[CassieF]

I was treated and cleared for full duty in January 2012 and returned to work with no problem. I have since switched employers but have been having a gradual onset of the same symptoms in the same location (right wrist pain and weakness). I called my old employer but they said it wouldn't be covered but I though in California it is up to one year after the last time you are treated that is covered by the same claim. After a week and a half I was finally able to get ahold of the person in charge of my original claim and she did agree to a re-evaluation by the doc I was seeing, but said it should be a new claim with my new employer.

If it is the same injury, does it go through my old claim or should it be a new claim with my new employer? I do the same job but with slightly less of the motion that aggravated the wrist in the first place.

Also, the soonest appointment I was able to get is in three weeks, so what can I do about the pain in the mean time as it is getting progressively worse and quite painful?

Thanks for your help!

[1171]

it'll depend on what the doctor says is the cause.
it all depends on the medical evidence.
work comp covers events not parts of the body or individuals; it's not health insurance.
if your old injury has been aggravated by your current work activities, then you'll file a new claim.

[CassieF]

Thanks for the clarification! The events vs body part is very helpful to distinguish, so it probably won't go with my old employer since it was a gradual re-onset of symptoms after not having any. So if it is a repetitive strain injury should I file a claim with my new employer or should I just go through personal insurance?

[1171]

it depends on what you were doing repeatedly.
if they are repetitive work activities, then file a new comp claim.
again - discuss it with your doctor; without their supporting opinion you won't qualify for benefits.