Elbow Injuries in California Workers’ Compensation Cases
bow injuries can be debilitating, especially when your job relies on physical tasks or repetitive arm movements. At Lee Partners Law: Work Injury Attorneys, we represent injured workers across California, including Los Angeles, the Inland Empire, and beyond, who’ve suffered elbow injuries on the job—whether from a sudden accident or long-term wear and tear.
Jobs at High Risk for Elbow Injuries
Certain professions are especially prone to elbow injuries due to repetitive motions, heavy lifting, or overhead work. Common examples include:
Construction workers using jackhammers, hammers, or impact tools
Plumbers and electricians working in tight spaces with tools that strain the arm
Delivery drivers handling heavy packages daily
Factory and warehouse workers performing fast, repetitive tasks on assembly lines
Firefighters and peace officers engaging in physically demanding and unpredictable situations
Meat processors and butchers using repetitive cutting motions
Even office workers can suffer from elbow injuries due to prolonged poor ergonomics or repetitive mouse and keyboard use over time.
Common Work-Related Elbow Conditions
The elbow is a complex joint that connects muscles, tendons, and nerves. Injuries can stem from trauma, repetitive motion, or degenerative wear. In California workers’ comp cases, we often see the following diagnoses:
Lateral epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow) – inflammation of the tendons on the outside of the elbow
Medial epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow) – inflammation on the inside of the elbow
Olecranon bursitis – swelling and fluid build-up at the tip of the elbow
Ulnar nerve entrapment (Cubital Tunnel Syndrome) – nerve compression causing numbness and tingling
Elbow sprains or strains – overstretching of ligaments or muscles
Elbow fractures or dislocations – often due to falls or impact
Post-surgical complications – especially after tendon repair, nerve release, or hardware placement
Cumulative trauma injuries – repetitive stress leading to degeneration without a single incident
Under the AMA Guides 5th Edition (used in California permanent disability ratings), range of motion deficits, sensory loss, and weakness in grip or upper extremity function all factor into your rating—making proper medical evaluation critical.
How the Workers’ Compensation Process Works for Elbow Injuries
If you’ve hurt your elbow at work, here’s what you need to know about your rights:
Report the injury as soon as possible to your employer. Even cumulative trauma injuries have a deadline.
File a claim form (DWC-1) to formally begin your case.
Get medical care—either through your employer’s Medical Provider Network (MPN) or, in denied cases, through a Panel Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME).
Medical treatment may include physical therapy, steroid injections, bracing, rest, or surgery depending on your diagnosis and symptoms.
Temporary disability benefits are available if your doctor says you can’t work.
Permanent disability ratings come later if you’re left with long-term limitations.
Settlement or trial can resolve your case through stipulations, compromise and release, or a judge’s decision.
Insurance companies often downplay elbow injuries, especially repetitive trauma claims. That’s where an experienced attorney makes the difference.
Serving Injured Workers Across California
Lee Partners Law fights for injured workers across Southern California, including:
High Desert cities like Victorville, Hesperia, Apple Valley, and Barstow
San Diego and surrounding areas
Los Angeles, Van Nuys, San Bernardino, Riverside, and the Inland Empire
We’re former defense attorneys who know how the other side thinks—and we use that experience to protect your rights and maximize your recovery.
CONTACT US TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULT CALL OR TEXT (310)295-0822