Can You File a Carpal Tunnel Workers Comp Claim?

Do you dread going to work because of the pain you feel in your wrists? Does every small motion of your fingers cause you to experience searing pain?

While there are many potential causes for wrist and finger pain, one of the most common is carpal tunnel syndrome. About 3% of American adults report chronic, debilitating wrist pain, with senior citizens making up the largest affected demographic.

If you think that your job has given you carpal tunnel, you're probably considering filing a carpal tunnel workers comp claim. We'll help you figure out if you qualify and get you connected to a workers comp lawyer.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the name for the swelling and irritation of your body's carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway between the arm and the hand.

The bottom of the carpal tunnel is comprised of bones, while the top hosts a major ligament. The carpal tunnel does not expand past a certain point, and is prone to irritation from repeated motions.

There is also an important nerve called the median nerve that passes through the carpal tunnel. It controls the muscles located at the base of your thumbs and also gives sensation to several of your fingers.

The thing to remember about the carpal tunnel is that it contains nine tendons that work to bend your thumbs and fingers.

There are several health conditions that may contribute to carpal tunnel including pregnancy, diabetes, and heredity. Some people have smaller carpal tunnels than others, which means that they are more prone to inflammation.

There are some red flags for carpal tunnel syndrome including numbness and tingling in the hands and fingers, clumsiness, and pain that shoots up your arm.

If you think that you may have carpal tunnel, it's important to write down when you first noticed the injury.

When you file a workers comp claim, you may need to prove that your injury was caused by the stress of repetitive motion at your job.

Typically, you'll have between 30 and 45 days to let your employer know that you've been injured. If you wait any longer, you may not be able to receive workers comp benefits.

There are several ways to acquire a carpal tunnel injury, and some jobs are higher risk than others.

If you work in an office, for example, you probably use a computer for several hours per day. If you don't have an ergonomic keyboard, you could get carpal tunnel from typing and using your mouse.

Other high-risk occupations include cooking in a restaurant setting and working at textile mills or slaughterhouses.

Long haul truck driving also makes the list, as do styling hair and computer programming. Sewing and cashiering are also considered high-risk occupations for carpal tunnel syndrome.

In general, jobs that require repetitive hand motions are more likely to give you carpal tunnel.

If you've been injured on the job, you'll need to file a workers compensation claim and go to the doctor. The doctor can help you find pain relief and, perhaps, surgical options for your condition.

If you wait too long to go to the doctor, your carpal tunnel could progress into irreparable nerve damage. If you've experienced numbness for more than a week, you should definitely go to see a doctor.

When you're filing a carpal tunnel workers compensation, you should always tell your employer. Follow your job's rules about reporting injuries and create a written report as soon as possible.

The next step in getting carpal tunnel workers compensation is to make your claim in a timely fashion. Depending on the state you live in, you may have 30 days or less to claim workers comp.

Don't get pressured into returning to work right away. You'll need a doctor to assess what kind of workload you can cope with. You may need to go through physical therapy before they'll approve your return to work.

Another mistake that people often make is not getting a lawyer. If you have an injury, the last thing you'll want to do is to deal with endless paperwork and administrative delays.

Your company's insurance provider may try to pressure you into making a statement about your injuries. Don't talk to anyone about your case without a lawyer present.

The insurance company may require burden of proof, which means that they want to make sure your carpal tunnel wasn't caused by a hobby or by another medical condition.

Before you fill out any paperwork, talk to a lawyer with workers comp experience. If your job is threatening to fire you or offering to give you a lower-paying, part-time job, tell your lawyer immediately.

You may be able to get reimbursed for part of your lost wages, medical bills, and medication and therapy expenses. Even if you're an independent contractor, you may be able to file a workers compensation claim for repetitive motion injuries.

As you get started on filing a carpal tunnel workers comp claim, it's vital to find a lawyer you can trust.

If you don't know who to talk to, ask your family and colleagues for referrals. Look for a lawyer who doesn't ask for any payment up front. If you win your case, that's when they'll accept payment.

Another thing to look for in a lawyer is their level of customer service. You may have to adhere to strict deadlines in a workers comp case and you'll need to find a firm that returns your calls in a timely fashion.

Our in-house attorney has more than 30 years of experience helping people like you file personal injury and workers compensation claims.

We rely on our honesty, work ethic, and passion for the law to serve hundreds of clients each year.

For a free consultation, you can give us a call or tell us about your caseonline. We're looking forward to meeting with you.