California Workers' Compensation for Repetitive Stress Injuries

 Posted on October 14, 2022 in Workers' Compensation

Workers' compensation is a program that provides benefits to workers who are injured or who contract an illness at work. In California, the workers' compensation program is administered by the Department of Industrial Relations. Workers' compensation insurance is mandatory for all employers in California with one or more employees. This includes part-time, seasonal, and migrant workers. Employees who are injured on the job may be entitled to receive medical treatment, disability benefits, and other types of benefits. On-the-job injuries include injuries that are caused by a singular event, as well as those that develop over time—more commonly known as “repetitive stress,” “repetitive strain,” or “repetitive motion” injuries.

Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) are a type of injury that can occur when a person performs the same motion over and over again. RSIs can happen at work if a person is required to perform the same task repeatedly over the course of weeks, months, or even years. Some examples of jobs that may put workers at risk for RSIs include assembly line work, data entry, office work, and factory work.

Common RSIs and Their Symptoms

There are many different types of repetitive stress injuries, and you are probably familiar with at least some of them. The most common RSIs that can occur on the job include:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Lateral epicondylitis, commonly referred to as “tennis elbow”

• Tendinitis

• Stenosing tenosynovitis, commonly referred to as “trigger finger”

• Back strains and sprains

RSIs can cause a variety of symptoms including pain, inflammation, numbness, tingling, weakness, and burning sensations. The symptoms of RSIs can vary depending on the type of injury and the severity of the injury. In some cases, RSIs can cause permanent damage to nerves, muscles, tendons, and joints.

Workers' Compensation Benefits for RSIs

If you have been diagnosed with an RSI as a result of your job, you may be entitled to receive workers' compensation benefits. These benefits can include payment for medical expenses related to your injury, as well as disability benefits or vocational retraining if you are unable to return to your job. You will be required to show that your RSI was directly caused by your work-related activities.

A Santa Clara County Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Help

If you have been injured on the job due to repetitive stress motions required by your job duties, you may be entitled to receive workers' compensation benefits in California. It is important to see a doctor so that you can get started on treatment and start receiving the workers' compensation benefits you deserve. You should also contact an experienced Gilroy workers’ compensation lawyer from Cramer + Martinez to get the help you need with filing your claim. Call 408-848-1113 for a free consultation today.

Sources:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17424-repetitive-strain-injury

https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-are-repetitive-stress-injuries-189251