Not all work injuries happen suddenly. Some build up slowly over time. These are known as cumulative trauma injuries. Many workers in Los Angeles and across California deal with pain, numbness, or stress that develops after months or even years on the job. If this sounds familiar, you may have a valid workers’ compensation claim.
Understanding how these injuries happen, the signs to look out for, and your legal rights can help you get the care and support you need.
What Is a Cumulative Trauma Injury?
A cumulative trauma injury is damage caused by repeated strain, stress, or exposure over a long period. Unlike a one-time accident, these injuries happen gradually. They’re often the result of doing the same motions every day or working in conditions that slowly wear down your body or mind.
Examples of cumulative trauma include:
- Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs)
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tendonitis
- Lower back pain from years of heavy lifting
- Lung problems from exposure to dust, fumes, or chemicals
- Anxiety or depression caused by long-term mental stress on the job
Risk Factors That Can Lead to Injury
Certain jobs and tasks put workers at higher risk of developing cumulative trauma. These factors include:
- Repeating the same movements over and over
- Working in awkward or fixed positions
- Using too much force while lifting or pushing
- Exposure to vibration from tools or equipment
- Long work hours without enough rest or recovery
- Constant mental or emotional pressure
Even if the tasks don’t seem dangerous at first, small stressors can add up. Over time, the body or mind can break down.
Common Jobs That Cause Cumulative Trauma
This type of injury can affect almost anyone, but it’s especially common in jobs like:
- Warehouse and assembly line work
- Nurses and caregivers
- Office workers who type or use a mouse all day
- Janitors and custodians
- Cooks and servers
- Delivery drivers
- Teachers
- First responders like police and firefighters
Whether you work at a desk or do heavy lifting, repetitive duties can lead to serious problems if not addressed.
Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Many people brush off early symptoms because they think the pain will go away. But ignoring the warning signs can lead to lasting damage. Pay attention to:
- Aches that don’t improve with rest
- Numbness or tingling in your hands, arms, or legs
- Swelling or stiffness in your joints
- Constant fatigue or burnout
- Trouble breathing after years around dust or fumes
- Headaches or chest pain from long-term stress
Even mild symptoms can get worse if you keep working through them without medical help.
What the Law Says About These Injuries
California workers’ compensation law recognizes cumulative trauma injuries. You have the right to file a claim if your job duties caused or contributed to your condition. But figuring out the timing can be tricky.
For these claims, the date of injury is defined under California Labor Code 5412. It’s considered the day when:
- You first experienced disability from the injury and
- You knew (or should have known) that it was caused by your work
This usually means the day a doctor told you that your job likely caused your condition. From that point, you have one year to file your workers’ compensation claim.
It doesn’t matter if your injury happened slowly or if you’re still doing the same job. You can still get benefits as long as your claim is filed on time and supported by medical evidence.
How These Claims Work
Cumulative trauma cases often involve more than one part of the body. For example, someone may have back pain, wrist pain, and mental stress from the same job. These injuries may seem unrelated, but they can all be part of one cumulative trauma claim.
Your employer’s insurance may try to deny the claim by arguing your job wasn’t the cause. That’s why medical records and legal help matter. A doctor’s diagnosis and a clear work history are key to proving your case.
In some cases, workers can settle their cumulative trauma claims for medical treatment and compensation for lost wages or permanent disability.
When to Speak With a Lawyer
Cumulative trauma claims are not always straightforward. It can be hard to prove when the injury started, how your job caused it, or how much it affects your life. The insurance company may delay or deny your claim.
If you’ve been told you have a repetitive injury, or you’ve been suffering symptoms for a long time, it’s a good idea to talk to a workers’ compensation lawyer. A lawyer can help gather medical reports, file paperwork on time, and protect your rights through the entire process.
Call for Help With Your Cumulative Trauma Claim
If you live in Los Angeles and think your injury was caused by your job, don’t wait to get help. You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits for medical treatment, lost wages, or permanent damage. Whether your injury affects your hands, back, lungs, or mental health, you have the right to take action.
Call Hinden & Breslavsky at (323) 954-1800 for a free consultation. We can help you figure out if you have a case, guide you through the process, and fight for the benefits you deserve.