Workers’ Compensation for Overexertion Workplace Injuries
Are you working in a physically demanding job, or do you have a high risk of acquiring overexertion injuries because of strenuous activities?
Overexertion is a common cause of workplace injuries like sprains, strains, and disabling conditions like spinal injuries.
Knowing more about overexertion can help prevent possible work-related injuries. Moreover, learn about worker’s compensation to claim benefits when you acquire an overexertion injury.
What Is Overexertion and Its Common Causes
Overexertion happens when you push your body too hard while doing physical activities to trigger adverse effects like inflammation. It may also cause overstretching and tearing of soft tissues like the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. While it can affect different body parts, the shoulders, back, and knees are the most common.
Some of the common causes of overexertion are:
- Improper posture while performing strenuous activities like lifting heavy objects
- Carrying too much load without using a lifting machine or a co-worker’s help
- Working in tight spaces where you can’t move comfortably
- Engaging in repetitive motion over a long period without breaks
- Using worn-out tools that require additional force
Thus, working with the correct posture and equipment in the proper area helps avoid overexertion. Taking enough breaks when performing repetitive and strenuous activities is also helpful.
Filing Workers’ Compensation Claim for Overexertion Injury
Overexertion could result in minor injuries like inflammation in a particular area. However, it may also result in a debilitating condition requiring expensive treatment and preventing you from working full-time.
Thus, you should hire a Glendale workers’ compensation attorney to claim your deserved benefits. Here is how to claim workers’ comp:
1. Report to Your Employer
First, inform your boss about your injury. They may refer you to a physician within their company network or let you choose your doctor.
Moreover, your employer should provide a workers’ compensation claim for you to fill out within 24 hours of reporting your injury.
2. Seek Medical Evaluation
Consult a physician within 48 hours of sustaining your injury. In the cases of cumulative injuries, seek medical evaluation as soon as you notice the first symptom.
The doctor will diagnose your condition and prescribe treatments. Be sure to ask them to document all medical details about your condition to support your claim.
3. Fill a Workers’ Compensation Claim
As mentioned above, your boss will provide a claim form after you report your injury.
Fill in the employee’s section of the form and submit it to your boss. It’s better to attach your doctor’s medical documents to the claim form.
Your boss will then fill in the employer’s section and submit the form to their insurance provider for review.
4. The Insurance Company will Investigate Your Claim
The insurance carrier has 90 days after the injury to review your claim and verify if you deserve the compensation or not.
You should automatically receive the benefits from the insurance provider if they don’t decide within 90 days.
5. Receiving the Compensation
You will start receiving the compensation if the insurance provider approves your claim. Benefits include:
- Medical cost coverage
- Lost wage reimbursement
- Voucher for retraining to another job position if necessary
However, you must start receiving payments 14 days after the incident if you acquire a temporary or permanent disability.
So, consult your lawyer if the insurance carrier denies your claim or fails in providing your benefits.
Connect with a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Glendale for Your Overexertion Injury Case
Overexertion injuries can happen to different workers who engage in strenuous workplace activities. Thankfully, the law allows you to claim workers’ comp for these injuries.
A Glendale workers’ compensation attorney can help you claim compensation while recovering from overexertion injuries.