Can I Get Workers’ Compensation for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

If you develop a repetitive stress injury as a result of work-related activities, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses and lost wages under workers’ compensation law.

Some of the most common injuries leading to workers’ compensation claims include fractures, lacerations, and repetitive stress injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome. If you decide to file a claim, it is important that you understand your state’s workers’ compensation laws.

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The median nerve runs from the forearm down to the palm of the hand. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed at the wrist. Because it is often caused by overuse, it is characterized as a repetitive stress injury (RSI).

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome can become quite painful, and usually progresses from numbness and tingling to constant pain in the arm, hand, and fingers over time. The damage to nerves may be permanent and result in limited use of the affected hand.

The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:

• Numbness, tingling, and burning in the hand, specifically the thumb or first three fingers
• Hand pain
• Hand weakness and frequent dropping of objects

What Activities Contribute to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Trauma or injury to the wrist may contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome, but more commonly, repetitive hand and wrist motions lead to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome.

These repetitive motions include:

• Typing
• Playing an instrument
• Using a cash register
• Trauma or injury to the wrist
• Playing tennis

What is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance system that provides wage replacement benefits and medical care for those injured on the job. It is a state-mandated program, which most employers are required by law to have. Even if you are a full-time or a part-time employee, you are most likely covered by workers’ compensation insurance.

Workers’ compensation protects both the employee and the employer. Because it is “no-fault”, workers do not have to prove their employer’s negligence led to their injury. However, employers are also protected from being sued for work-related injuries.

Recovering Workers’ Compensation for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common work-related injury. When filing a workers’ compensation claim for carpal tunnel syndrome, the employee is responsible for proving that the injury was work-related.

This can be difficult, because carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused by a variety of different factors outside of the workplace. If you are diagnosed with a repetitive stress injury, it is important to report the injury to your employer as soon as possible. Be sure to have documentation from your doctor that supports your claim.

If you are uncertain that you have a valid claim, or if your claim is denied, it is a good idea to contact a Philadelphia workers’ compensation lawyer.

Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Freedman & Lorry, P.C. Help Those Suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

If you developed carpal tunnel syndrome or another RSI on the job, you may be entitled to compensation. If you or someone you love has developed an occupational injury or illness and need assistance in filing a workers’ compensation claim, the Philadelphia workers’ compensation lawyers at Freedman & Lorry, P.C. are here to help. Contact us online or by phone at 888-999-1962. We have offices in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Pinehurst, North Carolina; and Cherry Hill, New Jersey to assist workers throughout the surrounding areas.