Lifting, bending, and generally exerting your body in specific ways at work can lead to serious injuries. One such example is hernias, which can become very painful if untreated.
A diagnosis of a hernia can be extremely problematic and painful for someone who relies on their physical capabilities to do their jobs. Human organs are held in place by tissues or muscles. When an organ pushes through the tissue or muscle holding it in place, a hernia may occur.
Hernias can occur in the groin, belly button, abdomen or upper thigh, and many of these do not go away on their own, requiring advanced treatment. When a hernia is left untreated, it can even become life threatening and surgery may be required to address it. Some of the most common hernias suffered by California workers include incisional hernias, inguinal hernias, hiatal hernias and umbilical hernias.
If you’re experiencing unexplained pain and need help determining your next steps, schedule a doctor’s appointment to determine if you have a hernia.
These can be caused by a combination of strain and muscle weakness and can develop over long periods of time or as a result of an isolated incident. California workers attempting to recover workers’ compensation payments need to be familiar with Labor Code section 3212, which is the hernia presumption. This states that an injury for a hernia can include situations in which any part of the hernia manifests or develops during a period while the person is in service.
In general, this means that a hernia is classified as work-related if the claims administrator does not rebut this allegation. Medical treatment and workers’ compensation benefits may apply for someone who sustains a hernia as a result of their employment. Contact a knowledgeable San Francisco workers’ comp lawyer to learn more.