While many work-related injuries are sudden, some may involve repetitive motion injuries, which result from cumulative trauma over time. If you believe you sustained this type of injury in the workplace, consult with a San Diego repetitive motion injury lawyer to discuss a potential case.
The experienced workers’ comp attorneys at Silberman & Lam, LLP, could help prove the extent of your injuries and navigate the complexities of a workers’ compensation case.
Also known as repetitive stress injuries (RSIs), cumulative trauma, and repetitive strain injuries, these injuries take time to develop from repeated actions and physical motion. For instance, a worker may develop a repetitive motion injury when lifting and unloading heavy objects using the same motion for an extended period of time.
There are various types of cumulative trauma, such as:
If any of these develop due to work-related activities, it may be possible to file a workers’ compensation claim through an employer’s insurance policy. A reliable San Diego repetitive motion injury attorney could assist with this process.
After sustaining a work-related repetitive motion injury, there are some key steps to take to support a claim and recover compensation. These steps entail the following.
To qualify for a workers’ compensation claim, workers must report their injuries to their employer immediately after the accident, when possible. California law requires individuals to report their injuries within 30 days of the inciting incident.
Workers should see a doctor who is on their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance policy after reporting an injury. However, if the injury requires medical care, any licensed physician or urgent care provider will qualify.
Collect all available evidence to prove the nature of the injury, including its severity and its connection to work. This evidence could include medical records, receipts, incident reports, and witness statements, among other documentation.
Employees may open a workers’ comp claim with their employers’ insurance company with all evidence ready. The company will assign an adjuster who will oversee the case. Employers will normally begin the process by providing workers with the DWC-1 Workers’ Compensation Claim Form.
If an employee experiences any issues during the workers’ compensation claims process or feels uncertain about how to proceed, they may benefit from speaking with an experienced lawyer before submitting a claim.
An attorney could help if an individual feels as though the insurance company is making a settlement offer that’s lower than the case’s actual value. The right lawyer may also be able to help if benefits are delayed or if the adjuster denies a claim, potentially appealing the decision.
At Silberman & Lam, LLP, our attorneys work to protect our clients’ rights and help them get the compensation they deserve for repetitive motion injury.
Need help with the workers’ compensation process? Whether you would like assistance calculating a settlement amount, appealing a denial, or otherwise protecting your rights, turn to a San Diego repetitive motion injury lawyer today.
To learn about what our attorneys might be able to do for you, get in touch with us today.
