Injuries Caused By Repeated Physical Actions At Work

Some workplace injuries are caused by a specific event, such as a fall from a ladder or a machine malfunction. However, there is another class of injuries whose effects can be just as disabling. A repetitive strain injury to the back, neck, shoulders or hands occurs over time, through repeated motions that injure nerves, tendons or muscles.

If you are suffering from a repetitive strain injury caused at work, call us, the workers’ compensation lawyers at Berger & Michelena: 800-488-4813.

Workers’ compensation insurance companies often deny claims involving repetitive strain injuries. They may assert that the injury was preexisting or that it was the result of nonwork activities. In some cases, they may say that there is no objective medical evidence to prove the existence of the injury.

If you have suffered a repetitive strain injury to your hands, neck, shoulders or back, you know all too well that your pain is real. And when your work injury and the pain it causes limit your ability to work, you have the right to claim workers’ compensation benefits.

Helping You Get The Benefits You Deserve

At Berger & Michelena, we have successfully represented many people who have suffered repetitive strain or cumulative trauma injuries. Our Los Angeles repetitive strain injury attorneys will take all steps necessary to gather the information needed to win your case, including medical records and data concerning the repetitive motions that injured your back, shoulders, neck or hands. We will be your strong advocate, working hard at all stages of the legal process to obtain the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve.

Building A Persuasive Medical Record

You may have been examined by Concentra or another medical provider network, only to have the doctor say that you do not have a repetitive strain injury. Our lawyers can help you obtain a second medical examination that can provide objective evidence that your injury is real and that it interferes with your ability to perform your job. We can also help you communicate with your doctor more effectively, to make sure that the doctor enters vital information about your injury into your medical record.

FAQs Regarding Repetitive Strain Injuries

These are a few we hear a lot from clients:

Which industries have high repetitive strain injury rates?

In California, certain industries are known for having high rates of repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) due to the nature of the work, which often involves repetitive motions or prolonged periods of the same activity. Here are some industries with elevated RSI rates:

• Office and administrative work: Workers who spend long hours typing or using a computer can be at risk for RSIs like carpal tunnel syndrome due to repetitive hand and wrist movements.
• Manufacturing: Manufacturing workers often perform repetitive tasks on assembly lines, which can lead to hand, wrist and shoulder strain injuries.
• Health care: Health care professionals, particularly those involved in patient handling, can experience RSIs from repetitive lifting and moving of patients and handling of complex medical equipment.
• Retail and warehousing: Retail and warehousing workers often engage in repetitive lifting, stocking and packing activities, which can result in strain injuries.
• Construction: Repetitive use of tools and equipment in construction work can result in hand, wrist, shoulder, back, neck and other strain injuries.
• Food service: Chefs, line cooks and other kitchen staff often perform repetitive chopping, stirring and other food preparation tasks that can strain their joints and limbs.

If you suffer from RSIs as a worker in any of these industries, learn more about how we can help you today.

Why are repetitive strain injuries one of the most common work injuries?

Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) can be common due to the repetitive nature of many job tasks that involve continuous, repetitive use of certain muscles or body parts. Many industries require workers to perform the same motions over and over, such as typing, assembling products, lifting or handling tools. All of these can strain people’s muscles, tendons and nerves over time. Additionally, many workplaces don’t have the right setups to keep people comfortable, which can lead to bad posture and increase the chances of getting RSIs. Using computers and technology consistently at work has made repetitive strain injuries more common because typing and using a mouse for a long time can hurt your hands, wrists and shoulders.

How can an attorney help with the process of pursuing workers’ comp for repetitive strain injuries?

Pursuing workers’ compensation for repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) can be complex. However, an experienced California workers’ compensation attorney can make the process easier. Here are a few ways they can assist you:

• They can help you understand the intricacies of California workers’ comp law, as well as know your rights.
• They can make sure you complete and submit all of the necessary paperwork for filing your claim accurately and on time.
• They can help you gather evidence like medical records and other documents that detail the type and severity of your repetitive strain injury.
• If your employer retaliates against you for pursuing a claim, they can point out whether their actions are legal and push back against them and their insurers to seek the benefits you need.
• If disagreements escalate between you, your employer and their insurer, they can aggressively represent you in court.
• If your claim gets denied, they can help you appeal.

If you have additional questions about what we can do for you or how we can help, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Get Help From A Los Angeles Repetitive Strain Claims Attorney

Contact 800-488-4813 to schedule a free consultation about a repetitive strain compensation case.