04/16/2025
“I Thought It Was Just Soreness…”
That’s what Miguel, a warehouse supervisor from Southern California, told us the first time we spoke.
He’d spent over a decade lifting, reaching, scanning inventory, and managing a crew that trusted him. He was the kind of worker every employer wants — dedicated, consistent, quiet about his pain.
Until one morning, his right arm simply wouldn’t cooperate. The soreness had turned into a tear. A rotator cuff injury — one that didn’t happen in a single moment, but over years.
The worst part?
Miguel thought he didn’t have a case.
Let’s Bust a Common Myth:
MYTH: You can’t file a workers’ comp claim if the injury didn’t happen all at once.
FACT: Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) like rotator cuff damage, carpal tunnel, and chronic back strain are absolutely compensable in California.
In fact, according to data from the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR), cumulative trauma claims now represent over 18% of all injury claims filed — and that number is growing as workers stay in physical roles longer. (source)
But here’s the catch: they can be harder to prove. That’s why timing and documentation are everything.
The High Cost of Waiting:
Too many workers delay action, hoping the pain will go away. But when it doesn’t, they’re left with:
- Denied claims due to “lack of a specific incident”
- Out-of-pocket medical costs
- Lost wages with no support
- Permanent damage that could have been treated earlier
What We Tell Our Clients:
If you’re hurting — even if it’s been gradual — talk to someone who understands the system. You don’t need to be a legal expert. You just need someone who knows what to look for, how to document it, and how to fight for your right to heal.
That’s what we do at SoCal Workers Comp.
We’re not a call center. We’re your neighbors. We believe every hardworking Californian deserves to be protected — not just in theory, but in practice.
If you know someone silently suffering from work-related pain, share this post with them. You might be the reason they finally get help.
