In certain industries, workers are at a higher risk of suffering an injury on the job.  Physically demanding positions that require heavy lifting, straining, or repetitive movements can cause employees to suffer an overexertion injury. When you are injured at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. A claim should cover the cost of your medical care and income while off work from the accident. However, the process of getting approved for these benefits is often confusing and can be met with unexpected delays and denials. A Downey overexertion injury lawyer could help set you up for success.

Do not hesitate to contact the experienced workplace injury attorneys at Glauber Berenson Vego to learn more about your options and rights after getting hurt on the job.

Causes of Overexertion on the Job

An overexertion injury is damage caused to a person’s bones, muscles, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, or other parts of their musculoskeletal system caused by performing a task beyond their physical capability. While it is more common in physically demanding industries, even an administrative assistant could suffer an overexertion injury from lifting heavy objects. Overexertion injuries are most common in construction work, healthcare, assembly work, trucking, and warehouses.

Tasks that could result in overexertion include:

  • Bending
  • Throwing objects
  • Repetitive motions
  • Reaching for objects
  • Operating heavy machinery
  • Working in a hot environment
  • Lifting, carrying, or pulling heavy objects
  • Sitting or standing for extended periods of time

Workers who are concerned about sustaining an overexertion injury should take adequate breaks to recover from strenuous work and ensure they ask for help when needed, use available protective equipment, and take other proactive measures such as staying hydrated if they work in the heat.

When someone does experience one of these injuries, they should alert their employer as soon as possible. Seeking appropriate medical care should also be done early to avoid further damage and to establish a connection between the injury and the working environment. Additionally, contacting a Downey attorney as early in the process as possible after noticing symptoms of an overexertion injury allows them to take early action in helping an injured employee receive the benefits they need as soon as possible without making any mistakes that could damage their claim.

Types of Workplace Overexertion Injuries

A great deal of workers’ compensation claims are based on overexertion injuries. This includes broken or fractured bones, dehydration sprains, and muscle tears.

Other types of injuries frequently associated with overexertion include:

  • Hernias
  • Neck strains
  • Heat exhaustion
  • Back injuries such as slipped discs
  • Tears, dislocation, and inflammation of tendons or joints
  • Repetitive stress injuries such as carpal tunnel or damage to the rotator cuff

These injuries happen more often than people realize, and when an injury is seemingly minor, workers might not even consider seeking medical treatment, ultimately causing the condition to worsen over time and, in some instances, create irreparable damage.

Someone injured on the job from overexertion should work with a Downey attorney to determine whether their employer carries workers’ compensation if they are eligible for benefits, and what steps they should take to pursue these benefits. In most instances, workers’ comp insurance will cover the reasonable cost of medical care and lost income from being out of work to recover.

Reach Out to a Downey Overexertion Injury Lawyer

Because workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, many people assume that the process of obtaining benefits is simple. However, things are not always this simple, and even one minor mistake on paperwork or a missed deadline could result in a claim being delayed or denied.

At our firm, we understand the severity of a work injury and how it can impact your physical, emotional, and financial well-being. Our team could advise you of your rights as an employee. If you were hurt on the job, ask a Downey overexertion injury lawyer how they can help.

Downey Overexertion Injury Lawyer

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