Workers’ Compensation

Collecting Workers Comp for Overexertion

We’ve all “overexerted” ourselves from time to time. But severe cases of overexertion in the workplace can result in injury to the body and/or the development of certain diseases or medical conditions. Yet, many employees do not realize that in certain cases workers comp benefits are available for “overexertion” injuries. In fact, according to a study from the Department of Labor, overexertion is the number one cause of workplace injuries that are eligible for workers comp in California and across most of the country.

In this article our experienced Long Beach workers comp attorneys explain how “overexertion” can result in injuries or medical conditions that may qualify for workers comp in California.

What is an Overexertion Injury for Workers Comp?

Overexertion occurs when a worker lifts, pulls, pushes, carries, turns or throws something – exceeding what the body can handle – resulting in bodily injury. Reaching, climbing, standing and walking can also result in some overexertion injuries that may lead to a workers comp claim. Overexertion is estimated to account for 25.3 percent of disabling workplace injuries.

Overexertion injuries can be “chronic” – caused by the stress on a body part from doing a particular task repeatedly. Or, overexertion injuries can be “acute” – caused by a single incident, such as lifting something that is too heavy.

Overexertion may stretch or tear ligaments, tendons, and muscles – causing sprains or strains and other musculoskeletal injuries of the neck, shoulder, back, ankle, knee, arm, leg or wrist.  While back, neck and arm injuries are the most common workers comp injuries caused by overexertion, conditions such as heatstroke or frostbite are also considered overexertion injuries.

Most Common Overexertion Workers Comp Injuries

Overexertion injuries resulting in musculoskeletal disorders, back injuries, and repetitive strain injuries are among the most common reasons for workers to seek compensation under California workers’ comp laws. And while employers have a responsibility to provide a safe work environment, implement ergonomic solutions, and offer proper training to reduce the risk of overexertion injuries, overexertion injuries are still extremely common.

Overexertion Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) & Workers Comp

Musculoskeletal disorders are a leading cause of overexertion injuries in the workplace, affecting muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. Common MSDs include strains, sprains, tendonitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), MSDs accounted for approximately 30% of all nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses requiring days away from work in 2020 ¹. These injuries often result from tasks requiring repetitive movements, awkward postures, or lifting heavy loads, particularly in industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and construction.

Overexertion Back Injuries & Workers Comp

Back injuries are a significant subset of overexertion injuries, often resulting from lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling heavy objects. These injuries can cause debilitating pain and may lead to conditions such as herniated discs, spinal fractures, and chronic back pain. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), back injuries account for a significant portion of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, particularly among occupations involving manual lifting and material handling ². Proper lifting techniques, ergonomic interventions, and training programs can help reduce the risk of back injuries in the workplace.

Overexertion Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs) & Workers Comp

Repetitive strain injuries occur when repetitive motions or prolonged activities strain muscles, tendons, and nerves, leading to inflammation and tissue damage. Common RSIs include tendinitis, bursitis, and epicondylitis (tennis elbow). According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), RSIs affect workers in various industries, including manufacturing, assembly, and data entry, where repetitive tasks are prevalent ³. Implementing ergonomic interventions, providing adequate rest breaks, and rotating job tasks can help prevent RSIs and reduce their impact on workers’ health.

In conclusion, overexertion injuries resulting in musculoskeletal disorders, back injuries, and repetitive strain injuries are common reasons for workers to seek compensation under workers’ compensation laws. Employers have a responsibility to provide a safe work environment, implement ergonomic solutions, and offer proper training to reduce the risk of overexertion injuries and protect workers’ health and well-being.

Our Attorneys Collect Workers Comp for Overexertion Injuries

If an employee sustains either an acute overexertion injury at work, or a chronic overexertion bodily injury developed at work over time, they may be eligible for workers’ comp.

Our experienced Long Beach workers comp attorneys have collected millions of dollars in workers comp benefits for employees who have suffered overexertion injuries.

Once your workers comp claim is approved, you will receive medical expenses for care related to the injury, as well as a weekly, disability payment for time you lose at work due to their injury. In most cases of overexertion injury partial (temporary) workers comp benefits can be collected. However, in cases of extreme acute injury from overexertion (for example loss of fingers from frostbite, or a broken spine from heavy lifting) total or permanent workers comp benefits may be able to be collected.

Individuals who are in poor physical condition or overweight may be at greater risk for overexertion injuries. Similarly, older workers who may have weaker joints or a loss of flexibility may also be at increased risk of sustaining an overexertion injury. However, as long as the actual overexertion that caused the injury occurred in the workplace, the employee should be eligible to collect workers compensation.

Overexertion can also occur when a worker becomes fatigued – and must perform a job where that their body no longer has the capacity to handle. Overexertion injuries can also result from of an employee being asked to do a job that he or she has not been properly trained to do.

Best Long Beach Workers Comp Attorneys

If you have suffered any workplace illness or injury – including an overexertion injury – our experienced workers comp attorneys will fight aggressively to maximize your benefits and to ensure that you get the medical treatment you need. Call our workers comp attorneys today for a free consultation, so you understand your rights and obtain the maximum workers compensation benefits for which you qualify.

Call Our Long Beach Workers Comp Attorneys: 562-622-4800

Sources: [1] Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Injuries, Illnesses, and Fatalities: Nonfatal Occupational Injuries and Illnesses Requiring Days Away From Work, 2020.”
https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/osh2.pdf

[2] National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. “Preventing Back Injuries in Health Care Settings.”
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2019-116/

[3] Occupational Safety and Health Administration. “Ergonomics: Solutions for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Injuries in Foundries.”
https://www.osha.gov/publications/bytopic/ergonomics

Long Beach Workers Comp attorneys serving Los Angeles, Orange County & Southern California, including: Anaheim, Carson, Bellflower, Compton, Downey, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, La Habra, La Mirada, Lakewood, Lomita, Long Beach, San Pedro, Santa Ana, Torrance, Wilmington, Whittier & Yorba Linda.