Workers’ Compensation Claim – Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Can You File A Workers’ Compensation Claim For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Your occupation may include repetitive stress as part of your everyday activities. While repetitive stress injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome are common in the workplace, they are often covered under workers’ compensation laws. If your workers’ compensation claim for carpal tunnel syndrome is denied, the first thing to do is seek legal representation.

We’ll take a close look at the causes of carpal tunnel syndrome and the instances in which workers’ compensation benefits should cover the condition.

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that develops in the wrist when tendons and nerves are compressed. It can occur due to median nerve compression over time or due to repeated pressure. The median nerve is one of the major nerves in the hand. It controls the feeling and movement in most of your fingers.

The carpal tunnel is located within the small area at the bottom of your hand. Putting pressure on the median nerve can cause the tendons in the carpal tunnel to become swollen or inflamed, resulting in pain in the upper arm and hand.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is frequently associated performing repetitive tasks, some of which include:

• Typing
• Pulling
• Bending
• Lifting
• Grasping

Over a long period of time, repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome can cause debilitating effects and long-term problems.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can appear in both hands or in only one hand and may gradually worsen over time. Some symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:

• Poor grip
• Swollen fingers
• Hand and wrist pain
• Weakness
• Hand numbness
• Tingling in the wrists, arms, fingers, and hands

How Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treated?

Possible treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome include:

• Anti-inflammatory medications or steroid shots may be prescribed to reduce pain and swelling.
• Physical therapy may be used to strengthen and stretch tendons and muscles
• Healthcare providers may use splints or braces to immobilize the affected area.
• In severe cases, surgery may be required to relieve tendon and nerve pressure.

Job Types And Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Only work illnesses or injuries that arise within the course of employment are covered under workers’ compensation benefits for carpal tunnel syndrome. Employees may be required to prove their job requirements directly resulted in carpal tunnel syndrome or a related condition in order for the claim to qualify as a workers’ compensation case.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and associated conditions can be the result of work-related activities such as:

• Pressing, cutting, squeezing, twisting, slicing, or pushing objects
• Mechanical work
• Cash register use
• Mining or drilling
• Hand vibration caused by using power tools
• Computer keyboard use/typing

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs in a variety of industries, but the following are common:

• Administrative workers
• Data entry workers
• Food prep and food service workers
• Janitors
• Delivery workers
• Truck drivers
• Butchers and chefs

Cardinal Law Partners And Carpal Tunnel Claims

If you have experienced carpal tunnel syndrome as a result of your job, reach out to the team at Cardinal Law Partners. We represent all kinds of employees from entry level all the way through management. Our experienced workers’ compensation lawyers are here to get you the compensation you deserve.

Contact legal representation at Cardinal Law Partners today. Your first consultation is free.