Workers’ Compensation Claim for Carpal Tunnel Injury

Work injuries are often readily apparent. A worker slips and falls or has some other type of accident that leads to an injury. However, some work-related injuries develop over time as the worker continues performing their job functions. When an injury is not straightforward, and is something that progresses and worsens over time, proving a workers’ compensation case is a bit more challenging. You will need a seasoned workers’ comp attorney on your side to help you navigate the ins and outs of such a case.

Here is some helpful information on the condition and how to file a successful worker’s compensation claim if you suffer from work-related carpal tunnel syndrome.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a disorder affecting the nerves in the wrist. It’s commonplace in office workers and staffers whose jobs involve repetitive hand motions. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist surrounded by several small bones. The median nerve is usually protected by a ligament that arches over these small bones.

The median nerve has many functions. As one of the primary nerves in the hand, it extends down into the thumb and into the index, middle, and part of the ring finger. In specific circumstances, which are at times work-related, the median nerve suffers pressure and irritation as it passes through the carpal tunnel structure, producing the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Workers?

When the wrist, hand, or fingers are continually being used for repetitive motions such as twisting, pulling, or striking, the ligament may become inflamed put pressure on the median nerve. That compression of the median nerve may interfere with the use of the hand and wrist, and cause pain and numbness in the fingers and hand.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is considered a legitimate occupational disease and can be used as the basis for a workers’ compensation claim. Occupational diseases are chronic illnesses or conditions that manifest as a direct result of an activity that is part of an individual’s required daily work.

How Do I File a Carpal Tunnel Injury Claim?

Carpal tunnel is a genuine on-the-job injury. As such, workers who are affected by carpal tunnel syndrome stemming from work activities are entitled to bring a workers’ compensation claim to seek compensation for their losses. Workers’ comp benefits typically include reimbursement for medical bills and rehabilitative therapy, out-of-pocket expenses, and a portion of lost wages.

If you have symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome and want to seek medical treatment, you must notify your employer immediately after your symptoms appear. Your workers’ compensation process begins upon your first report of the injury to your employer. With carpal tunnel syndrome, you’ll need to provide an approximate date when you first noticed your symptoms.

Once you’ve reported your injury, you will have to file a workers’ compensation claim, as well. Don’t miss the filing deadlines in your state. You are well-advised to hire a workers’ compensation injury lawyer from Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt to help you with this process and work to maximize your monetary compensation.