Can I File For Workers’ Compensation For Cumulative Trauma?
Brian O Sutter
Workers’ Compensation
When people hear about workplace injuries in Fort Myers, it is easy to think of something big and explosive like collisions, wreckage, and burns. The truth is that many of these injuries are not caused by a falling building or a collapsed wall. Workers also complain about injuries from cumulative trauma. What exactly is cumulative trauma and can you file a workers’ compensation claim for it?Cumulative Trauma
After doing the same routine for a long time, workers can develop cumulative trauma or injuries that worsen after repetitive motion. People can get used to their activities but believe it or not, the human body has its limitations and repetitive motion can aggrieve a body part further. Overexertion often leads to cumulative trauma.
Some of the injuries that your body can develop from this are:
• Back Injuries - Employees working in warehouses and construction sites are prone to experiencing back injuries. This is acquired when a person always lifts and carries heavy items like cargo boxes, equipment, and construction materials. Even sitting down for long periods without proper support can lead to pains in the lower back. If your employer fails to give you decent chairs that allow you to work comfortably, they can be accused of negligence.
• Tendonitis - Tendons connect your muscles and bones. Your tendons can get inflamed from overexertion. This is not only common in sports, but also in the workplace where repeated movement is observed like desk workers typing and using the mouse, and construction workers who are often seen hammering and sawing. Inflamed tendons can cause great pain and disrupt work.
• Raynaud’s Syndrome - Many tools and equipment vibrate when being used. The body part that’s constantly touching or using these vibrating tools can develop Raynaud’s syndrome, which causes numbness and loss of muscle control. It is a nerve disorder that can start from the fingers to your entire hand. Construction workers operating drills could suffer from this.
Filing A Workers’ Compensation Claim For Cumulative Trauma
Under Florida law, injuries from repetitive motions can be considered for a workers’ compensation claim. The tricky part is proving this. Workers who would file for cumulative trauma are often disputed without clear and concrete evidence. Proving injuries from repeated motions are hard to prove, but this does not mean you should give up as there are ways to prove this and fight for your rights. The first step is consulting professionals, like a medical expert to get your injuries checked, and a workers’ compensation lawyer who is well versed in this subject.
Common Jobs That Can Cause Cumulative Trauma
• Construction Work - Most jobs that require manual labor can cause injuries from repeated overexertion. Construction work is one of the most common as employees would use vibrating tools and equipment, lift heavy objects, and do labor that can strain muscles.
• Desk Work - Some may think that desk work is easy, but desk workers only move the same body parts and work the same muscles. The arms, wrists, and hands are often the target points of muscle strain for desk workers.