Torrance Repetitive Motion Injury Attorney
When people think about workplace injuries, it’s typically the most extreme examples that come to mind. Whether it’s an employee who got caught in machinery or a construction worker who fell off a scaffold, the first thing that usually pops into people’s heads is catastrophic injuries that leave the victim dramatically injured and near the brink of death. However, many other types of workplace injuries can be just as debilitating, even if they’re not as immediately life-threatening. One of these is repetitive motion injuries, which can often be caused by making the same motions repeatedly in a work setting.
If you’ve developed a repetitive motion injury at work, it’s essential to know that you may have legal options. An experienced Torrance repetitive motion injury attorney can help you understand your rights and options under the law and fight for the compensation you need and deserve.
At Pratt Law Corporation, our legal team has extensive experience handling all workplace injury claims, including those involving repetitive motion injuries. We understand what challenges these cases present and can build a strong case on your behalf. No one should suffer because of their employer’s negligence, and we’ll do everything in our power to earn the justice you deserve.
What Are Repetitive Motion Work Injuries?
Repetitive motion injuries, also sometimes referred to as repetitive stress injuries, are a type of injury caused by performing the same motions repeatedly. These injuries can happen to anyone who regularly completes the same task at work, whether typing on a keyboard, lifting heavy objects, or anything in between.
While repetitive motion injuries can happen to anyone, certain factors can make them more likely. These include:
- Poor ergonomics. If your workstation is not set up in a way that is conducive to proper body mechanics, it can put you at a higher risk for repetitive motion injuries.
- Poor technique. If you’re not using the proper technique when performing a task, it can put unnecessary strains on your body and increase your risk of personal injury.
- Lack of rest breaks. If you’re not given adequate opportunity to rest and recover between periods of activity, it can put you at a higher risk for repetitive motion injuries.
If any of these factors are present in your workplace, it’s important to be aware of the potential risk for repetitive motion injuries and take steps to protect yourself.
What Are the Symptoms of Repetitive Motion Injuries?
Repetitive motion injuries can cause a wide range of symptoms, depending on the specific type of injury. Some common symptoms include:
- Pain. This is the most common symptom of a repetitive stress injury. The pain may be constant, or it may come and go, and it can range from mild to severe.
- Tingling. Some people with repetitive motion injuries may experience tingling or numbness in the affected area.
- Stiffness. Joints that are affected by repetitive motion injuries may feel stiff and difficult to move.
- Weakness. In some cases, repetitive motion injuries can cause weakness in the affected area.
If you’re experiencing any of these movement symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent these injuries from getting worse.
What Are the Treatment Options for Repetitive Stress Injuries?
The treatment options for repetitive motion injuries will vary depending on the injury. Rest and ice may be enough in some cases to help the injury heal. Other times, physical therapy or surgery may be necessary.
If you’ve been diagnosed with a repetitive motion injury, it’s important to follow your doctor’s treatment recommendations. This may sometimes mean taking time off from work to rest and recover. If your job caused your injury, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits to recover lost wages and medical expenses.
What Can I Be Compensated for If I Have a Repetitive Stress Injury?
If you are suffering any form of financial hardship due to a repetitive motion injury, you may be entitled to compensation. This can include:
- Medical expenses. You may be able to recover the cost of any medical treatment you’ve received for your repetitive motion injury. Medications such as painkillers used to manage your symptoms qualify, in addition to any physical therapy used to rehabilitate the affected area.
- Lost wages. While out of work, you are entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits to replace some of the funds you would have otherwise earned. If the extent of your repetitive motion injury prevents you from ever returning to work, you may be eligible for permanent disability benefits or a longer term of workers’ compensation.
- Pain and suffering. In some cases, you may be able to recover damages for the pain and suffering caused by your repetitive motion injury. For example, suppose your injury has caused you to lose the ability to participate in activities you once enjoyed. In that case, you may be able to recover damages for your loss of enjoyment of life. This can include hobbies, sports, and other interests you can no longer participate in.
- Punitive damages. In some legal proceedings, punitive damages may be awarded if your employer’s negligence was particularly egregious. For example, if your employer did not provide you with the proper safety equipment or training but still made you perform the hazardous task that caused your repetitive motion injury, they may be ordered to fund punitive damages in addition to any other compensation you’re entitled to.
These larger areas of focus are only a few examples of what you could potentially be compensated for. Contact repetitive motion injury attorneys today to learn more about the compensation you may be entitled to.
How Can a Repetitive Motion Work Injuries Lawyer Help?
If you’ve been diagnosed with a repetitive motion injury, you may wonder what your legal options are. An experienced repetitive motion injury attorney can help by:
- Reviewing your case. Starting with a thorough review of your case, an attorney will closely examine the details to determine whether you have a valid claim. This is immediately of value as the average person does not have the expertise or knowledge to evaluate their claim in this manner.
- Gathering evidence. To build a strong case, your attorney will work to gather evidence supporting your claim. This may include medical records, witness statements, and anything else that can help to prove your injuries were caused by your job.
- Negotiating with insurance companies. If your workers’ compensation claim has been denied, your attorney will work to negotiate with the insurance company decision-makers to get the benefits you deserve. In many cases, this will involve filing an appeal.
- Taking your case to court. If a settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will be prepared to take your case to court. This is often the last resort, but it may be necessary to get the compensation you deserve.
An attorney can also help you to understand your rights and options under the law at each step in the process. You will never wonder what to do next or be worried that you’ll appear unprepared or uneducated.
Tips for Working With a Injury Attorneys
Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of working with an attorney on your repetitive motion injury case:
- Be honest. For your attorney to provide you with the best possible representation, it’s important that you be honest about your case from the start. This includes telling the truth about your injuries, how they occurred, and what impact they’ve had on your life.
- Be responsive. Your attorney will likely have many questions for you throughout the course of your case. Details can change last minute, and evidence that may have been previously overlooked can suddenly become important. Be as responsive as possible to your attorney’s requests for information so they can provide you with the best possible representation.
- Follow their advice. It’s important to remember that your attorney is the legal expert in your case, not you. Even if you don’t agree with their advice or think you know better, it’s in your best interest to follow their guidance.
- Keep copies of everything. To help your attorney build the most robust possible case, you must keep copies of everything related to your injuries. This may include medical records, correspondence with your employer, and anything else you think may be relevant.
- Be prepared to go to trial. While most cases settle out of court, it’s essential to be ready for trial if necessary. This includes being comfortable with testifying, sitting through long court days, and reliving the events that caused your injuries.
Contact Pratt Williams Today
If you’ve been injured at work, it’s vital to seek legal representation as soon as possible. The sooner you connect with a Torrance repetitive motion injury attorney, the sooner they can begin working on your case.
At Pratt Williams, our team of experienced workers’ compensation attorneys is ready to help you with your case. We understand the impact these injuries can have on your life, and we’ll work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin recovering from your repetitive motion injuries.