Maison Law Accident & Injury Lawyers of Modesto represent victims of repetitive stress injuries at work in California. If you or a loved one has been under-compensated or received inadequate workers’ compensation benefits, our Modesto Workers’ Comp Attorneys will help you get the compensation you need. Contact Maison Law Accident & Injury Lawyers of Modesto today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
What is a Repetitive Stress Injury?
A repetitive stress injury (RSI) refers to damage done to your muscles, tendons, and nerves through repetitive motions and constant use. They can affect almost any movable part of the human body. The main causes of RSI are manual labor, office work, and the use of modern devices such as smartphones, gaming controllers, and tablets. According to the Center for Disease Control, repetitive stress injuries are extremely common with nearly 50% of the workforce suffering from an RSI at some point in their careers. Some of the most common people affected by repetitive stress injuries include:
- Workers with physically demanding jobs
- Athletes
- Musicians
- People who sit at a desk or use a computer often
The symptoms of repetitive stress injuries usually start gradually and include the following:
- Burning, aching, or throbbing pain
- Stiffness and weakness
- Tingling, pins-and-needle numbness
- Muscle cramps
- Swelling
How to File a Repetitive Stress Injury Workers’ Compensation Claim in Modesto
If you’re injured on the job, you should tell your manager or immediate supervisor about the injury. While making them aware of your work-related injury is a necessary first step, it does not make you eligible for benefits through the workers’ compensation program. You must complete the following steps to begin receiving workers’ compensation benefits in California:
- Tell your manager, supervisor, or someone in the administration department at your job about your work-related injury. If your employer does not learn about your injury within 30 days of it occurring, you could potentially be denied workers’ compensation.
- Request a Workers’ Compensation Claim Form (DWC 1) from your employer. They’re required to give you one or send it via mail within one working day after your injury is reported.
- Fill out the form listed above to request benefits from the workers’ compensation program at your workplace. Describe your illness or injury in great detail and fill out only the employee section of the form.
- Give the form back to your employer as soon as possible. Any delay in filing your workers’ compensation claim may have a negative impact on the benefits you may receive.
These steps will start your workers’ compensation claim and help you get the medical treatment you need. If you have any questions or need legal assistance, do not hesitate to reach out to one of our Workers’ Compensation Attorneys at Maison Law Accident and Injury Lawyers of Modesto. We’re here to help victims who have been injured at work, so there is no charge to discuss your case with one of our attorneys.
Proving a Repetitive Stress Injury for a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Modesto
Most repetitive stress injuries are musculoskeletal disorders, meaning your muscles, nerves, tendons, and ligaments are affected. Symptoms of RSI include numbness, tingling, or burning in the affected area. In worse cases, RSI can result in loss of mobility, function, or chronic pain in a particular area of your body.
The key to proving a repetitive stress injury is obtaining a detailed medical report from a certified doctor. It may be difficult for your doctor to diagnose the specific cause of your injury, but the more specific of a diagnosis you can get, the better it will be for your workers’ compensation claim. Just like in personal injury claims, the records from your doctor and other healthcare providers will provide the primary evidence for your claim.
Once you receive a diagnosis from your doctor, report your injury to your employer to begin the workers’ compensation process. If your claim is denied or you do not receive all the benefits you are entitled to, contact Maison Law Accident & Injury Lawyers of Modesto and we will ensure you receive full coverage from workers’ compensation, as well as investigate all other avenues of compensation on your behalf.
Does California Workers’ Compensation Cover Repetitive Stress Injuries in Modesto?
Workers’ compensation policies provide compensation for repetitive stress injuries. These types of injuries may qualify for surgery, wrist braces, and other necessary medical treatment if requested by a doctor and approved by workers’ compensation. Once a claim is accepted, workers’ compensation usually provides enough compensation to cover the entire cost of surgery if it is deemed necessary. Repetitive stress injuries can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, which may require surgery to fix. Carpal tunnel surgery can average between $4,000 – $12,000 in California, depending on the severity of the injury.
By California law, all employers with at least one employee must maintain workers’ compensation coverage for their employees. Workers’ compensation applies to any injury or illness, which occurs in the workplace as a result of work-related duties. This includes repetitive stress injuries. Workers’ compensation covers both physical and mental conditions, whether they occur immediately or over time. So, once you begin to notice the symptoms of a repetitive stress injury due to your duties at work it is important to report it to your employer and a medical professional as soon as possible.
Contact a Repetitive Stress Injury Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in California
At Maison Law Accident & Injury Lawyers of Modesto, we recognize the risks of repetitive work over time and the damage it can do to a person’s body. We sacrifice the majority of our time at work, but we do not need to sacrifice our health in the process. If your workers’ compensation has been inadequate at covering your damages or providing you with the proper medical treatment, contact Maison Law Accident & Injury Lawyers of Modesto today for a free consultation and case evaluation. There are no upfront charges for our legal assistance and you won’t pay a cent unless we win your case.