Office Injuries in California Workers' Comp Cases

 Posted on January 24, 2024 in Workplace Injuries

Working in an office may seem safe, but employees can still suffer injuries on the job. Under California workers’ compensation laws, employees have the right to file a claim if they sustain an injury because of their work. You should be aware of some common types of office injuries that may be eligible for workers’ compensation. If you find yourself in one of these situations, a California workers’ compensation lawyer can help you figure out the process.

Repetitive Strain Injuries

Repetitive tasks like typing, using a mouse, photocopying, filing, and more can lead to painful repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) over time. Common RSIs include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, trigger finger, and more. The pain, numbness, and loss of function associated with these conditions can interfere with your work. You may file a claim if an RSI was caused or exacerbated by your normal work duties.

Slips, Trips, and Falls

Accidents happen, even in offices. You may trip on loose carpeting, slip on a wet floor, fall off a faulty chair, or even lose footing. These incidents can lead to sprains, fractures, head injuries, and other harm. Be sure to report any slippery conditions or safety hazards to help prevent future accidents.

Lifting and Carrying Injuries

While offices do not seem to require heavy lifting, employees can still strain muscles, picking up stacks of files, heavy packages, office equipment, and more. Improper lifting techniques can also lead to serious back injuries and herniated discs. Make sure to use proper form, ask for help, and refrain from lifting anything too heavy or large to handle alone.

Violence and Trauma

Violent incidents in offices are rare but possible. An upset client, intruder, or even another employee may attack you, causing physical and psychological harm. The trauma, stress, and physical injuries caused by workplace violence can have lasting effects. Counseling and proper medical care is important for coping and recovery.

Other Accidents

Freak accidents sometimes happen, whether it is a shelving unit tipping over onto someone, malfunctioning office equipment causing injury, construction debris falling into a cubicle, and more. Report dangerous conditions immediately to help avoid harm. If you do sustain an injury in any kind of accident, workers’ comp can help.

Getting Proper Medical Care

If you suffer any injury at work, notify your employer and seek medical attention immediately. This creates a record of the incident, gets you treated promptly, and allows doctors to document conditions for your claim properly. Be sure to follow all recommended treatments as well. Working through an injury can make it worse and compromise your claim.

Determining Eligibility

The specific details of each incident determine eligibility for California workers’ compensation benefits. Injury claims must demonstrate that the injury occurred because of work duties and that sufficient medical evidence supports the injuries claimed.

Contact a Morgan Hill, CA Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Some people do not realize that office jobs cause injuries that can still fall under workers’ compensation. If you experience an injury because of your work-related tasks, a Gilroy, CA workers’ compensation lawyer can be by your side as you navigate each step. Call Cramer + Martinez at 408-848-1113 for a free consultation.