Active, Attentive & Effective Representation

Some Work Injuries Start With Simple Discomfort

On Behalf of | Jan 10, 2019 | Workplace Injury |

san-diego-work-injury-lawyer.jpg

We came across this editorial by Emily Sohn and we think it does a good job at highlighting many of the things we have been saying about work injuries, particularly repetitive stress injuries. She begins by pointing out that she was beginning to experience pain at work when she typed certain letters. Having always experienced muscle soreness, she did not think anything of it. However, it turns out that she was suffering from a work injury.

Studies by Alan Hedge, the director of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Laboratory at Cornell University in Ithaca says that at least 80% of employees in offices, call centers, and other similar settings report the following:

  • Aches and pains
  • Musculoskeletal discomforts

The article goes on to say that discomfort is the first step towards work-related injuries. The experts recommend prevention, something both the employees and their employers can practice. There really are no standards that help prevent workplace repetitive stress injuries, not like the ones in place to prevent other major accidents like falls and tool accidents. However, these injuries can still lead to time lost from work. At Hiden, Rott & Oertle, LLP, we want to help you if you have experienced an injury like this and are not receiving the compensation you deserve. When you need a San Diego work injury attorney, call us today.

What Is It?

Carpal tunnel and other repetitive stress injuries and serious work injuries, though many people do not put them in the category of other traumatic events that can happen at work. Why is this? Is it because the effects happen slowly and over longer periods of time? The results are the same – they can lead to debilitating pain, affect a person’s ability to earn an income, and lead to lost hours for an employer.

  • 2.7 percent of the population in the US suffers from carpal tunnel syndrome, the most common form of a repetitive stress injury.
  • RSIs happen in nearly every industry.

The problem is that many people get denied workers’ compensation insurance for these injuries because they are harder to pinpoint on work-related causes. At least, that is what the insurance companies often say. Basically, they are trying not to make a payment in order to remain profitable. That is not fair to the workers who suffer from these injuries.

There are even cases where people do not report stress-related injuries for fear of losing their jobs or getting fewer work hours. None of that is in anyone’s best interest.

Your Options Now

The time to act is now if you have experienced a work injury and are not receiving the compensation that you should be getting. At Hiden, Rott & Oertle, LLP, our knowledgeable and experienced team will work with you to ensure that you get what you deserve when you need a San Diego work injury attorney. You can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling our office.

Archives