EMB ERJ 170/175 ER/LR
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Inflight Event / Encounter Wake Vortex Encounter
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; General Physical Injury / Incapacitation
Environment - Non Weather Related; Procedure
We were descending on the IRNMN2 into LAX and had just passed CLIFY when ATC cleared us down to 2;600 feet. I began the descent; and around 4;000 feet we hit wake turbulence. It was a surprise given that ATC didn't caution us for wake turbulence; and we didn't have anyone ahead of us on the TCAS. I leveled off to get above the wake; the First Officer informed ATC that we were leveling off and had encountered wake turbulence. They gave us a 10 degree left turn to avoid further wake turbulence. On final approach I flew a dot high to stay out of any unstable air. Upon arrival at the gate I asked the flight attendants if they were okay; and one of them informed me she had hurt her wrist. I asked if she was okay to continue. She said she was going to the doctor after the trip to get it checked out. I asked her to call her Supervisor to be sure we were taking the correct course of action; given that I didn't believe we could keep her flying if she was hurt. She elected to take the sick leave; Scheduling quickly called to let me know we were getting the On Call Flight Attendant; and we continued to our next leg.This wake turbulence encounter was unusual. I knew there was a large aircraft ahead of us; but they were a safe distance ahead of us. Plus; ATC is typically good about warning of wake turbulence; and I always look at the TCAS to see how close we are to specifically avoid these kinds of issues. Neither ATC nor the TCAS gave us any reason for alarm. Everything was done legally and with the best of intentions; I never want a crew member to get hurt.
ERJ-175 Captain reported a Flight Attendant was slightly injured during a wake turbulence encounter on approach to LAX.