Obtaining Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
It is not uncommon to go home with the occasional ache or pain if you frequently use a specific limb or joint at work such as your hands. However, in many cases, workers who use their hands or arms a lot progressively develop a condition called carpal tunnel syndrome. This common nerve condition causes numbness, tingling, pain, and other symptoms in the hand and arm.
How Frequent is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Among Workers?
Unfortunately, workers in a wide variety of occupations experience this issue frequently, often because of repetitive motions such as typing or hammering. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, carpal tunnel syndrome is responsible for over 32 percent of repetitive motion injuries that occur at the workplace. Additionally, this condition affected over 5 million U.S. workers in 2010.
What Occupations Are Commonly Associated with This Condition?
Occupations that are commonly associated with this condition include:
- Assemblers
- Cashiers
- Carpenters
- Farmers
- Secretaries
- Welders and cutters
- Data-entry employees
- Garment workers
- Locksmiths
- Painters
- Truck drivers
- Chefs
- Janitors and cleaners
- Bank tellers
- Butchers
- Production inspectors and examiners
Should I Pursue Medical Treatment For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome often begins with symptoms workers may try to ignore, such as numbness and tingling in your hands that may run all the way to your shoulder, or fingers that “fall asleep” and become numb at night. However, you should not delay medical treatment if you have symptoms that seem to be indicative of this condition. As carpal tunnel syndrome becomes more severe, you can lose your grip strength and even end up with permanent muscle damage and a total loss of function in your hand. Obtain medical help as soon as possible. Then obtain legal help, as receiving the workers’ compensation benefits for carpal tunnel syndrome that you deserve can be challenging.
What Challenge is Presented With Workers’ Compensation Claims for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
It may seem simple enough for you to recover workers’ compensation benefits if you think an injury is the result of your job. However, the reality is that while you are entitled to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits due to carpal tunnel syndrome, you may have a more difficult time proving that this kind of injury is work-related in comparison with many others. This is because adverse parties often try to disprove these kinds of claims by arguing that it was caused by something outside of work. Despite what your employer or its insurance company may initially tell you, workers who were injured on the job during the scope of employment have the right to pursue workers’ compensation benefits for work-related injuries, including developing carpal tunnel syndrome.
Obtain the Help You Need for Your Workers’ Compensation Claim.
If you have developed carpal tunnel syndrome because of your job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation under Florida law. It is imperative that you contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible to discuss your options and ensure that you proceed in a way that can help you obtain the benefits you deserve as quickly as possible. As the Miami workers’ compensation attorneys at Payer & Associates, you can depend on us to guide you through your next steps and ensure that you receive the benefits you are entitled to. Contact us today to begin.
Resource:
bls.gov/iif/oshwc/osh/case/ostb2202.pdf
https://www.payerandassociates.com/workplace-aerial-lift-dangers/
