Is Your Carpal Tunnel Eligible for Compensation?
Most people know that if you were to injure yourself lifting heavy equipment at work, you would be entitled to workers’ compensation. You may not know that you can qualify for workers’ compensation if you have a work-related condition. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a repetitive stress injury that doesn’t occur suddenly. If you have carpal tunnel, there is a chance that you could receive workers’ compensation. Contact a lawyer at Greenspan & Greenspan P.C. today to schedule a free consultation.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel occurs when the tendons and nerves in your wrist are compressed. Over time, as pressure is placed on the median nerve, it becomes injured. This is one of the major nerves that control your movement in your fingers. The area that houses the tendons at the bottom of your hand is the carpal tunnel. It swells and puts pressure on the nerve.
- If you have carpal tunnel, you may experience:
- Tingling in your arms, hands, wrists and fingers
- Numbness in your hands
- Swollen fingers
- Pain in your hands and wrists
- Hand and grip weakness
If you have carpal tunnel, your doctor may try to immobilize the affected area with a splint or brace. You may also need a physical therapist to help you strengthen your muscles and tendons. Surgery may also be used to relieve the pressure.
When Is Carpal Tunnel Caused By Work?
Carpal tunnel can be a work injury if it occurs because of the course of employment. Some of the work-related activities that can lead to carpal tunnel include:
- Using a keyboard
- Drilling and mining
- Using power tools
- Operating a cash register
- Slicing, cutting, twisting or pressing objects
Those who commonly have carpal tunnel diagnoses include truck drivers, data entry workers, food service workers, chefs and butchers and many more,
How Can You Prove Carpal Tunnel?
To prove that it was your work injury, you have to show that your carpal tunnel developed because of work and not for a different reason. The carrier may try to argue that your hobby, second job, or other activities caused your carpal tunnel. You can use the help of a lawyer to gather your evidence.
Carpal tunnel can be debilitating. It can force you to take time off of work and in severe cases, you may need surgery to repair it. If you have been diagnosed with carpal tunnel, you should meet with a workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as possible. He or she can help you file a report to collect the compensation you deserve. Contact Greenspan & Greenspan P.C. today to learn more about the legal services we offer.