Securing Workers’ Compensation for a Cumulative Trauma Injury
When many people hear the term “workers’ compensation,” they imagine one big workplace accident or other event that causes a major injury to an employee. As Florida workers’ compensation lawyers, we know this is not the only type of workers compensation case. That’s because we have handled—and won—so many different types of workers’ compensation cases throughout Avera & Smith’s more than 65 years in business. This includes numerous cumulative trauma injury cases.
What Is a Cumulative Trauma Injury?
Sometimes called a repetitive stress injury, a cumulative trauma injury is an injury caused by thousands of repeated movements that typically would not cause an injury on an individual basis. These insignificant movements can build up over time, eventually causing disability or the need for regular medical care.
These injuries can lead to mental, physical and financial consequences that can seriously affect a person’s quality of life. That’s why Florida workers’ compensation lawyers like ours represent clients who have developed cumulative trauma injuries as a result of their job functions. They are often entitled to damages or compensation to help them cope with this life-altering situation.
What Can Cause a Cumulative Trauma Injury?
Again, many people only think of factories and warehouses when they think about cumulative trauma injuries. The truth is, however, these types of repetitive stress injuries can occur after a period of time working anywhere, from offices to construction sites, whether you answer phones, file papers, operate a forklift or lift heavy objects all day long. The following are just a few of the movements and actions that can eventually lead to a cumulative trauma injury:
* Awkward, unnatural or uncomfortable posture
* Any forceful motion, such as pulling, pushing, lifting or gripping
* Swinging your arms
* Repetitive motions, such as bending or hammering a nail
* Using vibrating hand tools
* Intensive word processing
* Holding the same body position, including standing, for long periods without moving or resting
* Lack of adequate recovery time between any of the above actions or other repetitive activity
Mental stress can even cause your muscles to tighten and restrict blood flow, potentially contributing to a cumulative trauma injury in the workplace. And virtually any body part can bear the brunt of this repetitive stress, from your fingers and hands to your neck and shoulders and everything in between.
It’s important to act fast when pursuing damages for cumulative trauma injuries because there are time limits that determine how soon you must file a workers’ compensation claim. And, unfortunately, the nature of slowly developing injuries like these can make for special legal considerations. If you live in Gainesville or the surrounding areas, you’ll want to consult a Florida workers’ compensation lawyer to make sure you operate according to state law and have the best chance at receiving the compensation you may be entitled to.
Contact the Florida Workers’ Compensation Lawyers of Avera & Smith
Have you or a loved one suffered a cumulative trauma injury as a result of your duties as an employee? Avera & SmithPartner Lance Avera is board certified in workers’ compensation law. That gives you a significant advantage because less than half of 1% of all Florida attorneys are board-certified in workers’ compensation law. His expertise is your strength, and his team stands ready to help you seek the justice you deserve. Contact the Florida workers’ compensation lawyers of Avera & Smith team today.