Production lines often require swift movements and repetitive action for up to 10 hours a day. Administrative assistants often spend hours typing letters, and court stenographers must be quick with their fingers to keep up with case notations. These and many other repetitive actions cause stress-related injuries which, if gone untreated can lead to long-term pain and suffering.
Because the State of California recognizes stress-related injuries, they’re covered under workers compensation laws. With over 40 years of practicing law, the Law Offices of Kropach & Kropach can help those suffering from repetitive motion and other stress injuries file claims to help compensate workers for their job-related injuries. Both resourceful and results-driven, our Los Angeles stress-related injuries attorney knows workers who suffer these agonizing pains may be put out of commission for extended periods of time.
Claims, where workers were injured in this manner, follow regular workers compensation processes. Generally speaking, workplace injury claims must be filed within one year, unless extenuating circumstances exist preventing timely filing. The DWC-1 form, California’s official Workers Compensation form, must be given to her employer within the preset amount of time to begin the process.
According to the California Labor Code, Section 5412, employees must give oral or written notice that an injury took place within 30 days, which includes stress-related injuries. We suggest retaining the services of a competent Los Angeles stress-related injuries attorney because if the claims are not filed on time, and injured workers may not be able to collect.
Emotional stress-related injuries, although more difficult to prove, fall under California laws regarding potential workers compensation claims. Because courts may not be able to ascertain whether emotional stress stemmed from work or personal life, settling these cases outside court may be a victim’s only recourse. Bear mine only third parties may be sued; employers are shielded from employee civil action where job-related injuries are concerned.
Stress related injuries can take many potential forms and cause a worker to experience a range of potential symptoms. Common symptoms of physical stress related injuries include (but are not necessarily limited to) the following:
It’s vital that you see a doctor as soon as possible if you have any reason to believe you have developed or are developing a physical repetitive stress injury. If you don’t receive medical care right away, it’s likely your injury will only become more severe.
Seeing a medical professional also plays a critical role in helping you demonstrate that you are eligible to recover workers’ compensation benefits. Because an insurance company is a profit-driven business that is not inclined to pay a claimant when doing so is avoidable, when you file a claim, an insurer might attempt to deny it. One way they could do so is to argue that you have not presented evidence showing your injuries are a result of your work duties.
A physician can coordinate with our Los Angeles stress related injury lawyers to provide evidence linking your injuries with the nature of your work. This will make it harder for an insurance company to justify denying your claim.
Signs that work stress may be impacting your emotional and mental health include both physical and psychological symptoms.
Common physical symptoms include:
Psychological symptoms of work related stress include:
These psychological symptoms can translate into such changes in behavior as:
Just as you would if you noticed symptoms of a physical work related stress injury, if you believe you are showing signs of an emotional or mental work related stress injury, you should consult with a doctor to learn more about your treatment options.
Don’t wait to do so. Again, contacting a doctor will help you build a strong case if you decide to file for workers’ compensation benefits. Additionally, if you don’t address these issues, they can have a negative impact on your life in many ways you might not have considered.
Perhaps work stress is causing severe emotional or mental health problems that are making it more difficult for you to be a calm and helpful partner in a romantic relationship. Over time, this relationship might end because you have not properly tended to your emotional health needs.
That doesn’t have to happen. Doctors and counselors can help you manage work stress. In some instances, they might also help your Los Angeles stress related injury attorney show that you deserve to receive workers’ compensation benefits for your troubles.
Workers compensation claims take proper care of and must be free of procedural error. Therefore, hiring the Law Offices of Kropach & Kropach to accurately file your claim may prove useful to those with little knowledge of the court system or California’s state labor laws.
Excessive stress, whether physical or mental, can detriment your life financially and inhibit the ability to perform regular activities like eating, sleeping, and even walking. Because your pain will cost you medical bills and lost wages, it’s only fair that your employer honors your workers compensation claim. Unfortunately, some companies prefer to make life difficult for employees with stress-related injuries.
Retaining fair representation from our Los Angeles stress-related injuries attorney can level the playing field, expedite claims processing, and help you start receiving weekly benefits so your way of life is no longer impeded.
We offer a no-cost case evaluation of your stress-related injuries. You need only call, email, or stop by our Encino office. We serve clients throughout Southern California and are dedicated to bringing results to all clients who seek our assistance.
