Can I file for Workers’ Compensation for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? 

You may qualify for Workers’ Compensation if you develop carpal tunnel syndrome from performing repetitive tasks or sedentary work duties over time. 

Types of Carpal Tunnel Injuries 

Work Related

Carpal tunnel syndrome is considered a work-related injury if it is caused or worsened by job duties. You must prove that the condition resulted from job-related tasks. Some examples of such tasks include textile work, data entry, or operating machinery that requires long periods of gripping or strained hand positions. 

Cumulative Trauma

Carpal tunnel syndrome can also be considered a cumulative trauma injury.  Cumulative trauma injuries develop gradually due to continuous, repetitive motions or activities performed over an extended period. While some Workers’ Compensation claims arise from a specific incident, such as an on-the-job accident, cumulative trauma injuries accumulate over time. 

For example, if a warehouse worker who has lifted heavy boxes every day for 10 years now requires lower back surgery, that would be considered a cumulative trauma injury. Similarly, carpal tunnel syndrome, which typically develops gradually, may also fall into this category. 

Causes 

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve, which runs from the forearm through the wrist to the hand, through an area known as the carpal tunnel. Pressure on the median nerve can cause sensations in the palm side of the thumb and all the fingers, except the pinky.  

The median nerve is responsible for sending signals to move the muscles around the thumb, helping you move your forearm, and providing sensation and feeling to most of your fingers and hand. 

Carpal tunnel syndrome usually doesn’t have a single cause or event. It typically develops over time due to a combination of risk factors.   

Trauma

Wrist fractures or damage to the wrist, affecting the small bones in the wrist, can irritate the median nerve.  

Genetics

Carpal tunnel syndrome is more common in women due to the generally smaller area in women’s wrists compared to men’s. 

Other Conditions

Rheumatoid arthritis and chronic illnesses that increase the risk of nerve damage can also cause carpal tunnel syndrome. 

Repetitive Movements

Jobs that require the use of vibrating tools or repetitive movements that flex the wrist, such as using a hammer or drill, can put additional pressure on the median nerve. 

Computer use like typing on a keyboard and using a mouse can also contribute to median nerve pressure. However, these types of movement can also cause a different form of hand pain that is not carpal tunnel syndrome.   

Symptoms  

Carpal tunnel syndrome causes pain, tingling, and numbness in the fingers or hand, which can travel from the wrist up to the arm. It can also cause hand weakness, leading to dropping items or difficulty with hand-eye coordination. 

Building a Strong Claim 

Like any Workers’ Compensation claim, medical evidence is crucial in justifying your case. Carpal tunnel syndrome is diagnosed by: 

Medical history

Your doctor will establish a timeline of when your carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms began. 

Physical exams

Your doctor will examine your wrist, fingers, arm, nerves, and motor functions. 

Underlying medical conditions

Because some symptoms may overlap with other conditions, your doctor will consider other potential diagnoses before concluding that it is carpal tunnel syndrome.

Tests

An electromyograph (EMG), nerve conduction test, ultrasounds, or x-rays may be conducted to verify nerve damage. 

Additionally, to prove that your carpal tunnel syndrome is work-related, you will need to consult a medical and ergonomic expert who will evaluate your daily work activities and how these duties may have contributed to your diagnosis.  

Fierce Advocacy

It is highly recommended that you hire a carpal tunnel syndrome lawyer who specializes in Workers’ Compensation if you plan on filing. Our Firm will fight to get you the benefits you deserve. We offer a no-fee guarantee—we don’t receive any payment unless we win your case. Call us at 877-529-4773 or visit our website for a FREE case evaluation.