Types of Injuries and Reporting Requirements

There are three basic types of injuries in the California Workers’ Compensation system.

Specific Injuries are injuries that occur as a result of a specific event. Examples include when a worker falls off a ladder or lifts a heavy object and injures his or her spine.

Cumulative Trauma injuries are those that occur over time. A classic example is carpal tunnel syndrome, an injury to the wrist area that can occur from keyboarding over an extended period of time.

Sequella Injuries are those that occur as a result of the original injury. An example would be depression that subsequently occurs as the result of a severe back injury. Another example would be an injury to the back as a result of a fall the injured worker experiences while on crutches for an industrially related knee injury.

It is important for injured workers to report a work injury to their supervisor immediately. Employers are required to provide a claim form within 24 hours of notification. For more information on types of injuries and reporting requirements please contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney at Bowman and Associates today.

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