Claimant testified he started working for Employer in June 2010. He used a wizard knife in his right hand to remove fat from meat.
Claimant began to have problems with his right hand in February 2011. His right hand swelled and locked. He had pain from his right hand to his right shoulder. The problems came on over time.
Claimant did not have those problems with his right hand and arm before the time he worked for Employer.
Claimant testified he told Employer's Health Services Department most of the time when he had complaints in his right hand and right arm. He stated he went to Health Services most every day. Health Services put ice and Biofreeze on his arm. That treatment did not help him much. Employer did not send Claimant to a doctor for his right arm other than Health Services.
Employer put Claimant on a different job where he did not use a wizard knife for only one day. The next day Employer put him back on the job where he was required to use the wizard knife.
Claimant was terminated by Employer in November 2011.
Claimant testified he had pain continuously from February 2011 until the last day he worked for Employer.
Claimant went to his own doctor, Dr. Prostic, two times. He first saw Dr. Prostic on March 30, 2012, as noted in Exhibit A. The second time he saw Dr. Prostic was on October 6, 2014, as noted in Exhibit B. Claimant told Dr. Prostic all of his complaints. His sister, who speaks English, was with him at the time. Dr. Prostic recommended
treatment for Claimant on October 6, 2014. Claimant testified he took a paper from Dr. Prostic to Employer.
Claimant understood what Dr. Prostic's reports said. Claimant discussed those reports with his attorney.
Claimant testified that he currently has pain from his right shoulder to the end of his right hand. He does not sleep well at night due to pain in his right shoulder, right arm, left elbow, and left arm to the index finger of his left hand.
Claimant testified that he had left arm symptoms that started when he worked at Employer. He stated he had swelling and tingling in his right hand.
Claimant did not have a job from the time he left Employer in November 2011 until he started his new job, about two years after he left Employer. He did not notice any difference in his hands during the two years when he did not work.
Ointment prescribed by Dr. Prostic did not help him. Claimant does not use the ointment anymore because it does not help.
Claimant tried to buy medicine from Africa to help his hands, but he could not afford it. He takes no other medication.
Claimant is currently working at La Costa putting bottles on a line. He has had his current job for about one year. He collects bottles and puts them on a production line in his current job. The bottles come in a box. He takes bottles out of the box and puts them on the line. He reaches and picks up bottles with both hands. He lifts one or two bottles at a time. He does the same work all day long. He works eight hours per day. He described his current job as "easy."
Claimant is allowed to take breaks as needed at his current job. On an average day, he takes breaks six times. His breaks last between five and ten minutes each. He did not report a new injury at La Costa. He wants to quit his job due to pain.
An interpreter was present when Claimant saw Dr. Wilkinson. He told Dr. Wilkinson all of his complaints. Dr. Wilkinson mentioned pain in Claimant's hips and legs.
Claimant wants the workers' compensation insurer to pay for what Dr. Prostic recommends.
I find this testimony of Claimant to be credible unless otherwise discussed later in this Award.