Not every injury at work happens all at once. For many California workers, the damage builds up slowly—until one day, the pain becomes impossible to ignore. These types of injuries are called cumulative trauma (CT) or repetitive use injuries, and they are covered by California workers’ compensation.
At Employees First Labor Law, we’ve helped thousands of workers secure benefits after suffering from repetitive stress injuries. If your pain developed over time from your job duties, here’s what you need to know.
What Is a Cumulative Trauma Injury?
Under California Labor Code § 3208.1(b), a cumulative trauma injury occurs when repetitive physical or mental work activities cause damage over time, rather than in a single accident.
These injuries are common in jobs that involve:
- Constant lifting, bending, or twisting
- Typing or using a mouse for long hours
- Operating vibrating tools or heavy equipment
- Standing or walking on hard surfaces all day
- Performing the same motion over and over
If your pain or symptoms developed gradually, you may have a valid workers’ comp claim.
📋 Examples of Repetitive Use Injuries
We frequently see the following cumulative trauma injuries:
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Common among office workers and factory employees who perform repetitive hand movements.
- Chronic Back Pain – Caused by years of lifting, poor posture, or awkward movements.
- Shoulder Injuries – Including rotator cuff tears or bursitis from overhead lifting.
- Tendonitis – Often seen in construction, warehouse, and food service workers.
- Hearing Loss – From repeated exposure to loud machinery or tools.
- Work-Related Stress Injuries – Psychiatric trauma from high-pressure or hostile environments.
If you’ve been diagnosed with any of these conditions, it’s critical to speak with a workers’ comp lawyer right away.
📅 When Does the Injury “Start”?
In cumulative trauma claims, the “date of injury” is not the first day you felt pain. It’s the date you knew—or should have known—that your condition was caused by work.
This is important, because you only have one year from the “date of injury” to file a claim under California law. Waiting too long can result in a denied workers’ comp claim.
🧾 What Benefits Can You Get?
If your claim is accepted, you may qualify for:
- Medical treatment at no cost to you
- Temporary disability payments (lost wages if you’re taken off work)
- Permanent disability compensation
- Supplemental job displacement benefits if you can’t return to your old job
- Vocational rehabilitation services
- Death benefits (in rare cases where repetitive injuries cause fatal complications)
To access these benefits, you’ll need a proper diagnosis and a doctor’s report connecting your condition to your job. We can help you choose a qualified doctor and guide you through the paperwork.
⚠️ Why CT Claims Get Denied
Insurance companies often deny cumulative trauma claims by arguing:
- Your injury was caused by age or personal activities
- The job duties weren’t repetitive or intense enough
- You didn’t report the injury in time
- Your doctor didn’t link the condition to your work
But just because they deny it doesn’t mean your case is over. At EFLL, we fight for injured workers—and we know how to prove CT claims with strong evidence and expert medical support.
💬 What to Do If You Suspect a Cumulative Trauma Injury
If you’re experiencing chronic pain, stiffness, numbness, or fatigue from your job:
- Report the issue to your employer immediately
- Request a Doctor’s First Report of Injury
- File a claim form (DWC-1) to protect your rights
- Call EFLL to speak with a lawyer who can help
Even if you’re still working, you may be entitled to medical care and financial compensation. Don’t wait until you’re completely disabled to take action.
⚖️ How Employees First Labor Law Can Help
At EFLL, we’ve handled thousands of repetitive use and cumulative trauma cases across California—from office workers to nurses, construction crews to delivery drivers.
We’ll help you:
- Get the medical care you need
- File the correct paperwork on time
- Fight back against claim denials
- Maximize your permanent disability award
- Coordinate care, treatment, and specialists
You don’t have to go through this alone. And you don’t pay us unless we win.
📞 Ready to Take the First Step?
If you think your job caused your injury over time, don’t wait. Contact Employees First Labor Law today for a free consultation. We’ll help you take control of your claim and your recovery.
📩 Schedule a consultation
📞 Call us now to speak with a workers’ comp attorney
