What Does Repetitive Motion/Cumulative Trauma Injury Mean?

A repetitive motion injury, also known as a cumulative trauma, is a type of injury that occurs gradually over time. Cumulative traumas encompasses many diseases, including carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis, tendonitis, trigger finger, rotator cuff syndrome, epicondylitis (often known as “tennis elbow”), and lower back discomfort.

The unifying characteristic among these illnesses is that they are injuries that develop over time as a result of the daily performance of a stressful or restricting duty. A repetitive motion injury occurs when a worker uses the same muscle, in the same way, every day, such as typing on a keyboard, working on an assembly line, or moving heavy boxes.

Cumulative traumas can affect many different body regions depending on the jobs you frequently perform at work. Among the most common are:

• Lower Back Strain: Chronic back discomfort, particularly in the lumbar area, can occur due to a range of work-related factors, such as moving heavy objects, repeatedly bending over or twisting, or sustaining a seated or stooped position for long periods of time.
• Tendonitis: Tendonitis and other disorders involving the inflammation of tendons, particularly around joints such as the elbow or shoulder, can be caused by repetitive motion.
• Bursitis: Repetitive strain on the knees, elbows, hips and other joints can result in severe inflammation of the fluid sacs called bursae, which help to cushion the bones at their connecting points.
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Repetitive action of the hands and wrists, which is especially frequent among computer professionals, can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, a disorder in which a compressed nerve compromises sensory and motor skills.
• Vision and Hearing: Employees’ vision and hearing can worsen over time as a result of repeated exposure to environmental risks such as loud noises or bright lights.

Are Cumulative Traumas Covered By Workers’ Compensation?

Yes, employees in California are entitled to workers’ compensation coverage for any illness or injury sustained while executing their job obligations. The fact that an illness or damage developed gradually rather than all at once does not rule out coverage.

Proving a repetitive motion injury, on the other hand, can be more challenging than obtaining coverage for a conventional contact injury. An injured worker must demonstrate that the injury occurred as a result of doing their workplace tasks over time and not as a result of other non-work variables such as playing sports, doing housework, or indulging in other hobbies. A tennis player, for example, would have a more difficult time alleging that their epicondylitis was caused by moving furniture at work rather than their leisure hobbies.

How Can I Prove My Repetitive Motion Injury?

If you have numbness, tingling, or burning sensations, lose movement or function in a limb or extremity; or experience chronic pain in a specific body region, you may have a cumulative trauma. It is beneficial to seek medical assistance as soon as the symptoms emerge and to inform your doctor that the symptoms are work-related. Report the injury to your employer as soon as you receive a diagnosis or have cause to believe you have a repetitive motion injury to begin the workers’ compensation process. A skilled California workers’ compensation lawyer from The Law Offices of CAWISE LAWYERS can assist you in putting your best foot forward while filing your claim and guiding you through the process.

Receiving Compensation

Filing a workers’ compensation claim for a cumulative trauma follows the same fundamental steps as filing a claim for an acute injury, but the nature of repeated stress injuries frequently adds obstacles. To offer yourself the best chance of receiving compensation, you should get medical assistance as soon as possible if you suspect you have a repetitive stress injury and notify your employer as soon as feasible.

It is also usual for a claims administrator to deny a cumulative trauma claim if they consider the injury was caused by causes other than the employee’s work. If this occurs, you may file an appeal. Often, an injured worker faces an uphill battle in proving his/her cumulative trauma claim. Without the assistance of a seasoned attorney, an injured worker frequently is unable to file the proper claim, obtain medical treatment, and procure the proper medical reports to prove their claim. It is highly recommended that an injured worker seek legal advice as soon as possible to avoid losing out on their benefits.

Contact a Repetitive Stress Injury Lawyer at The Law Offices of CAWISE LAWYERS

We can advise and represent you throughout the legal process of getting compensation if you suffer a work-related repetitive stress injury. For a free consultation, call 818-527-1063 today.