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Joint pain propels the need for California workers’ compensation

On Behalf of | Jan 7, 2013 | Workplace Injuries |

Joint pain is one of the most frequently claimed disabilities in California workers’ compensation claims. A study was done by the California Workers’ Compensation Institute that examined the data on work injuries in our state. The study found that joint-related injuries on the job are especially expensive and serious since 40 percent of them result in a permanent condition.

In California, injuries from slips and falls at work are the most common cause of joint pain that leads to a need of workers’ compensation. Quite often, the joint pain is caused by a strain. Many joint problems involve several different body parts. For example, quite often the pain will start in a foot, then affect a leg, or render a knee to be useless or painful.

Four major industries in California have the most reported joint injuries from work-related accidents. They include professional/clerical and construction, in addition to manufacturing and mercantile. Interestingly, the study also found that two-thirds of the joint-pain claims in California come from men. Recently, permanent disability claims are on the rise because of joint pain and other types of injuries.

Surprisingly, there has reportedly been little legal involvement on most joint cases in California. Therefore, the claims have a low closure rate, which results in the worker not receiving much financial closure on his or her claim. However, it is difficult to close some joint-related cases because injuries to soft tissue seem to linger on for many years. With the rising cost of prescription drugs and medical care, workers are said to be spending a great deal of their own money that workers’ compensation does not always cover. Many of these injured workers may benefit from consulting an attorney who is knowledgeable about workers’ compensation.

Source: Risk & Insurance Online, “Joint pain-related work injuries increase expense,” Jan. 3, 2013

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