activities or immersing in repetitive tasks without sufficient breaks can increase the risk of developing RSIs.
- Lack of training. Inadequate training on how to perform tasks safely can expose workers to a greater risk of injury. Comprehensive training should include instruction on correct posture, movements, and the use of protective equipment when necessary.
- Prior injury. Workers with a history of muscle or joint injury could be more susceptible to developing RSIs, as previous injuries can leave these areas vulnerable to additional strain.
- Age and physical condition. An individual’s age and overall physical condition can also affect susceptibility to RSIs as older workers and those in poor physical shape or with certain health conditions are typically at higher risk.
- Environmental conditions. Work environment factors such as cold temperatures can exacerbate the risk of RSIs, making muscles, tendons, ligaments more susceptible to injury.
Understanding the risk factors associated with repetitive motion injuries is crucial for both employees and employers, as it allows for the development and implementation of preventative strategies to ensure a safe and healthy work environment.
Common Examples of Workplace Repetitive Motion Injuries
Repetitive motion injuries can develop in various parts of the body and can lead to chronic pain, stiffness, and even disability if left unaddressed. Some of the most common examples of RSIs among workers include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that arises from pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. It is particularly prevalent among people who perform repetitive hand and wrist motions such as typing or assembly line work. According to an article published on the website of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), this condition affects between 3 and 6 percent of adults in the general population.
- Tendinitis. Tendinitis refers to the inflammation of a tendon, which is the thick fibrous cords that attach muscle to bone. This condition typically occurs from repeated motion or overuse and can affect different parts of the body, such as the wrist, elbow, or shoulder.
- Bursitis. Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion bones, tendons, and muscles near joints. It often affects joints that perform frequent repetitive motions, including the shoulder, elbow, and hip.
- Rotator cuff syndrome. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint. Rotator cuff syndrome often results from repetitive overhead movements and can lead to pain, weakness, and limited shoulder mobility.
- Tennis elbow. Despite its name, you do not have to play tennis to suffer from tennis elbow. This condition is characterized by pain around the outside of the elbow and is caused by overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons.
- Lower back pain. Lower back pain affects many workers and can be attributed to repetitive activities like lifting, bending, and twisting. People in occupations that demand prolonged sitting or standing can also experience lower back issues.
Regardless of what type of injury you have, you can seek workers’ compensation for repetitive motion injuries as long as your condition is related to your job. Proving the link between your injury and your job is often complicated and may require the assistance of a workers’ compensation lawyer.
Common Causes of Repetitive Motion Injuries
While workers in any occupation and industry are at risk of developing repetitive strain injuries, the following conditions can make workers more prone to suffering from RSIs:
- Working in the cold. Cold environments cause our muscles to tighten and become less flexible, which significantly increases the risk of injury. Working in low temperatures can also reduce sensory feedback, making it harder to know when a movement might be straining a muscle.
- Performing physically demanding tasks without warming up. One of the leading causes of repetitive motion injuries arises when workers undertake physically demanding tasks without proper preparation. Our muscles and joints are more prone to injury when they are cold or haven’t been through a range of motion before being stressed.
- Engaging in work that involves the same motion repeatedly. The human body was not designed for the repetitive tasks that modern work environments often require. Whether it is typing, scanning items at a checkout counter, or drilling with the same motion hour after hour, this consistent repetition can wear down body tissues and lead to injuries.
- Poor posture when sitting or standing. Ergonomics is key to workplace injury prevention, particularly when it comes to maintaining good posture. Poor posture – such as slouching in a chair and hunching over a desk – places additional stress on certain body parts. This unnatural strain can amplify damage caused by repetitive tasks.
- Staying in a fixed position for extended periods. Our bodies are built for movement, so maintaining the same position for long periods can be detrimental, especially in combination with repetitive movements. Workers who remain seated or standing without variation for long stretches are at risk, as this lack of movement can lead to stiffness and reduced blood flow, making tissues more prone to injury.
- Working with tools that vibrate. The use of vibrating tools is another common cause of work-related repetitive motion injuries. The vibrations can disrupt blood flow and damage nerves, leading to conditions like hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) or carpal tunnel syndrome. The insidious nature of these injuries is that the discomfort may start out as mild, which is why workers often disregard the symptoms until the condition worsens.
Recognizing the common causes is the first step for workers to understand the risks inherent in their job tasks and work environment and, when possible, make the necessary adjustments to prevent repetitive motion injuries in the first place.
Seeking Workers’ Compensation and Other Benefits for Repetitive Motion Injuries
Some states specifically prohibit employees from seeking workers’ compensation benefits for repetitive strain injuries. However, California is among the states that recognize RSIs as a legitimate cause to file a claim for workers’ comp benefits due to their prevalence in various occupations. The right to seek workers’ compensation for repetitive motion injuries is found in California Labor Code § 3208.1(b).
The process of pursuing workers’ comp benefits for repetitive motion injuries in California includes the following steps:
- Reporting the injury. When you notice symptoms of a repetitive motion injury, immediately inform your employer. California law requires that injuries be reported within 30 days, according to the state’s Department of Industrial Relations (DIR).
- Filing a workers’ compensation claim. To initiate your claim in California, you need to file a workers’ compensation claim form (DWC-1) with your employer. Your employer must provide you with this form within one working day after learning about your injury.
- Medical evaluation and treatment. The next necessary step is obtaining a thorough medical evaluation from an approved physician. They will assess the severity of your injury and recommend treatment options.
- Navigating the claims process. After submitting your claim, your employer’s insurance company will approve or deny it based on the provided documentation. If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision.
Workers’ compensation law is complex, and navigating it without legal assistance can be extremely difficult. Consider working with James Koh, a trusted workers’ compensation lawyer in California, for guidance through the workers’ comp claims process.
Frequently Asked Questions
To make the process of seeking workers’ compensation for repetitive motion injuries more straightforward and provide some much-needed clarity, we have assembled a collection of answers to the most frequently asked questions tailored for injured workers.
How can I pursue workers’ compensation benefits for a repetitive motion injury?
To obtain workers’ compensation benefits for a repetitive motion injury, you need to report the injury to your employer as soon as possible and seek medical attention to document its extent and potential work-related cause. You or your employer must then file a workers’ compensation claim with your company’s insurance provider.
Do I need proof to receive workers’ compensation for a repetitive motion injury?
Yes, proof is required to receive workers’ compensation for a repetitive motion injury as no one is going to simply take your word for it. This generally includes medical records detailing the injury and expert opinions establishing a link between your job duties and the injury. You may also need to prove that the injury is related to work activities and not to non-work-related activities.
What workers’ comp benefits can you get for a repetitive motion injury?
The types of workers’ compensation benefits you might receive for a repetitive motion injury include coverage for all reasonable and necessary medical treatments, a portion of your lost wages if time off work is necessary for recovery, and compensation for any permanent disability resulting from the injury.
How to prevent repetitive strain?
Preventing repetitive strain at work may involve making various ergonomic adjustments and taking proactive measures. These might include using appropriately designed furniture and tools to minimize awkward postures, taking frequent short breaks to reduce muscle fatigue, performing exercises to strengthen the muscles used at work, and varying tasks when possible to avoid overuse of the same muscle groups.
Contact James Koh for Help with Your Workers’ Comp Claim for a Repetitive Motion Injury
If you need assistance with seeking workers’ compensation for repetitive motion injuries, reach out to James Koh, a dedicated workers’ compensation attorney in California. He can explain your legal options and walk you through every step of the claims process to ensure that you are adequately compensated for your work-related injury and its resulting expenses and losses.
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