People across the United States and here in California are grappling with the effects of COVID-19. Due to staying-at-home orders issued by Gov. Newsome, many Californians are adjusting to life working from home. However, the team at the Law Offices of Kropach & Kropach wants to discuss how working from home can increase the chance of workplace injuries, particularly repetitive stress injuries. Our Los Angeles on the job injury attorneys have some tips on how you can stay safe while coronavirus has you working from home.
Due to the stay-at-home orders issued by the governor, many people who have never before worked from home are now doing so. This has led to a slew of new questions about how workplace injuries can occur and whether or not workers will be compensated if they are injured while working from home.
It is generally understood that workers compensation insurance is available for anybody who is injured while performing sanctioned work duties, regardless of who was at fault for the injury. What many workers may not understand is that this should include work injuries that occur when working from home.
In a traditional office setting, employers typically work to ensure that their employees are safe. This includes implementing proper safety procedures and ensuring that their employees have the equipment necessary to safely do their jobs. However, many Californians have been forced to telecommute (work from home) for the first time. These employees may not have proper ergonomic systems in place to prevent serious injuries. Of major concern right now are repetitive stress injuries, particularly carpal tunnel syndrome. This is a condition in which a person’s lower wrists are compressed, affecting their median nerve and tendons. Carpal tunnel syndrome can significantly affect a person’s ability to use their hands and wrists and it can cause immense pain.
Carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as other repetitive stress injuries, are generally covered by workers compensation. However, we anticipate that there may be some challenges from insurers and employers for work injuries that occur while the coronavirus pandemic is ongoing.
If you or somebody you care about has sustained a work injury, particularly one while working at home due to COVID-19, you need to seek assistance from an attorney today. At the Law Offices of Kropach & Kropach, our team is ready to investigate your case and work to determine whether you are entitled to any of the following compensation:
We understand that coronavirus has changed the landscape of potential work injury claims, and our Los Angeles on the job injury lawyers are ready to help. You can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling us at 818-609-7005.
